Upcoming Events

Click the title or “+” button for an overview of an event. To view event details or register for an event click the “Read more” button of the expanded event overview.

Mar
27
Tue
Design Immersion | Sketch to Virtual Reality
Mar 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Architecture is going through a fundamental shift in how designers communicate ideas. Today’s clients are technology savvy and becoming comfortable with interactive design immersion technologies such as iPads, BIMx, Google Cardboard VR and Oculus Rift.

Discover how mobile and virtual reality technologies are changing the way architects interact with clients, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders. The seminar will review case studies that utilize immersion technologies to improve their design process, build client engagement, expand services and support remote communication. We invite you to take a ride with us as we embark on a look at present day use of immersion technologies as well as a glimpse to the future where we envision how mobile and virtual reality will impact the profession.

Attendees will receive a FREE BIMx Cardboard VR viewer and BIMx app compatible with Apple iPhone or Android Phones.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review technologies that can increase your presentation effectiveness and sell your design ideas to clients.
  • Examine popular architectural design immersion technologies including BIMx, Google Cardboard VR and Oculus Rift.
  • Discover through case studies how architects use design immersion to improve the design process, build client engagement, expand services and support remote communication.
  • Explore how mobile and virtual reality impact current and future methods for presenting and communicating design and construction.

AIA CES : 1 Unit

Aug
1
Wed
Architects Who Inspire Design with BIM
Aug 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Motivated by new technologies, a rising wave of architects are designing with BIM to create inspiring architecture, interior design and urban planning. Join us to discover why firms from around the country are using ARCHICAD, BIMx, Rhino and Grasshopper to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration in ways never before imagined.

  • KURV
    • Working for developers led KURV to create a custom solution to analyze project feasibility.
    • Firm details >>
  • CAST Architecture
    • Design-build roots combined with BIM gave this firm a unique advantage in Seattle’s rapidly growing economy.
    • Firm details >>
  • OPA
    • From creative explorations to client types, OPA is discovering new opportunities for technology.
    • Firm details >>
  • Urban Strategies
    • Using BIM to help cities visualize plans for change leads to creating better communities and sustainability.
    • Firm details >>
  • Laney LA
    • LA’s hottest residential architect talks about breaking away from the desktop into a world of a mobile practice.
    • Firm details >>
  • CORE Architecture
    • Using technology to create memories was key to turning this firm into one of DC’s leading retail architects.
    • Firm details >>

Learning Objectives:

Attendees who attend this seminar will learn the following:

  • Discover how to avoid rebuilding SketchUp models in Revit.
  • Understand why ARCHICAD is becoming a popular design tool for architects, interior designers and urban planning.
  • Identify how BIMx, Twinlinker, Rhino and Grasshopper are being used on projects for mobile review and parametric design.
  • Learn the benefits of using one model from schematics through documentation and it’s affect on the project workflow.

AIA CES LU’s : 1.5 Units

Aug
28
Tue
Design Immersion | Sketch to Virtual Reality
Aug 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Architecture is going through a fundamental shift in how designers communicate ideas. Today’s clients are technology savvy and becoming comfortable with interactive design immersion technologies such as iPads, BIMx, Google Cardboard VR and Oculus Rift. Discover how mobile and virtual reality technologies are changing the way architects interact with clients, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders. The seminar will review case studies that utilize immersion technologies to improve their design process, build client engagement, expand services and support remote communication. We invite you to take a ride with us as we embark on a look at present day use of immersion technologies as well as a glimpse to the future where we envision how mobile and virtual reality will impact the profession.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review technologies that can increase your presentation effectiveness and sell your design ideas to clients.
  • Examine popular architectural design immersion technologies including BIMx, Google Cardboard VR and Oculus Rift.
  • Discover through case studies how architects use design immersion to improve the design process, build client engagement, expand services and support remote communication.
  • Explore how mobile and virtual reality impact current and future methods for presenting and communicating design and construction.

