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In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, project teams need more than just basic planning tools. New construction projects require a comprehensive platform that streamlines communication, coordination, and documentation from preconstruction to project completion.
Autodesk Build stands out as a powerful solution within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem, offering a suite of features designed to improve collaboration, enhance visibility, and reduce costly delays.
This article explores the top features of Autodesk Build and how they translate into tangible benefits for construction professionals looking to optimize their workflows and deliver successful projects on time and within budget. This article will explore the benefits of implementing Autodesk Build to your team’s arsenal of necessary tools.
Autodesk Build is a cloud-based construction management solution that connects field and office teams through a centralized platform. Built on the Autodesk Construction Cloud, it integrates project management and field collaboration tools to support every stage of the construction lifecycle. From document control and RFIs (requests for information) to progress tracking and cost management, Autodesk Build enables teams to make informed decisions with real-time data and streamlined workflows.
To expand upon the previous section, let’s go over some of the major features that you can expect from the Autodesk Build Platform.
Autodesk Build offers a comprehensive suite of project management capabilities, including streamlined workflows for RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, and daily reports. These tools ensure that all project stakeholders stay informed and accountable, reducing the communication silos that often lead to unnecessary confusion and costly delays.
With Autodesk Build, your teams will benefit from a robust document management system that keeps all project files organized and up to date. Version control and permission settings help prevent confusion over outdated drawings or specifications, while integrated markup tools allow for real-time collaboration and feedback. This can be especially powerful when immediate updates are needed between teams working at different locations.
Field teams play a critical role in the success of a project, and Autodesk Build equips them with mobile-first tools that simplify data capture and reporting. Your field teams can create and manage checklists, report issues, and complete forms directly from their devices. This improves accuracy, speeds up resolution timelines, and ensures that field data is immediately available to project managers and stakeholders for faster decision-making.
Autodesk Build supports schedule integration, allowing teams to link daily activities and tasks to the master project schedule. This provides thoughtful insight into how work is progressing and where potential bottlenecks may arise. The cross-functional teams you will deploy can use photos, daily logs, and reports to document site activity, providing a clear visual record of progress.
By connecting cost data with project activities, Autodesk Build allows users to track budgets, manage contracts, and document change orders with full traceability. This feature provides full transparency to a project’s financial targets and helps to facilitate proactive monetary adjustments before small issues become full-blown budget destroyers.
Autodesk Build continues to evolve with advanced capabilities that address the growing complexity of construction projects. The platform now offers exciting new features such as deeper integration, smarter automation, and expanded functionality. These help teams stay proactive, informed, and connected across all phases of the build process. Among the most impactful updates are its enhanced data analytics tools and expanded support for BIM (Building Information Modeling).
Autodesk Build now includes powerful reporting and dashboard tools that aggregate data from across the project into visual, actionable insights. Your team members can track KPIs (key performance indicators), monitor field productivity, and identify trends using customizable dashboards. These analytics help project leaders make informed decisions quickly and proactively manage risks.
Autodesk Build offers convenient integration with BIM workflows, enabling design and construction teams to collaborate more effectively using coordinated 3D models. Users can view, navigate, and interact with BIM models directly within the platform, from any location.
Features like model-based issue tracking, clash detection, and the ability to link documents or RFIs to specific model elements enhance communication and reduce unnecessary mistakes. This enhanced BIM support ensures that the design intent is clearly understood and executed in the field.
By bringing data, workflows, and teams together in one place, Autodesk Build enables faster decisions, fewer delays, and more efficient project delivery from conception to completion. As mentioned previously in this article, Autodesk Build utilizes advanced features such as document management, cost analysis, scheduling resources, and customizable templates.
Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), a general contractor specializing in institutional and commercial projects, significantly improved project efficiency by implementing Autodesk Build. CPPI utilized Autodesk Build to centralize cost management activities, integrating it seamlessly with their accounting systems. This integration allowed real-time tracking of subcontractor payments and project costs.
By adopting Autodesk Build, CPPI achieved:
Brad Buckles, CPPI’s Director of Technology, noted that Autodesk Build empowered project managers to produce reports independently, eliminating the typical wait for accounting. This real-time access to financial data reduced risks and provided proactive project management.
Autodesk Build equips construction teams with powerful tools to streamline collaboration, improve visibility, and drive project efficiency. With integrated workflows, real-time data, and advanced features like BIM support and analytics, it helps teams deliver projects faster, safer, and with greater confidence.
