What is Architecture Offshore Production and How It Can Help You

Today’s AEC landscape is highly competitive. Firms are constantly seeking new ways to amplify their productivity and cut down on expenditures, many a time by hiring offshore architectural services. Undoubtedly, this sector encounters unprecedented pressure in delivering projects more quickly than ever before without compromising quality.

Uppteam’s Architecture Offshore Production (AOP) service surfaces as the tactical solution that revolutionizes the way AEC firms in the U.S. handle construction document development. This robust service model has been developed to transform the conventional design-to-delivery operations by streamlining the critical transition from schematic design concepts to construction-ready documentation. All of this is possible through our proven three-phase methodology.

The AOP service demonstrates a game changer in architectural production methodology. Instead of handling every detail internally, firms can concentrate on conceptual design and client relationships while Uppteam’s offshore experts take care of technical document production.

The key benefit lies in the ability to deliver outstanding results with minimal client input, considerably reducing back-and-forth feedback cycles using Uppteam’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field.

Concept of Architecture Offshore Production

Essentially, AOP is architectural outsourcing customized for design deliverables. It entails delegating tasks or the whole design phase to remote experts. 

In reality, a firm provides its conceptual designs or schematic drawings, and the offshore partner converts them using proven design phases. These phases involve schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. Each phase encompasses specific inputs and outputs. The client may share a program and concept diagrams, and the offshore team delivers detailed plans, sections, and comprehensively coordinated BIM models.

More importantly, the offshore architectural services operates under U.S. codes and regulations to ensure compliance, thereby extending the firm’s capacity. Consequently, AOP frees architects from routine tasks related to drafting and documentation. This allows them to focus on design creativity and client engagement.

Main Advantages of AOP for AEC Businesses

• Cost Effectiveness: One of the most significant benefits for AEC firms when it comes to availing AOP solutions is cost-effectiveness. By offshoring drafting and production, firms can curtail labor and overhead expenditure considerably. It is crucial to acknowledge that offshore regions seldom offer reduced billing rates while upholding quality. As a result, firms only pay for productive work hours rather than fixed in-house salaries. This level of direct cost benefit can lead to lowering project budgets significantly without sacrificing expertise.
• Access to Expertise: Note that offshore teams come with specialized knowledge and skills, which also enhance a firm’s in-house talent. AOP service providers like Uppteam have trained architects who are well-versed in using cutting-edge tools (BIM, CAD, and Revit) and meeting U.S. building codes (ADA, IBC). Accordingly, clients receive code-adherent deliverables and top-notch technical capabilities. Firms can seek experts for complicated tasks, such as MEP coordination or 3D modeling on demand, and there is no need for long-term hiring.
• Round-the-Clock Productivity: Keep in mind that an offshore team can keep working on projects overnight when U.S. offices close. Evidently, the “follow-the-sun” model ensures continuity of work around the clock. Please note that your firm only pays for productive hours, not idle time. In fact, design reviews can be performed every morning on work done overnight. This speeds up turnaround and compresses timeframes.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Another significant advantage that AOP brings to the table is the ability to scale resources to align with project requirements. In place of recruiting permanent workers for peak workloads, firms can ramp up offshore design teams during busy periods and downsize when needed. This degree of agility averts the expense and delay of hiring or layoffs. Consequently, the project pipeline remains balanced without compromising quality.

Uppteam’s AOP Service: Phases and Deliverables

Uppteam’s AOP offering is characterized by three organized project phases. Each of them comes with defined inputs and outputs. These correspond to the critical stages of architectural design. At each phase, Uppteam implements extensive quality checks to guarantee code conformance and precision. Find an overview below:

Additionally, every phase of our offshore architectural services contains detailed quality reviews. For instance, Uppteam conducts clash detection and code checks on BIM models ahead of release. This confirms that errors are spotted early. This organized workflow reflects standard AIA phases. However, the offshore team deals with the heavy lifting only after concepts are verified.

How Uppteam Makes a Real Difference

• In-Depth Domain Expertise: Architects at Uppteam are highly knowledgeable in U.S. standards. All remote staff are comprehensively trained on the International Building Code, ADA, and other U.S.-specific regulations. They also master innovative design applications (Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD) to produce error-free and compliant deliverables.
• 24-Hour Workflow: By taking advantage of the India-based offshore team, Uppteam establishes a 24-hour production cycle. Tasks transferred from U.S. teams at the end of the day are advanced overnight by the team in India. This fosters a continuous workflow advantage.
• Quality-First Approach: Uppteam incorporates robust quality control across the AOP workflow stages. The company prioritizes reviewing drawing sets at each phase for precision, code conformance, and constructability. By playing the role of a collaborative (not just a vendor), the company guarantees that deliverables are in alignment with client expectations.
• Hassle-Free Collaboration: Evidently, communication is of great value in offshore work. Uppteam allocates dedicated project managers and utilizes cloud collaboration tools to coordinate with client teams. This comprehensive integration gives firms confidence in completing and delivering projects promptly and on budget.
• Established Tracked Record: With more than 2,000 projects completed, Uppteam has shown reliable AOP delivery. Clients have reported more seamless project execution by offloading routine BIM and CAD tasks, enabling their in-house architects to focus on client relations and design. So, with confidence, Uppteam’s AOP not only reduces expenses but also boosts overall firm efficiency.

Guaranteeing Quality and Seamless Workflow

It is also worth mentioning that the successful implementation of AOP hinges on clear communication and procedures. Prior to starting, firms ought to define the scope, deliverables, and review schedule. An initial meeting typically establishes project goals and checkpoints. At the time of execution, updates at specific intervals through shared BIM models keep both sides on the same page. It is essential to treat the offshore team as a trustworthy design partner: offer prompt feedback and decision-making to avoid delays.

Upholding desired quality standards is also critical. Experienced firms meticulously review intermediate models and drawings, utilizing code checks and clash detection tools to identify issues early. Clearly, opting for the ideal partner and maintaining open communication are key to ensuring that the outsourced work aligns with the specific project goals. 

Uppteam addresses this by establishing clear milestones and incorporating client feedback when needed. In this organized manner, the risk of misalignment is mitigated, and the final construction documents meet the desired quality and accuracy criteria. 

Final Thoughts

Architecture Offshore Production (AOP) is indeed a powerful model for U.S. architecture firms to boost capacity without expanding headcount. Collaborating with a dedicated offshore team fosters expedited project timelines, reduces expenditures, and provides access to specialized expertise.

Uppteam’s AOP offering aligns with our approach of providing offshore architectural services: our team handles all the detailed production work, from schematic design through construction documents, so that your in-house team can focus on its core design vision. Explore how our AOP can simplify your upcoming projects by downloading our comprehensive brochure on Architecture Offshore Production.

Let Uppteam help you remove downtime and rework—so you can deliver top-quality buildings even more efficiently than ever before.