Sparkflight Studios

After maintaining the LEED-AP* credential for several years now, Anne has taken the plunge to be LEED-AP with specialty: Building Design and Construction ( BD+C). What does this mean for our clients? Demonstration of current knowledge (LEED, best practice, green construction technology) Assurance of third-party oversight of LEED AP credential LEED AP point toward LEED Certification Doumented continuing education as required by Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) Per the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) website , "The LEED AP BD+C credential provides a standard for professionals participating in the design and construction phases of high-performance, healthful, durable, affordable and environmentally sound commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings . The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) created this specialty credential to denote practical knowledge of the Green Building Design + Construction LEED rating syst

Design professionals and have been using Building Information Technology, or BIM, for several years now.  During pre-construction, these 3-dimensional and data models inform design by allowing for virtual walk-throughs with clients, coordination of structural-mechanical-electrical-plumbing systems, and 3D testing of details.  Solid physical models can even be built from these virtual models using 3D printing . Additionally, these models create data regarding quantities of components (e.g. building material quantities, or numbers of repeated room modules).  These models also support ecological design assessment, whether native to the software or via import into another program such as Ecotect .  Factors addressed include sun orientation, fenestration, carbon footprint, water usage and more.  Read more about current eco design software here ... Contractors are finding the BIM process useful for site logistics, quantity take-offs, 3D Request for Information RFI analysis, and wo