Innovation Starts at Home
Raising Our Profile on the Global Screen
Throughout history, some of the greatest success stories to come from corporate America have been written by executives who have made bold decisions to become the first in their field to adopt new, cutting-edge practices. As we approach our 46th year in Brevard County, BRPH is building upon that same innovative model that many companies before us have used. Longevity in business comes with some degree of risk and, as technology continues to evolve, it’s often a situation of choosing to become an early technology adapter or being left behind. With a small degree of calculated risk, we chose not only to adapt to several industry trends but to take our approach to the next level.
Thinking Green
Twenty years ago, if you heard the word ‘green,’ you would not have thought of building design and construction. In today’s environment, the word ‘green’ immediately brings to mind an entire movement to design and build more sustainable buildings that have a smaller environmental footprint. Phrases like “LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certified,” “sustainable design” and “environmental responsibility” have all become catchphrases in a trend that has swept the architecture, engineering and construction fields.
In its truest sense, green design is much more than receiving a plaque on the wall; it is a planning process that requires collaboration from owners, designers, contractors and building users. Its benefits are immense when compared to non-green designs, including reduced utility costs that help a company’s bottom line, a healthier work environment for employees, and the overall preservation of natural resources that puts less of a burden on the community.
BRPH was quick to take the green approach and make it part of our company’s foundation. We now have over 40 team members who are certified LEED professionals and more than 25 projects in our portfolio that have been designed to LEED standards. Our commitment to responsible design earned us a spot on Engineering News Record Magazine’s list of the ‘Top Green Design Firms in the Nation,’ and it also has led to our spot on Architect Magazine’s list of the ‘Top 50 Design Firms in the Nation.’
Innovations In Design
Another area where we have embraced innovation lies in the methods we use to design our clients’ projects. Our team of architects and engineers uses software that is quickly becoming the most sought after industry standard. BIM, or Building Information Modeling, allows the creation of one, comprehensive, dynamic 3D model for real-time use.
Each phase of the design process can be linked, which results in a faster overall design process and enhanced visualization. Clients are also given unprecedented access to resources throughout the project, allowing them to explore more in-depth design options in the digital environment while conserving both time and materials. This system has revolutionized the industry and will continue to enhance the way we produce design solutions for the future. The key for our company was to understand this system’s potential impact on the marketplace and to embrace this program in its infancy. As a result, we are thriving with it instead of playing catch-up.
iBusiness = Efficiency
The way we communicate our brand is equally as important as the designs we create. We thought long and hard about how to polish our look externally while utilizing the newest advances in technology. A certain handheld device immediately came to mind…the iPad™. It’s not just for reading e-books or playing games anymore. Our team is able to load client presentations on these handheld devices and leave bulky laptops and supporting accessories at the office. We have even experimented with the iPad overseas at international trade shows where our executives have access to a library of pre-loaded corporate videos and photos that can be e-mailed directly to an interested contact in the span of a few seconds.
BRPH’s early use of the iPad has even led to a feature in a national story by Fox Business regarding the emerging use of the device among businesses.
As we all seek ways to become more competitive in today’s challenging economic climate, it is important not to overlook the simple benefits that can come from innovation. This community is working together as a coalition to attract new businesses and new opportunities to our region. The more innovative we become as companies, the more recognizable our area will become to the business world. We all have a part to play in achieving this and it begins with your industry, your company and your brand.