Microsol Resources. (n.d.-a). Autodesk Build software. https://microsolresources.com/software/autodesk/autodesk-build/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.-b). Top things to know about Autodesk Build. https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/top-things-to-know-about-autodesk-build
Microsol Resources. (n.d.-c). BIM 360 Docs essentials training. https://microsolresources.com/training/autodesk/bim-360-docs-essentials-2
Autodesk Construction Cloud. (n.d.). CPPI increases productivity and accuracy by 3x with streamlined cost workflows. https://construction.autodesk.com/resources/customers/cppi-increases-productivity-and-accuracy-by-3x-with-streamlined-cost-workflows/
Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge is a data-sharing solution designed to improve collaboration between stakeholders working across different Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts. Rather than relying on manual file transfers or disconnected workflows, Bridge enables project teams to securely exchange files, folders, and project data while maintaining control over what is shared and with whom.
By streamlining cross-account collaboration, Bridge helps minimize errors, reduce redundancies, and ensure that teams stay aligned, even when working from different locations. In this article, we will give an overview of Bridge and cover its key features and benefits, as well as some tips on getting started.
Autodesk Construction Cloud is a comprehensive suite of software tools that connect workflows, teams, and data across every phase of a construction project. It brings together products like Autodesk Build, BIM Collaborate, Takeoff, and Docs to amplify design collaboration.
Additionally, project management, cost control, and field execution tools are powerful features from Autodesk Construction Cloud. The platform is designed to centralize construction data and improve visibility, helping stakeholders make informed decisions, reduce rework, and deliver projects more efficiently.
Bridge is a built-in feature within Autodesk Construction Cloud that enables secure, controlled data sharing between separate Autodesk accounts and projects. When teams working under different organizations or regions need to collaborate, Bridge allows project administrators to selectively share specific files or folders. This can all be done without granting full access to the entire project environment.
The shared data appears in the recipient’s account as a linked copy, ensuring both sides stay up to date as changes are made. This allows for real-time collaboration across organizational boundaries while maintaining data ownership, control, and version integrity. Utilizing Bridge with Autodesk Construction Cloud is a critical feature for cross-functional and cross-organizational project execution.
As mentioned above, Bridge is a built-in collaboration tool that enhances data sharing and project visibility to all relevant stakeholders. Below, we’ll cover, in-depth, some of the key features that Bridge has to offer.
Bridge allows project administrators to choose exactly which files or folders to share between Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts. This level of control helps teams collaborate efficiently without overexposing sensitive project information. Shared content can be tailored to each recipient’s needs to avoid data overload or miscommunication.
To streamline workflows, Bridge supports automation for recurring file transfers. Teams can set up automated sharing rules that ensure the latest versions of drawings, documents, or models are consistently synced across projects. This minimizes manual effort and helps keep all collaborators working from the most current data set.
Bridge enables perfect collaboration between companies or departments operating under different Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts. Instead of relying on email attachments or third-party file sharing, your teams can work directly within their own project environments while maintaining connectivity with external partners.
There are a number of benefits to integrating Bridge into your Autodesk Construction Cloud workflow. Below, you will find a more thorough review of some of the major benefits that we have already introduced.
By enabling seamless file sharing between separate Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts, Bridge breaks down silos and fosters closer collaboration among project stakeholders. Teams can work in parallel from different organizations or locations while maintaining a single source of truth, leading to unmatched transparency.
Miscommunication and outdated files are common and avoidable reasons for rework. Bridge ensures that all of your collaborators have access to the most current project data, reducing the risk of duplication, errors, or delays caused by working from outdated documents. This helps improve overall project efficiency and reduces material waste.
With accurate, real-time data flowing between teams, decision-makers can act more confidently and quickly. Bridge supports streamlined communication, making it easier to review documents, identify issues, and take thoughtful action without the delays often caused by disconnected systems or manual file exchanges.
Now that we’ve covered the key features and benefits of using Bridge for your construction problems, let’s take a look at some case studies where Bridge was utilized.
Miron Construction used Bridge to streamline their sharing of Revit models with subcontractors. Previously, the process involved manual zipping, downloading, and uploading, which was taking about an hour per transfer. With Bridge, they now “share models more quickly, saving time and minimizing confusion.”
Impact from Bridge Integration:
Additionally, at Autodesk University 2023, a session described how Barton Malow, Ghafari, and GM used Bridge extensively in an integrated project delivery (IPD) of battery plants worth $1 billion. They leveraged Bridge to apply consistent collaboration practices, reduce rework, and enforce data-sharing standards across team boundaries.
Impact from Bridge Integration:
While Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge is a powerful tool for cross-account collaboration, it does come with some limitations that project teams should consider. One of the key constraints is its one-way sharing model, meaning files and folders shared through Bridge remain controlled by the sender, and any changes made by the recipient are not automatically synced back. This setup helps maintain data integrity but may require additional coordination when two-way collaboration is needed.
