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In This Issue
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Newsletter: AEC – Summer 2007 ASI helps Louisville architects get projects completed up to 75% faster To keep up with the fast pace of its busy practice, Studio Kremer Architects, an energetic six member firm based in Louisville, Kentucky, is standardizing on the Autodesk® Revit® Building Information Modeler (BIM). Studio Kremer designs a wide range of projects, including single-family residences, condominiums and apartments, schools and churches, and commercial buildings of all types. The best known, and most productive multi-family residential designer in its market, Studio Kremer Architects chose Autodesk Revit because it helps the firm exceed clients’ expectations and keep them coming back for more. The building information model ensures that no information is lost. “With Autodesk Revit, we’re looking at a potential 50 to 75 percent time savings as projects move forward,” says Scott Kremer, President. Old AutoCAD couldn’t keep up So when the Studio Kremer team saw a demonstration of Autodesk Revit presented by reseller Advanced Solutions, they were more than ready to make the leap. “We were awed by Autodesk Revit,” says Kremer. “We loved the fact that as you designed the foundations and floor plans, the elevations and wall sections were being developed at the same time. Here was a piece of software that was doing that for us automatically.” After seeing that demo, their decision to standardize on Revit was easy. A dozen projects in the pipeline Initial plans called for an addition compatible with the original 1830s residence that housed the bank’s headquarters. Studio Kremer took the existing drawings as well as a group of ideas gathered during a conversation with the bank president, and in just four days produced a dozen rendered views of the building from all angles. Scott Kremer used a laptop and a projector to present the results to the bank’s president and board of directors. “They were amazed that we went to the effort and could show them 3D in a rendered perspective what their building could look like,” he says. “I think it went a long way in helping us secure that contract.” The effort put into that initial visualization will not be lost in successive phases of the project. All information used for visualization will also be used in design and construction documents, saving the firm time and money while reducing errors. Up and running in
one week Says Kremer: “I would say that a DOS user, who is not familiar with Windows, can be up and running in Revit in one week, and could really learn Windows and master the software in a few months.” Kremer estimates that his company is already experiencing a significant productivity gain of up to 20 percent. The power of parametrics For example, in Revit, typical apartment units can be parametrically defined. If the client wants a bigger bathroom, the change is made once – and all units are automatically updated, eliminating tedious manual coordination. “That is one of the most incredible things about parametric software,” says Kremer. “It’s not just one change vertically, but one change a multitude of times. Fantastic.” See it in 3D Herb Shulhafer, director of business development at Studio Kremer, adds, “Being able to show clients the three-dimensional aspect at a very early stage will become a basic architectural service.” Clients first Kremer says that the BIM decreases the risk of errors in the field and “lessens our liability because we are going to have more accurate drawings that are all linked together.” Studio Kremer is creating most new work in the Autodesk Revit program and converting older projects as needed. “Revit is eventually going to be our only software product,” says Kremer. According to Kremer, Revit gives his firm a competitive advantage and keeps clients coming back to Studio Kremer for more projects. “They see that we’re moving forward, advancing our abilities to serve them.” Architects Make Smooth Transition from 2D to 3D AutoCAD Architects know they need to master the new 3D AutoCAD tools for building information modeling. Now, through a special offer from Advanced Solutions, you can upgrade to 3D while keeping your 2D systems running as you learn. Through our new “Rev It Up for Architecture” Program, Advanced Solutions clients can upgrade from Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2005, 2006, or 2007 to a new seat of Revit® Architecture 2008 software and AutoCAD Architecture 2008. Clients with AutoCAD Architecture 2008 can get a new seat of Revit Architecture 2008, yet retain their current AutoCAD Architecture 2008 license. “When you upgrade to a seat on a new system, you keep your license on your current system at a small additional cost,” explains Chris Lavenson, Advanced Solutions Vice President of Marketing. “This way, you have access to the Autodesk software you’re familiar with, so there’s no loss of productivity while you master the features of your new system.” In addition, hanging on to the Autodesk 2D license ensures that the architect’s investment in 2D CAD files does not become obsolete. Revit Architecture 2008 is especially well suited to integrating building information modeling (BIM) into your designs. With BIM, a change made in one component of a building – for instance, moving a window – is reflected throughout the entire building while maintaining structural integrity. Benefits of BIM include improved productivity, increased profitability, and the ability to rapidly compare multiple design approaches for better decision making. Advanced Solutions on the move … to bigger and better headquarters On May 25, Advanced Solutions moved its headquarters in Louisville to Eastpoint Business Center. At 10,000 square feet, the new location, which also headquarters Advanced Solutions’ sister company, IDS Engineering, is more than triple the size of the old headquarters. “From 2006 to 2007, the number of employees working for Advanced Solutions doubled,” notes CEO Michael Golway. “We needed more space to accommodate this growth.” The new offices, conveniently located just off the Gene Snyder Freeway, include two new training labs and a client consultation area. “The expanded facilities mark a milestone into the next generation of premiere service and support for our clients,” says Golway. Advanced Solutions new headquarters is located at: 1901 Eastpoint Parkway, Suite 301, Louisville, KY 40223. Motor City welcomes new auto design resource: Advanced Solutions Detroit Authorized Training Center and Premier Solutions Provider Despite