AIA CES : 1 Unit

Mar
20
Wed
Rethink BIM | Design to Virtual Reality
Mar 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Rethink BIM | Design to Virtual Reality @ AIA San Francisco

Struggling with BIM in design? Are your clients requiring interactive 3D models or Virtual Reality? You’re not alone!

Firms are rethinking their approach to BIM as technology savvy clients expect more from architecture design services.

Join us to hear architects discuss why they’re shifting BIM earlier in the design process, how this is impacting their business profitability and why a growing number of firms are switching to ARCHICAD, a design focused BIM platform. We’ll discuss how to use ARCHICAD as a design tool including as a replacement to SketchUp, to develop project presentations and as a bridge to immersion technologies such as BIMx, Google Cardboard VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

You’ll hear firms discuss their strategies for using BIM in the design phase including…
  • Laney LA
  • Joseph Vance Architects
  • CORE Architecture
  • KA DesignWorks
  • CAST Architecture
  • HapstakDemetriou+

What you will learn:

  • Discover why firms are rethinking their approach to BIM.
  • Discuss the impact of technology savvy clients and their expectations for architectural design services.
  • Understand the opportunity for presenting your design ideas through interactive 3D models or virtual reality such as BIMx, Google Cardboard VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
  • Learn why architects are increasingly switching to ARCHICAD’s design focused platform.

AIA CES:  1.5  LUs

May
15
Wed
Design Immersion | Sketch to Virtual Reality
May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Architecture is going through a fundamental shift in how designers communicate ideas. Today’s clients are technology savvy and becoming more comfortable with interactive design immersion technologies such as iPads, BIMx, Google Cardboard VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. We invite you to join this presentation to learn how mobile and virtual reality technologies are changing the way architects interact with clients, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders.

Hand Sketch to Mobile Imaging
We will review technologies that can increase your presentation effectiveness and sell your design ideas to clients.
Design Review with Interactive Mobile Apps
Examine architectural design immersion technologies including BIMx, Google Cardboard VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Simulation of Design Ideas with Virtual Reality
Discover how architects use design immersion to improve the design process, build client engagement, expand services and support remote communication.

Limited seats are available so register early.

AIA CE: 1 LU

Design Immersion | Sketch to Virtual Reality
May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Architecture is going through a fundamental shift in how designers communicate ideas. Today’s clients are technology savvy and becoming more comfortable with interactive design immersion technologies such as iPads, BIMx, Google Cardboard VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. We invite you to join this presentation to learn how mobile and virtual reality technologies are changing the way architects interact with clients, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders.

Hand Sketch to Mobile Imaging
We will review technologies that can increase your presentation effectiveness and sell your design ideas to clients.
Design Review with Interactive Mobile Apps
Examine architectural design immersion technologies including BIMx, Google Cardboard VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Simulation of Design Ideas with Virtual Reality
Discover how architects use design immersion to improve the design process, build client engagement, expand services and support remote communication.

Limited seats are available so register early.

AIA CE: 1 LU

Feb
20
Thu
Reality Shift | Bridging Creativity with High-Tech
Feb 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you’re an established firm or a young studio, technology is rapidly evolving in the AEC market and clients are expecting high-tech when it comes to architectural design services. This is leading businesses to rethink their design approach. We will review how firms are adapting by shifting BIM earlier into the design process, generating ideas with algorithmic design, incorporating “real-time” visualization, and integrating immersive technologies such as BIMx, Unreal Engine and HTC Vive into their workflow. Join us to embark on a look at High-Tech in today’s creative workflow and glimpse the future where we envision how design technologies will impact the profession.
.
Algorithmic Design Meets BIM

Discover how combining algorithmic design with BIM can be used to generate design concepts with tools such as ARCHICAD, Rhino and Grasshopper.

 

Influence of Gaming on Architecture

Explore the benefits of “real-time” rendering and how gaming engines are allowing architects to not just visualize a project but experience design.

Immersive Design – VR to Mobile

Examine immersion technologies that support the architectural design process without breaking the bank including BIMx, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.