Automation features are available, but not all workflows are fully hands-off. In some cases, teams may still need to manually manage file syncs or updates, especially if their projects involve unique structures or irregular schedules. Additionally, permissions remain governed by each team’s internal setup, so it’s essential for both senders and recipients to clearly define access levels to avoid confusion or restricted visibility.
Lastly, Bridge is designed to function within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem. While it greatly enhances collaboration between Autodesk users, it offers limited interoperability with external platforms unless supported by additional integrations. For teams working in mixed software environments, this may require supplementary tools or processes to bridge the gap.
Implementing Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge is a straightforward process, especially for teams already working within the Autodesk ecosystem. To begin, project administrators need access to Autodesk Docs within a project. From there, they can navigate to the “Bridge” tab and begin configuring file sharing settings.
The first step is identifying which folders or files need to be shared and selecting the destination project, meaning whether the project documents are within the same organization or across a different Autodesk Construction Cloud account. Administrators can then define the level of access and whether automation rules will apply for ongoing syncing. Once set, shared content appears in the recipient’s Bridge tab, where they can choose to accept and import it into their project structure.
To ensure a smooth setup, Autodesk recommends establishing clear communication between collaborating teams, aligning folder structures, and defining roles and permissions in advance. While the platform handles much of the technical lifting, upfront coordination helps avoid missteps and ensures both sides are working from a consistent and current set of information.
Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge offers a powerful solution for connecting teams across accounts without sacrificing control or data integrity. By streamlining file sharing and enhancing collaboration across project boundaries, Bridge helps construction professionals work more efficiently and with greater confidence. As more firms adopt connected workflows, tools like Bridge will play a crucial role in unifying project data and reducing friction throughout the construction lifecycle.
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is Autodesk Construction Cloud? https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-autodesk-construction-cloud/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). Autodesk Construction Cloud introduces Bridge: New data-sharing capabilities to transform construction collaboration. https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/autodesk-construction-cloud-introduces-bridge-new-data-sharing-capabilities-to-transform-construction-collaboration/
Autodesk Construction Cloud. (n.d.). Miron enhances coordination by modernizing data management. https://construction.autodesk.com/resources/customers/miron-enhances-coordination-by-modernizing-data-management
Autodesk. (2023). Delivering $1 billion of work collaboratively with Autodesk Construction Cloud [Conference session]. Autodesk University. https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Delivering-1-Billion-of-Work-Collaboratively-with-Autodesk-Construction-Cloud-2023
Sustainable design has become a cornerstone of modern architecture and urban planning, emphasizing resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience. As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints and optimize energy performance, digital tools like Autodesk Forma are revolutionizing the way architects and engineers approach sustainability.
By leveraging data-driven insights and predictive modeling, Autodesk Forma enables professionals to design buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and functionality.
This article explores the role of Autodesk Forma in promoting sustainable design, its benefits, and the challenges it helps overcome in the pursuit of greener, more efficient buildings.
Sustainable design focuses on reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste, and creating buildings that enhance human well-being while mitigating their impact on the planet. Because buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, it is no wonder why sustainability in building design is of paramount importance. Key aspects of sustainable design include energy efficiency, water conservation, material sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.
As sustainability becomes a global priority, digital tools like Autodesk Forma are playing a pivotal role in enabling teams of architects and engineers to integrate sustainable principles into their designs from the earliest stages. By utilizing advanced simulations and real-time data, these tools can empower your team to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals.
Autodesk Forma is a powerful cloud-based design tool that integrates sustainability analysis into the early stages of architectural planning. With AI tools and real-time environmental data, Forma enables architects, urban planners, and engineers to make data-driven decisions that optimize energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance overall building performance.
One of Forma’s key strengths is its ability to analyze site-specific conditions such as sunlight exposure, wind flow, and energy consumption patterns. These insights allow designers to adjust building orientations, facade designs, and material selections to maximize sustainability.
For example, Forma can simulate how different design choices impact daylight utilization and solar heat gain, helping architects optimize passive heating and cooling strategies. Additionally, Forma supports carbon impact assessments, allowing users to evaluate and reduce the embodied carbon of materials and construction processes. This feature is crucial as the industry shifts toward net-zero energy and carbon-neutral buildings.
Incorporating Autodesk Forma into the design process offers numerous benefits that enhance both environmental sustainability and project efficiency. By providing real-time data analysis and predictive simulations, Forma can help your cross-functional teams make informed decisions that lead to more sustainable outcomes.
Forma enables designers to assess solar exposure, wind patterns, and thermal performance, allowing them to optimize building orientation, glazing, and shading strategies to reduce energy consumption.