the increased global competition in automobile manufacturing, Detroit – home to GM, Ford, and Chrysler – is still seen by many as a world-class center of design for the U.S. auto industry, which manufacturers more than 15 million cars a year. Now, engineers working in Detroit have a new local resource to help them use Autodesk CAD solutions more efficiently: Advanced Solutions’ new Detroit Authorized Training Center. “Working with a reseller like Advanced Solutions makes it less expensive for clients to secure the products they need,” says Thomas Wikol, Autodesk Territory Manager. “Our network of over a thousand resellers nationwide reduces our overhead, so we can keep our prices affordable.” Wikol says he works closely with Advanced Solutions and seven other Autodesk resellers in his region, which covers Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. New “Gold” program assures quick help for Autodesk users who need instant tech support When your design project is on a tight deadline, the last thing you want are computer problems … but they often happen when you can least afford to lose access to your CAD files. The solution? Autodesk’s Gold Support Program – or “GSP” – now available from Advanced Solutions. When you’re a member of our Gold Support Program, you can be on the phone with an Advanced Solutions Tech Support Specialist within 3 minutes of placing your call. “We can often resolve the problem – in minutes – right over the phone,” says Norbert A. Howell, Chief Technology Officer. If not, a next-step response takes place in 2 hours or less. Depending on the problem, this can range from a request for additional information, to connecting the user directly with a qualified specialist from Autodesk who can diagnose, and fix, the problem. The whole idea of Gold Support: do whatever it takes to get the client’s system up and running, as quickly as possible. Through the Gold Support Program, Advanced Solutions can quickly connect its clients with the right Autodesk expert – a high-level support technician the client could not easily reach on his own. Only five resellers – Advanced Solutions among them – have been authorized to provide Autodesk Gold Support, which includes:
“GSP, a premium support service, is for end users whose technical support calls are mission critical and cannot afford to wait for several hours, or days, for an answer,” says Howell. “With Gold Support, we can help ensure your business does not miss a beat.” With GSP, Advanced Solutions clients can get back up and running quickly – often in a few hours, or even minutes, after their system starts to malfunction. By comparison, CNN found that 50% of PC users who sent tech support e-mails said replies took longer than 2 days, didn’t help, or were not answered. According to research from Pepperdine University, the cost to U.S. business of lost productivity from PC down-time is $18.2 billion a year. Advanced Solutions Wins 2007 Autodesk “Partner of the Year” Award On March 5, 2007, Advanced Solutions won Autodesk’s 2007 Partner of the Year award, beating out 1,768 other channel partners worldwide for the most prestigious award given by Autodesk. “Advanced Solutions is a valued partner,” said Autodesk VP Steve Blum. “We appreciate the performance and commitment the company has made to build a best-in-class business.” Just 2 ½ years ago, Advanced Solutions was ranked 18th overall among Autodesk resellers. Over the last 2 years, Advanced Solutions has doubled the size of its business through a combination of investment, business planning, and effective use of Autodesk resources. “To be ranked as the top Autodesk reseller on the planet is a wonderful compliment to the hard work, focus, and passion our team has strived to deliver,” says Advanced Solutions CEO Michael Golway. “I’m delighted to see our team receive this level of recognition from Autodesk, a company we admire and a relationship we value.” Adds Chris Lavenson, Advanced Solutions Vice President of Marketing, “With over 10,000 clients, Advanced Solutions has developed a rich understanding and capability on how to deliver Autodesk solutions that help clients create, manage, and share their data and digital assets more effectively. “As a result, clients turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits.” Upgrade your Autodesk CAD software to 3D and get $200 worth of training free For a limited time only, Advanced Solutions is giving clients who upgrade to one of the new Autodesk 2D or 3D software packages free training valued at $200 in their new product. Autodesk software packages qualifying for the free training offer include:
“Buying a new seat of these new Autodesk products can dramatically increase a design engineer’s productivity,” says Advanced Solutions CEO Michael Golway. “The objective of our free training giveaway is to get users up and running as quickly as possible.” Help wanted: Advanced Solutions to hire 30+ new employees in 2007 To staff up for rapid business growth, Advanced Solutions plans to hire 30 new employees in 2007. Our current job openings include:
Upgrade your Autodesk software by July 16 and save up to 20% Autodesk recently announced that the company is “retiring” 2005 and earlier releases of its software products. After March 14, 2008, Autodesk will no longer offer upgrades to – or technical support for – 2005 and earlier product releases. “Like many other software development companies, Autodesk supports products two releases back from the current shipping release of that product,” explains Virginia Jones, Advanced Solutions Marketing Administrator. The good news is that this enables Autodesk to control the costs of maintaining older versions of its software, which in turn allows them to keep pricing on new Autodesk software low. If you’re using any of the Autodesk 2005 products listed below, you can save up to 20% when you upgrade by July 16, 2007:
Please join ASI for an introduction of the newest features in Autodesk software. The Professional Development Hour is designed to give an overview of the new features for those considering upgrading or cross-grading to the newest release. Hosted at our regional offices, they are intentionally a small, product focused group of local users. Expect to learn about: time savings, increased productivity, return on investment, tips and tricks, and specials on training and products for attendees. Take advantage of our team’s product and industry knowledge; go back to the office informed and empowered on the newest Autodesk solutions for your company, all while getting a free lunch. |
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