Design Technology

SMMA’s Design Technology group researches and leverages the latest digital technologies to solve our clients’ most complex design problems.

We are a diverse collection of architects, designers, and data specialists. Serving as a resource across all markets and services, we empower SMMA’s design teams to pursue design excellence through the exploration and thoughtful integration of technology. This includes leveraging AI to enhance productivity, explore solutions, and refine how we engage with design tools.

From helping our sustainable design experts create more accurate energy models to collaborating with our graphic designers to produce data dashboards, we elevate the outcome of every design project. Because the harder the problem, the greater the opportunity to push beyond expected answers.

Questions? Contact:

Dave Darling, AIA

Email 617.520.9439

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a foundational tool for fostering collaboration and ensuring quality across our integrated design projects.

We use BIM to optimize every facet of the built environment, reducing risks and achieving the greatest efficiencies for our clients. Working with 3D building models embedded with vast amounts of data, our technologists manage information throughout the whole project life cycle. We share this information in real-time, demystifying the design process so that every stakeholder understands the impact of design decisions on cost, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Wakefield Memorial High School Coordination Model

“For me, BIM is where design ideas converge with construction to create a computational representation of the built form. The complexity of buildings calls for a constant evolution of collaboration. BIM is the best tool to create the ideal building prototypes that we strive for.”

Hector Inirio, Senior BIM Specialist

Design Visualization harnesses the power of visual storytelling to humanize complex design projects and allow clients, communities, and decision-makers to experience their places in sensory detail.

From immersive technology to diverse visualization techniques, we seek to evoke emotion—a collaborative, people-first approach where designers and clients can fully grasp the potential of their ideas. These stories play out through a wide range of experiences: virtual and augmented reality, renderings, animations, data dashboards, and more.

Our design visualization service helps to engage stakeholders and democratize the design process.

Computational design empowers our design teams to innovate and explore in new ways.

We use automation, performance simulation, and data visualization tools to quickly iterate the truest design solutions. These data-driven insights help to simplify and contextualize the challenges at hand—whether reaching net zero, optimizing workspace, or improving return on investment.

The BuildBPS Dashboard gives stakeholders a comprehensive view of the entire district, supported by data from individual schools. This data-driven approach allows for informed decision making and continuous plan updates.

View Boston Public Schools Master Plan

“By taking a precise, mathematical approach to projects, we can create a near-infinite amount of outcomes and closely analyze those with the greatest potential that meet our clients’ ambitions.”

Diego Macias, Computational Design Lead

Digital Fabrication allows for rapid prototyping and tangible design iteration, empowering our designers to fully explore their curiosity.

We use in-house 3D model technology to translate design ideas into physical entities. What starts as a simple idea is brought to life by a feedback loop of trial and error—design flaws are identified, iterated, and reimagined to discover solutions at all scales.

It allows our clients to focus on every aspect of the design, from the overall master planning effort down to the intricate assemblies that can make even the smallest detail of a project sing.