As the AEC industry moves from the use of current CAD systems, which are predominantly 2D drafting tools, to the implementation of more intelligent computer-based support for architectural design, engineering and construction a more streamlined and integrated approach to building design and construction is emerging. Principals at building design and construction firms need to be prepared to lead the development of strategies and processes to take their organizations and their profession forward – to develop and manage the people, processes and technologies necessary to provide the services their clients demand and to support the design and construction projects of the twenty first century.

Responding to this challenge, principals from ten prominent firms joined forces in the CAD for Principals Council to define the needs and opportunities for practices that are striving to establish best processes and make optimal use of their technologies to meet today’s building design challenges.

CAD for Principals provides a working framework for examining the work processes and current uses of CAD and related technologies in the architectural, engineering, and construction professions. Led by Kristine K. Fallon, FAIA, whose consulting practice focuses on the use of CAD and other technologies in the AEC industry, and initially funded by Revit Technology Corporation, CAD for Principals began research to document the use and effectiveness of current technologies and practices. At their initial meeting in December, 1999 the council reviewed the results of interviews Fallon conducted with principals and CAD users and prepared a Statement of Requirements for the next generation of CAD systems.