As in so many other sectors and areas in 2025, technology is reshaping the architectural design industry. Of course, we still need to be fuelled by our own creativity and ideas! Yet it’s hard to overstate the powerful influence of modern tech tools, which are steadily changing the way that architects and designers design, collaborate on, and deliver projects. From concept stage, through to construction, digital tools help us to work in a different way: it’s more streamlined, risks are easily highlighted and reduced, and we believe, outcomes are improved.
At Maynard Marks, we’re exploring how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and related technologies can support better workflows and long-term building performance. To understand how these tools are being used in practice, we spoke with Julio Garcia Posse, Associate Architect, who recently joined our team, and brings with him deep experience in BIM-enabled design.
What is BIM and Why It Matters
BIM is often misunderstood as a single software platform. In reality, it’s a collaborative process that creates and manages digital representations of a building’s physical and functional characteristics. It supports the full lifecycle of a building: from early design and construction to operation and maintenance.
BIM in New Zealand defines BIM as “a coordinated set of processes, supported by technology that add value through the sharing of structured information for buildings and infrastructure assets” -BIMinNZ, 2016
BIM enables architects, engineers and contractors to work together in a centralised model. This improves decision-making, reduces errors and enhances project efficiency. And bonus: it also allows for accurate material estimates, cost planning and early identification of design clashes.
“BIM is about creating a digital twin of a building,” Julio explains. “It’s dynamic — you can interact with it, extract data and update it in real time. That’s a huge shift from traditional 2D drawings.”
Putting Tools to Work
Julio’s experience spans both remediation and new build projects, and he’s seen firsthand how BIM tools, used well, can streamline design and coordination. While we talk about Archicad and BIMx in this article, there are many other software options in the market that can deliver the same results. However, it is essential that correct workflows are implemented between the different software packages, because then you can ensure you achieve efficiencies, and that there are no limitations, when it comes to working with consultants using a different tool.
Internally, BIM supports quality assurance. As an example, in his daily working practice, Julio has set up graphic overrides that highlight missing data, i.e. if a wall hasn’t been assigned a type, it turns red. This visual approach helps catch errors early and ensures consistency across documentation.
Externally, BIM enables collaboration with consultants. Fire engineers, for instance, can populate schedules via Excel, which are then re-imported into the model. This automatically updates fire ratings across views and documentation, saving time and reducing manual input.
“It’s not just about drawing,” Julio says. “It’s about managing information. You can schedule quantities, fire ratings, acoustic properties, and even servicing dates for plant equipment.”
Digital Twins and On-Site Integration
One of the most exciting developments is the use of BIMx, a mobile-friendly 3D model viewer that allows contractors and clients to interact with the design in real time. Contractors can walk through the model on a tablet, touch an element and see its properties. As you can imagine, this is far more intuitive (and easy to hold) than flipping backwards and forwards through vast swathes of printed plans on site. BIMx also supports issue tracking, which means site supervisors can tag problems directly in the app, which in turn, syncs back to the design team.
This creates a feedback loop that’s fast, visual and accurate. It’s a far more efficient way to manage changes and ensure everyone is working from the same information.
Global Trends and Local Opportunities
Internationally, BIM is more fully embedded than we see here in Aotearoa. In the UK, for example, where government mandates have ensured adoption, public sector projects often require digital twin handovers for long-term asset management. BIM supports sustainability, safety and operational efficiency, and it helps clients make informed decisions throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Here at home, MBIE reports that the use of BIM on construction projects expanded from 34% in 2014, to a reported 70% in 2021. Our anecdotal experience suggests however, that adoption here is a little more varied, with use in the Design phase become increasingly common, but handing over a fully federated model to the client, for example, still relatively rare.
BIM Saturation- Projects using BIM over time (source: BIM Benchmark Survey)
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, we’re hoping, and expecting to see more integrated, full use of BIM, including things that will be possible as a tangent of having a proper BIM model. One exciting example, already seen overseas, is the use of VR and AR to visualise building appearances before construction and allow early identification and rectification of design issues
Opportunities abound – and we’re hoping to grasp onto to these. At Maynard Marks, our aim is to gently lead the way by not only using the tools but also showing prospects and clients what’s possible.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to explore BIM and digital workflows, our focus is on practical innovation. That means using technology to improve quality, reduce risk and deliver better outcomes for clients. Julio’s approach reflects this mindset. He is using BIM not just for visuals, but for robust data management and coordination. Even when full BIM collaboration isn’t required, building internal capability ensures we’re ready when it is.
We’re also looking at how tools like BIMcloud can support remote collaboration, and how BIMx Hyper-models can enhance client engagement — allowing stakeholders to explore designs from anywhere, at any time.
Future-Focus
Technology is changing the way architects and designers work. Tech tools are not a replacement for creativity – we still need those ideas, but the technology can enhance creative thinking. BIM and related tools offer a smarter, more connected way to design, build and manage buildings.
At Maynard Marks, we’re committed to exploring these possibilities and sharing what we learn along the way. Whether it’s through internal QA, consultant coordination or client handovers, we believe technology can help us design with greater confidence and clarity.
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