Once every decade or so, the built environment undergoes rapid technological advancement. Whether it was CAD in the 1990s or BIM in the early 2000s, each milestone propels the industry forward.
In 2024, ArchifySpec pushed the envelope even further, streamlining architectural documentation, championing collaboration and simplifying compliance.
Launched this year by BCI Central, a leader in impactful ConTech solutions for more than 25 years, ArchifySpec is already being adopted by top-tier Australian studios who have long been calling for standardisation.
The first-of-its-kind specification writing and management platform enables efficient management of project specifications and product schedules via a centralised cloud-based platform.
BCI Central chief operating officer of Australia and New Zealand, Ashleigh Porter, highlighted that joining the Byggfakta Group broadened their understanding of global specification writing software. Inspired by the UK’s NBS Chorus, they tailored ArchifySpec to fit the Australian market’s unique needs.
“We learnt a lot from how NBS Chorus operated and what efficiencies they achieved for architects globally,” Porter said.
“However, it became apparent, through rigorous market research, that the Chorus product was not quite the right fit for the Australian market as it stands.”
In Australian architecture, significant efficiency gaps have widened in recent years compared to global practices firmly established in cloud-based specification writing. Many studios in Australia have suffered from fragmented documentation practices, resulting in systemic inefficiencies, increased risks, disputes, delays and costly errors.
Natasha Leyte, group sales manager at ArchifySpec, emphasised that by transitioning traditional workflows online, ArchifySpec enhances data capture, collaboration and productivity.
“The lack of a ‘golden thread’ of information means that up until now there hasn’t been a consistent transfer of information throughout a project,” Leyte said.
“Many studios are understandably slow to adopt advanced digital tools due to labour-intensive processes, regulatory hurdles and integration challenges. Concerns over costs, risks and unfamiliarity with new technologies remain significant barriers.
“ArchifySpec has been specifically developed for Australian architects to address their concerns, bringing consistency and efficiency to projects from design to construction.”
ArchifySpec simplifies specification with a five-step process. It starts with project setup and team assignment, followed by section structuring using internal or preset content.
Architects then choose products from a vast library or add custom items. Specifications are written using a dedicated platform with updated standards, and final documents are reviewed, formatted and exported for easy project handover.
Its standardised framework covers more than 200 trade sections with detailed standards and workmanship clauses, pre-authored content, and integration with Archify’s database of product listings allowing architects to focus more on design and innovation.
It also includes up-to-date certifications, contractual details and customisable master content for recurring projects, enhancing teamwork, collaboration and data security with configurable access permissions and diverse publication options.
Leyte said that connecting people and data through technology led to better construction outcomes, making ArchifySpec a solution for faster, smarter and safer specifications.
“The goal was to ensure a seamless transfer of information from concept to construction, enhancing collaboration between architects and builders,” Leyte said.
“We’re pleased to say we’ve not only achieved this goal but also empowered studios within the ArchifySpec ecosystem to innovate and operate more effectively than ever before.
“For architecture studios wanting to learn more about this next-gen software, the team at ArchifySpec are ready to walk you through a complementary and comprehensive demo.”
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