Case Study: Assael Architecture achieves BIM Level 2 collaboration and faster 2D workflows with Vectorworks

The One Solution You Need to Go From 2D to BIM

Assael Architecture is a London-based, award-winning practice that grew from two staff to a multi‑team firm working on large mixed‑use and residential projects in the UK and abroad. On the Pontoon Dock “Build to Rent” scheme — three buildings (5–14 storeys) delivering 156 private and 82 affordable homes on a constrained site between a viaduct and Thames Barrier Park — the studio’s main challenge was balancing density, context sensitivity and coordination across disciplines while meeting BIM Level 2 expectations.

Assael adopted Vectorworks and a disciplined BIM execution plan with two‑week model exchange cycles (IFC imports/exports), clash detection in Solibri, and communication via BIMcollab, plus Renderworks for consistent elevations. The result was successful Level 2 collaboration with engineers, faster generation of 2D deliverables from a true 3D model, smoother planning submissions, and a repeatable workflow that has raised the practice’s BIM proficiency and positioned it for ongoing projects.

Assael Architecture

Simon Pitt

Directors