How Arcadis cuts code research time by 50%, saving millions
Arcadis works on highly complex, code-intensive projects. All departments now use UpCodes for fast access to up-to-date building codes, speeding up research by 50% and streamlining stakeholder collaboration.
“UpCodes has reduced code review from 20% of a project to 10-15%. Since we started using it, it’s become more user-friendly every year.” - Michelle Stock, Associate Principal and Studio Manager.
About Arcadis
Arcadis is a design, engineering, architecture, and consultancy firm that handles large-scale projects: most are at least 1M square feet! With 36,000 employees in 30 countries, Arcadis has taken on ambitious tasks from building sustainability infrastructure for the Paris Olympics to revolutionizing public transit in cities like Sydney and Toronto.
Unique, high-complexity projects with code requirements to match
Teams at Arcadis work on incredibly complex projects with high potential risk, like lithium-ion battery manufacturing plants. Fittingly, building and fire safety requirements are demanding.
Because the buildings have little to no precedent, they sometimes require safety measures that haven’t been written into building code yet. To make sure the buildings are safe and compliant, the Arcadis team must debate codes in-depth with their insurance providers: not just the existing regulations, but the safety intentions behind them.
For projects of this scale, physical code books or legacy platforms are not an option. There are simply too many codes to contend with, even when clear codes have been written.
“It’s cumbersome,” says Michelle of other building code services. “You can look up codes, but it’s not as easy to save things. You’re screenshotting, and there’s no way to compile them so they make sense.”
Manual code research also slows down collaboration. With immense resources at stake, clients are keen to keep projects moving forward, not debate compliance. Michelle even sees clients issue partial construction packages while design is in progress, putting pressure on code research to move fast.
“In higher-risk situations like batteries, insurers have guidance, but they’re not code. We have to marry their standards with adopted codes, and that requires in-depth knowledge.” - Michelle Stock, Associate Principal and Studio Manager
A centralized system for reducing risk and building organization-wide code fluency
Arcadis started using UpCodes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This solution of necessity stuck: every department has now replaced its code library with UpCodes. “Our engineers look at everything with UpCodes: mechanical, electrical, fire protection, structural,” Michelle says.
No matter how complex the project, UpCodes supports Michelle’s specialized workflows. Unusually for an architect, she also handles hazardous chemical classifications and code reviews. UpCodes helps her determine safety regulations, such as control areas, for different classifications.
Michelle also appreciates UpCodes’ visual diagrams. Beyond working with clients, Michelle uses UpCodes to educate junior architects, which can be challenging in remote-first workplaces.
“Figuring out the flow of what's been adopted is extremely helpful,” she says. “The diagrams help us explain concepts to building officials or other people who haven’t seen the facilities.”
“In large group meetings, I’ve got the codes open while we’re talking and asking questions. Code research is so much faster that it frees up time for design.” - Michelle Stock, Associate Principal and Studio Manager
Faster review, stronger collaboration, and safer buildings
Every minute saved in code research is a minute Arcadis can devote to designing safe, resilient buildings, without any code ambiguity. Today, all teams across Arcadis use UpCodes as a shared, collaborative space for working with building codes.
Michelle has found that code research now takes 10% rather than 20% of her time on each project. With projects this complex and costly, that means millions of dollars saved.
“As architects, we’re pushed to go faster. But we must keep health, safety, and welfare in mind. To keep designs compliant, we need fast access to code. I don’t know how that would be possible without UpCodes.” - Michelle Stock, Associate Principal and Studio Manager