With real-time simulations and AI-driven analysis, Forma allows professionals to test multiple design scenarios and select the most sustainable option. This reduces guesswork and ensures that buildings meet energy performance and sustainability benchmarks.
Forma helps designers evaluate the embodied carbon of materials and explore low-impact alternatives, contributing to the creation of carbon-neutral structures. By integrating lifecycle analysis early in the process, projects can reduce long-term environmental effects.
Autodesk Forma provides insights into rainwater management, green infrastructure, and passive design strategies, helping architects incorporate features like green roofs, permeable surfaces, and efficient water systems.
Forma simplifies the process of meeting sustainability standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL certifications. This ensures designs remain compliant with different sustainability standards.
Sustainable design is guided by a set of core principles that prioritize environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and occupant well-being. By incorporating these principles into the design process, architects and engineers can create buildings that minimize negative environmental impacts while maximizing long-term benefits.
A key strategy in sustainable design is optimizing energy use through passive design techniques. This includes maximizing natural daylight, optimizing building orientation, and leveraging thermal mass to reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling. Autodesk Forma helps designers simulate these factors, ensuring that buildings achieve optimal energy performance from the start.
Selecting low-impact, locally sourced, and recyclable materials is essential for reducing a building’s embodied carbon. Forma’s carbon impact assessment tools allow designers to evaluate materials based on their environmental footprint, helping them choose options that align with sustainability goals.
Sustainable design incorporates rainwater harvesting, efficient plumbing fixtures, and drought-resistant landscaping to minimize water waste. Forma provides climate and site analysis data, enabling architects to integrate water-efficient solutions tailored to specific geographic conditions.
With climate change increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, buildings must be designed to withstand environmental stresses. Forma’s climate analysis capabilities help professionals assess factors such as flood risks, wind loads, and temperature variations, allowing them to develop resilient, adaptable structures.
Sustainable buildings enhance occupant well-being by incorporating green roofs, vertical gardens, and outdoor communal spaces. These features improve air quality, regulate temperatures, and contribute to urban biodiversity. Forma’s urban analysis tools support the planning of these elements, ensuring they are integrated effectively.
Sustainable buildings aim to reduce environmental impact and enhance efficiency. Autodesk Forma supports this by optimizing energy use through strategies like solar orientation and passive cooling. It helps select low-carbon materials and improve indoor air quality by simulating natural lighting and ventilation.
Forma also facilitates water efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels, ensuring buildings are both eco-friendly and resilient. Additionally, Forma streamlines the incorporation of smart technologies, making buildings future-ready and energy-efficient.
The characteristics outlined above can be seen in examples of sustainable architecture all over the world. With green architecture gaining popularity as countries such as the United States attempt to reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
Sustainable design faces several challenges, including high initial costs, complex regulations, late-stage sustainability integration, and industry resistance to change. Many stakeholders hesitate due to the upfront expenses of eco-friendly materials and renewable systems, even though these investments lead to long-term savings. Additionally, meeting sustainability standards like LEED and BREEAM requires extensive data tracking, and many projects struggle with accurately predicting energy performance and carbon impact.
Autodesk Forma helps overcome these barriers by integrating sustainability analysis from the conceptual stage, allowing designers to optimize energy efficiency, material selection, and carbon impact early in the process. Its AI-driven simulations and real-time performance metrics simplify compliance with regulations and provide cost-benefit analyses to justify sustainable investments.
Additionally, Forma’s user-friendly interface and integration with Autodesk’s ecosystem make it easier for firms to adopt sustainable practices without disrupting existing workflows. By addressing these challenges, Forma empowers architects and engineers to create sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performance buildings.
Autodesk Forma is transforming sustainable design by enabling data-driven decisions that optimize energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance building performance.
As the industry continues to prioritize sustainability, tools like Forma will play a crucial role in shaping the future of architecture, making it easier for professionals to create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also cost-effective and resilient. With ongoing advancements in AI and real-time analytics, the future of sustainable design looks promising, with greater integration of technology to meet global sustainability goals.
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). Autodesk Forma. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/software/autodesk/autodesk-forma/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is Autodesk Forma & why is it important to the AEC workflow? Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-autodesk-forma-why-is-it-important-to-the-aec-workflow/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). Enscape impact: Real-time insights for sustainable design. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/enscape-impact-real-time-insights-for-sustainable-design/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). 7 examples of green architecture around the world. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/7-examples-of-green-architecture-around-the-world/
Farrelly, L. (2023, October 4). What is sustainable architecture? In The Spruce. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-sustainable-architecture-4846497
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