Presenter:

  • Thomas M. Simmons, President, ARCHVISTA Consulting
  • Simmons was recently a speaker at the Graphisoft 2020GO Conference in Budapest and at the AIA California Monterey Design Conference. He has over 20 years of experience implementing BIM into architecture, interior design and construction companies ranging from small firms to multi-national corporations as well as management of the Architectural Record – Record Homes Virtual Tours and the award-winning NASA Virtual Tours.

What you will learn:

  • Review technologies that increase your presentation effectiveness to help sell your design.
  • Examine design and visualization solutions for architecture including BIMx, Rhino, Grasshopper, ARCHICAD, Unreal Engine and HTC Vive.
  • Discover how architects use immersion technologies, through case studies, to improve the understanding of a project and create better design decisions.
  • Explore how mobile and virtual reality are impacting methods for presenting and communicating in the design and construction phase.

AIA CE: 1.0 LU’s


Limited seats are available so register early.

Feb
26
Wed
2D to 3D | Why Make the Transition to BIM | Bainbridge
Feb 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

If you’re still using 2D CAD such as AutoCAD or Vectorworks and you’re curious about BIM you should attend this seminar where we’ll introduce you to:

  • An overview of BIM (Building Information Modeling)
  • Advantages and benefits of an integrated 2D/3D workflow
  • How to create a smooth transition from traditional CAD to BIM

While 2D CAD systems are very powerful for drafting they fall short when coordinating project changes. This is why businesses are shifting to BIM to increase productivity and streamline a project’s workflow to:

  • Avoid mistakes due to different modifications
  • Improve the coordination between the different disciplines
  • Better analyze the building’s properties
  • and much more…

BIM Modeling Fundamentals | Bainbridge
Feb 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Get a jump start on learning the basics of BIM and how to model for real-time visualization. We will focus on how to quickly create a project model with simple andconcise steps. In this training you will learn:

  • Overview of the ARCHICAD interface
  • Understanding how to navigate a project with views.
  • Tips for 2D and 3D navigation
  • Commonly used keyboard shortcuts and commands
  • Instructions for drawing, modeling and editing
  • Other essentials to familiarize yourself with creating a design using ARCHICAD’s modeling tools.

Bridging Creativity with High Tech | Bainbridge
Feb 26 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Whether you’re an established firm or a young studio, technology is rapidly evolving in the AEC market and clients are expecting high-tech when it comes to architectural design services. This is leading businesses to rethink their design approach.

We will review how firms are adapting to this change by:

  • Shifting BIM earlier into the design process
  • Incorporating “real-time” visualization
  • Integrating immersive technologies such as Unreal Engine and HTC Vive
  • Using mobile apps such as the BIMx Hyper-model for presentations, design review and on-site coordination.

Join us to embark on a look at High-Tech in today’s creative workflow and glimpse the future where we envision how design technologies will impact the profession.

Real-Time Visualization for Design | Bainbridge
Feb 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Forward-thinking architecture firms and interior designers are increasingly leaning on real-time visualization to explore, evaluate, and present designs. By providing clients and project stakeholders the opportunity to experience spaces in interactive and immersive environments, real-time technology offers a compelling method for communication.

The next generation of architectural visualization tools is providing new ways to accelerate workflows. More intuitive user interfaces are drastically reducing learning curves, while offering new ways to quickly and easily connect to BIM software for increased productivity and faster iterations.

In this course you will learn:

  • A review of software solutions that offer real-time visualization.
  • How real-time visualization can be used as a design tool for architecture and interior design.
  • Hardware required to run real-time visualization solutions.
  • Process to integrate 3D BIM models and how you update project changes.
  • Adding and editing materials, lights, furnishings and landscape elements.
  • How to create and render still images and animations
  • The process to use real-time visualization with VR (virtual reality)

AIA CES:  2 LUs

Sep
2
Wed
Rethink the Future | Building Together | AIA California
Sep 2 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

AIA California invites you to hear from a selection of Graphisoft clients that are part of By Design, an award-winning digital series that explores the benefits of BIM in design, effects of the COVID crisis and a vision for “live” integrated collaboration.

