The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has witnessed a radical transformation over the past few years concerning the employment culture of architects and engineers. This growth is influenced by technological advancement, a shift in work dynamics, and the urge for better project execution.
The most fundamental changes emanate from the new way of working and employing, including remote hiring and dedicated hiring. Hiring a team of dedicated architects alters the way AEC projects are designed, managed, and delivered.
This article will discuss how hiring dedicated architects and a team of dedicated architects remotely are shaping the future of the AEC industry.
The Rise of Remote Work in AEC
Traditionally, remote work was considered largely incompatible with the nature of work of the AEC industry, which is mainly hands-on and construction site-based.
However, with technological evolution and the discovery of cutting-edge collaborative networks, the situation has transformed drastically.
Tools like BIM, cloud collaboration platforms, and project management software have enabled the AEC team to function seamlessly with minimum geophysical location constraints.
This feasibility enables companies to hire top-grade AEC professionals globally and create a diversity of expertise at their respective firms, strengthening the outcomes.
Hiring Dedicated Architects and Engineers: Embrace Remote Work Culture
One of the trends contributing to revolutionizing the future of the AEC industry is the hiring of dedicated architects and engineers for remote work.
AEC companies can tap into a global talent pool and employ talent professionals with the desired skill set for the specific project.
For instance, companies can hire architects specializing in sustainable design, heritage conservation, or even parametric modeling, regardless of their location. This flexibility of hiring allows companies to add value to their project outcomes and stay competitive in the rapidly developing AEC landscape.
The AEC firms can hire skilled employees to work on project development rather than spending money on administrative costs, which gives the advantage of delivering projects with mindful decision-making.
How do Remote AEC Teams benefit the AEC Industry?
Remote working AEC teams can increase productivity and save costs while gaining access to global talent. Cloud platforms improve collaboration through real-time communication and coordination.
This approach is financially beneficial in terms of overhead costs and attracts well-qualified professionals, including top-tier talent, from all over the world. A few benefits of hiring dedicated architects remotely are:
Remote Working-Enhanced Productivity
Remote architects and engineers can significantly reduce overhead costs for AEC firms. By allowing employees to work remotely, companies can lower expenses related to:
- Office space and utilities
- Travel and accommodation
- Relocating expert team members
Since, there are no such distractions with remote working, team members can focus on delivering quality-oriented work within deadlines.
Global Expertise-Tailored Solutions
One of the significant advantages of remote work is the ability to access a global talent pool. It eliminates geographical constraints or relocating experts locally, enabling companies to recruit specialized professionals from anywhere in the world to undertake complex projects with specific requirements. This trend is particularly beneficial for roles such as:
- Design Consultants
- BIM specialists
- MEP(Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) Engineers
- Structural Consultants
By leveraging the skill sets of remote talent, AEC firms can profoundly enhance the quality of their projects, incorporate global design standards, and innovate faster.
Digitized Collaboration-Seamless Communication
The transition to remote work has led to the widespread adoption of digital collaboration platforms devised for the AEC industry.
Cloud collaboration platforms, including Autodesk BIM 360, Revit, and Trello, have facilitated remote working with real-time collaboration, seamless data sharing, and communication across geographically dispersed teams.
Key technologies enabling remote collaboration:
- Revit and BIM 360 for real-time model sharing
- Procore and Plangrid for project management and document control
- AR and VR tools for remote design reviews and walkthroughs
These tools enable remote team members to contribute as effectively as the on-site employees.
Virtual Site Visits-Streamlined Inspections
With the help of drones, VR, AR, and other remote monitoring technologies, AEC teams can now conduct virtual site visits to streamline site inspections.
Remote team members can oversee construction progress, identify issues, and provide feedback without being physically present on-site.
Virtual Site inspection has the following advantages:
- Reduces travel time and costs
- Speeds up the inspection process
- Allows experts from different parts of the world to contribute to site assessments in real-time.
With the advancement of technology, remote inspections are expected to become even more sophisticated, driving efficiency and safety on construction sites.
Reduced Overheads-Multiplied Cost Efficiency
Remote team members can significantly reduce overhead costs for AEC firms. By allowing team members to work remotely, companies can lower expenses related to:
- Office space and utilities
- Travel and accommodation for site visits
- Relocation for specialized team members
Moreover, remote teams often rely heavily on digital tools and automation, which can streamline project workflows and improve operational efficiency.
The Future is Here: What's in for Remote Hiring?
The shift towards remote work in the AEC industry shows no signs of slowing down. Many companies are switching to expanding remote teams to cultivate a work-from-anywhere approach while reaping the benefits of flexibility, cost savings, and access to global talent.
For AEC firms to indulge in transparent and hassle-free hiring, the Dedicated Resource Model by VBS is a new way forward. DRM solutions enable firms to hire dedicated architects and engineers from the top 1% of the global talent pool.
The model connects the firms with 200+ remote BIM architects and engineers who are fully trained for US standards and can efficiently boost project efficiency.
With a constantly growing and increasing demand for sustainable design and smart infrastructure, remote working is taking bigger strides than ever. Integrating the DRM hiring model will offer a 4 times increase in efficiency at the same cost.
Conclusion
The dedicated team will seamlessly integrate into the company culture, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. The AEC firms can enjoy the flexibility of hiring dedicated architects without any long-term commitments or lock-in periods.
With dedicated architects and engineers, coupled with cutting-edge technology and the ability to conquer communication challenges, AEC firms are positioned to optimize project outcomes while planning for long-term success in such a competitive market.
