A combination of design technology and innovation are what’s needed for the industry to digest future pipeline problems, according to Hyecorp co-managing director Stephen Abolakian.

“Using the technology to design the building as much as possible before it’s built not only provides a much better construction outcome (because quality reduces defects) but allows any improvements to occur upfront before it’s too late,” Abolakian says.

“It might sound boring, but synergies and improvements can be had through collaboration between teams on site, in office, design teams, consultants and subcontractors. Utilising the technology available to do so is an ever-evolving and improving part of the business.”

Hyecorp’s recent systems improvements include increasing their in-house design team and upskilling with new design technology systems such as Revit. 

“We’ve kept this team in house (versus the more typical outsourcing to design firms) to allow us more day-to-day (or minute-to-minute) control of the design process,” he says.

“Technology is first and foremost a facilitator. It must go hand in hand with a rigorous process as well as a well-skilled and equiped team.

“Technology on its own is not the answer. It should not be ‘for the sake of it’.”

While automation can help streamline some processes, Abolakian says a granular approach is still required for complex structures being built in an increasingly tight regulation framework. 

“Apartment buildings are not Ikea sets with a manual and the perfect amount of screws in the box.

“There are smart people out there designing new products and materials; it’s important for construction teams to be across those innovations and use best-in-class products and materials to either; get a better outcome, provide cost efficiencies, or a better quality build.”