The Challenge

A leading CRE (Commercial Real Estate) firm had built a successful business model around leasing prime-location buildings, adding modern amenities, and offering fully serviced office spaces under the “Space as a Service” model. With rapid business growth, they needed to lease, design, and occupy properties faster without compromising on quality. Delays in design and fit-outs meant potential clients might walk away to competitors.

Desapex had previously supported the client with Technical Due Diligence and Existing Condition Models, giving us a head start in understanding their needs and the buildings they worked with. Recognizing the time-sensitive nature of their operations, we proposed an integrated Digital Design Management (DDM) and Digital Project Management (DPM) solution.

Client’s Initial Hurdles

• Inaccurate or outdated building layouts from developers led to design errors and delays.
• Lack of standardized and up-to-date information from stakeholders.
• Disorganized information flow between design and construction teams.
• Inconsistent site conditions not reflected in available documents.
• Pressure to meet aggressive design-to-delivery timelines without rework.

Why This Was Critical

Why was reducing the lease-to-occupancy timeline so essential?

The client’s business thrives on being first-to-market in high-demand areas. Faster occupancy directly meant revenue gains and higher tenant retention. Any delays risked potential tenants moving to competitors.

Why did the client struggle with existing building data?

Building owners and developers often lacked proper documentation or shared outdated plans. Without verified data, design and fit-out teams had no reliable foundation to work on leading to rework and errors.

Why was a common data environment (CDE) necessary?

Without a single source of truth, teams risked using outdated versions of drawings or models. A CDE ensured every stakeholder accessed only the latest, approved information, minimizing miscommunication.

Why was laser scanning chosen as a validation method?

Traditional drawings failed to capture on-site discrepancies. Laser scanning helped validate real conditions with precision, ensuring design decisions were based on the current reality of the building.

Why did information handover matter beyond project completion?

The digital BIM models with embedded asset data served not just for construction but also for facilities management. It ensured a seamless transition to building operations and reduced lifecycle costs.

Gaps in Existing Information

• Outdated or inaccurate building layouts from developers.
• No standardized, up-to-date data from stakeholders.
• Disjointed communication between design and construction teams.
• On-site conditions not matching existing documents.
• Pressure to deliver move-in-ready spaces quickly, without rework.

Why Specific Requirements Mattered

The client’s model required them to deliver move-in-ready spaces at scale, quickly. Without accurate as-built conditions and coordinated designs, errors and rework would delay projects. Any mismatch in stakeholder information especially between developers, consultants, and contractors meant longer timelines and higher risks. Speed and accuracy were non-negotiable.

The Desapex Solution

• Reviewed Due Diligence Reports and mobilized project teams.
• Set up CDE and BIM documentation aligned with ISO 19650.
• Created BIM Execution Plan and Design Brief.
• Coordinated models for architecture, MEP, fire, ELV, and security systems.
• Performed clash detection, quantity take-offs, and drawing production.

Project Timeline & Milestones

• Duration: 9 weeks from kickoff to GFC drawings.
• Phases Covered: Mobilization → Collaborative Design → Information Delivery.
• Extended Support: Additional 2 weeks post-handover for coordination and developer discussions.

Software & Technology Used

• Autodesk Revit
• AutoCAD
• PDF viewer
• 360° photo viewer
• Fieldlens
• Spreadsheets viewer

The Real Business Value Delivered

• Mitigated design risks early through accurate, validated BIM models.
• Ensured only the latest, approved information was shared with contractors.
• Improved decision-making speed during construction through centralized information flow.
• Avoided costly rework, keeping the project on track and within budget.
• Enabled a fully digital handover, reducing the client’s operational burden and setting up a strong foundation for facilities management.

What This Means for Future Projects

This project marked a shift in the client’s approach to space delivery from relying on traditional drawings to adopting a unified, digital-first strategy that enabled speed, clarity, and confidence.

Working from a single source of truth reduced bottlenecks, minimized rework, and accelerated decision-making. The digital handover became more than a formality it empowered the facilities team with actionable BIM data for efficient operations.

Now, the client sees this integrated DDM & DPM approach as their standard for future projects, recognizing its value in not just improving delivery, but future-proofing their business.