Presented by Thomas M. Simmons, President of ARCHVISTA Consulting, this webinar explores
how California architects are adapting to a new business climate by migrating to a design focused BIM process, adapting “live” integrated design collaboration and using hyper-models for presentations.

He will share video excerpts of interviews with KAA Design Group, Studio Como, QKA and Yates Construction where they will discuss how they’re adapting to a time of disruption and plans for increased competition.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how “live” integrated design can help your firm stay competitive and decrease the project schedule.
  • Review new technologies for design collaboration including BIMcloud and BIMx.
  • Understand why COVID is accelerating BIM implementation and its effect on collaboration in the AEC industry.
  • Explore why a crisis is the best time for a business to make a change in technology, culture and process.

AIA CES:  1 LU

Sep
3
Thu
Rethink the Future | Building Together
Sep 3 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

With a look to the future, explore the benefits of BIM in design, the effects of the COVID crisis and a vision for “live” integrated collaboration. You’ll see video excerpts of interviews with KAA Design Group, Studio Como, QKA and Yates Construction where they will discuss how they’re adapting to a time of disruption and plans for increased competition.

Presented by Thomas M. Simmons, President of ARCHVISTA Consulting, this webinar examines how California architects are adapting to a new business climate by migrating to a design-focused BIM process, adapting “live” integrated design collaboration and using hyper-models for presentations. He will share excerpts from a selection of Graphisoft clients that are part of By Design, an award-winning digital series.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how “live” integrated design can help your firm stay competitive and decrease the project schedule.
  • Review new technologies for design collaboration including BIMcloud and BIMx.
  • Understand why COVID is accelerating BIM implementation and its effect on collaboration in the AEC industry.
  • Explore why a crisis is the best time for a business to make a change in technology, culture and process.

AIA CES:  1 LU

Mar
15
Wed
Seattle User Group – In Person
Mar 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

We’re excited to announce the next Seattle User Group at Weinstein AU

What a better way to end your day than with like-minded Archicad Users … in person! We’ll share best practices and exchange ideas for making the most of Archicad; celebrate the accomplishments of fellow users; and network with each other. At this user group we’ll focus on a number of topics including Archicad Properties, Schedules, data in BIMx, Graphic Overrides, Pen Sets, Model View Options and data display.

>> NEW LOCATION <<

Weinstein AU has graciously offered their office to host our next user group. Their office is located in the renovated Union Stables building which is a Seattle Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more about this building you can read about the renovation at this link.

For access to the building use the intercom at the door or if there’s an issue getting in you can contact Jared at 206.504.3075. There’s a paid parking lot directly adjacent to the building. Street parking in the area is possible but tight due to roadwork for the waterfront revival.

We also invite you to join us for beers at a local pub following the User Group.

If there’s something you’d like to explore or if you’d like to share a recent discovery or project case study, please reach out to the event organizer, Tracie Simmons at [email protected]. We’re always looking for ways to help our users make the most of Archicad.

Jan
24
Wed
Seattle User Group at Weinstein AU
Jan 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

You’re invited to join the Seattle Archicad User Group which will be hosted by Weinstein AU. We’ll hear presentations from local users, share best practices and exchange ideas for making the most of Archicad.

Topic: Design Options & AI Visualizer in Practice

Presenters:
– Jared Banks, AIA, Shoegnome Architects
– Geoff Briggs, I & I Design

We’ll be joined by Jared Banks and Geoff Briggs who will share their experience using Design Options to manage conceptual iterations and the new AI Visualizer to develop quick ideas based on prompts that generate AI visualization.

Weinstein AU’s office is located in the renovated Union Stables building, a Seattle Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For access to the building use the intercom at the door or if there’s an issue getting in you can contact Jared at 206.504.3075. There’s a paid parking lot directly adjacent to the building. Street parking in the area is possible as well.

We also invite you to join us for beers and drinks at a local pub following the User Group.

If there’s something you’d like to explore or if you’d like to share a recent discovery or project case study, please reach out to the event organizer, Tracie Simmons at [email protected]. We’re always looking for ways to help our users make the most of Archicad.