Case Study: ZGF Architects achieves faster, more accurate collaboration on Portland International Airport with Bluebeam Software, Inc.

How a Digital Backbone Powered America’s Most Ambitious Airport Project

ZGF Architects faced an enormous challenge as design lead for Portland International Airport’s $2 billion Terminal Core Redevelopment: doubling capacity, meeting seismic standards, and coordinating nearly 6,000 drawing sheets while the airport remained open. When COVID-19 abruptly forced the large, multi-disciplinary team to work remotely, ZGF needed a new way to collaborate on Oregon’s largest public works project, and turned to Bluebeam Software, Inc. and its Bluebeam platform.

Bluebeam Software, Inc. provided the digital backbone through Studio Sessions, Sets, Slip Sheeting, and markup/status-tracking tools, enabling real-time remote reviews, tighter version control, and better accountability across architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. The result was faster reviews that dropped from weeks to days, fewer coordination errors before they reached the field, and a durable workflow that improved transparency, preserved institutional knowledge, and remained in use beyond the project.

ZGF Architects

Nat Slayton

Principal and Senior Technical Designer