Feb 16 2010
Leading global architecture, engineering, construction, and building owner (AECO) services provider Satellier is reporting upswings in project activity in key service areas and geographies, spurring an expansion of services in response to new opportunities for growth as the industry emerges from recession.
While geographically distinct markets have emerged, Satellier reports that one global trend underway is the transitioning to BIM from CAD, as AE firms seek to capitalize on the greater efficiencies and benefits afforded by BIM while keeping pace with the industry's more sophisticated needs. Across markets, companies are also increasingly looking to leverage external resources to de-risk the recovery process, as building industry and design firms focus on rebuilding.
"The theme in much of the AECO industry is cautious re-growth, market by market," says Satellier Executive Chairman Michael Jansen. "Businesses emerging from the recession and securing projects are actively looking to 3rd party companies to de-risk their emergence from the recession and are also seeking assistance with their transition to BIM. Different from their needs before the recession, today AECO businesses require more than traditional project support and 3D data modeling. In many instances they demand project analytics and other high-end consulting services that we now provide alongside our core project delivery solutions."
Satellier is expanding operations and growing its service suite in response to needs of the rapidly evolving industry and regional market needs. New services offered include model/project analysis services for architects and engineers, support for contractors and Building Product Manufacturers, and 3D/4D/5D asset management tools for building owners in collaboration with Satellier's sister company, Screampoint. Increasingly, Satellier and Screampoint jointly tackle projects the world over, offering a comprehensive, single model solution to building owners that save owners money during the design-to-construction process as well as during the management of their building portfolio assets over the long-term.
Quarterbacking this push from the studio is Satellier's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Darren Rizza. "We are thrilled to welcome Darren to the Satellier global family," remarks Mr. Jansen, "and I personally look forward to working together with him to achieve our exciting mission." Formerly Chief Information Officer at Cubellis and CIO and Firmwide Digital Design Director at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, Mr. Rizza comes to Satellier with a wealth of industry experience and will lead the diversification of the firm's services. "In addition to responding to increased demand for BIM expertise and core production solutions, we have been actively developing analytics services," says Mr. Rizza. "With Satellier's diversification beyond architecture and engineering BIM services, we are positioned to serve a broader market base, partnering with owners, building product manufacturers, and construction firms, in addition to our core AE firm base."
Around the world, distinct markets with unique needs have emerged. In the US and Canada, the recession has prompted many AE firms to begin a shift from CAD to BIM. "Today the majority of our North American revenue is centered on BIM services," says Marc Goldman, Satellier Vice President, Sales & Marketing, North America. "While we expect this trend to continue, we are also anticipating a developing demand for expertise in analytics including energy performance analysis, engineering analysis, and cost optimization, and are poised and ready with solutions in that area."
In the UK, Europe and Australia, BIM adoption is also gaining momentum as markets continue their recovery led by project activity in the education and healthcare sectors. Many AE firms in the region are also finding opportunities for growth in overseas markets, leading a new paradigm of partnership to emerge. "With our activities in Europe and Australia, Satellier is thinking globally, partnering with front-end BIM service providers well-established in markets worldwide to together provide a comprehensive consulting and production solution," says Mikele Brack, Satellier Director of Global Strategic Partnerships and formerly Director of Business Development for Europe and Australia.
As western nations focus on industry re-growth, Satellier reports that AECO activities in other corners of the world have simply never really slowed down, while still others experienced milder downturns. The Middle East has become a particular focus region for Satellier, yielding a range of large-scale opportunities and a still-growing market. "In an area marked by tight schedules, Satellier's localized approach delivers immediate, flexible, and scalable solutions for firms and projects based in the Middle East," says Wissam Saadi, who leads sales in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
India, in Satellier's own backyard, continues to yield consistent project opportunities across the country. "Our work in India is fundamentally different from the work we do in other parts of the world," says Mr. Ankur Mathur, Director of BIM Services. "Satellier's Design Management Services make use of BIM tools to bridge the gap between global design standards and domestic construction, leveraging a unique combination of local resources and relationships and global experience, partnerships and technology advantage."
Satellier has responded to the new world economy with a new vision for the road ahead, piloted by experienced industry professionals actively anticipating and effecting industry change. Remaining constant throughout is Satellier's core mission, to help AECO businesses become more efficient, more innovative, and more profitable through providing high-quality, technology-driven solutions and services.
Source: http://www.satellier.com