"Poets write poetry, lawyers argue cases. Architect's don't build, we create a set of information, and the quality of the building depends on the quality of the information," says Michael Hricak, a founding partner at Rockefeller/Hricak Architects in Venice, Calif. "By designing the format of that information using ArchiCAD we make it easy to understand. The complex becomes clear.

Founded in 1980, Rockefeller/Hricak has been working with ArchiCAD for six years. All of their projects are created in ArchiCAD, from design all the way through to construction documents.

"It is a very important part of the process," Hricak said. "ArchiCAD is not just used to memorialize things. We use it as a design tool."

The 18-person firm employs five registered architects, whose projects include high-end residential and commercial, including corporate interiors. Hricak explained that ArchiCAD is in line with the philosophy and design approach of the firm.

"We would like to think that the appearance of our work is a direct result of how it gets built. Using ArchiCAD to build a 'living' model of the building helps us to focus on issues and assist us in making design decisions as the project takes shape." The firm is concerned not just how buildings look, but also how they function over time.

"It is easy to be seduced by a beautiful form that has no architectural or structural integrity...ArchiCAD forces you to think in terms of building systems. It keeps us honest."

"We need to be able to predict how the building will look 10 to 20 years down the road, because that affects the way we design it," Hricak said. "If something is going to wear out in 20 years, we need to understand how that element interacts with what is around it. Obviously the structure is not going to wear out, but windows will be repaired, and equipment will become obsolete. ArchiCAD helps us be clear about the separation of systems and get a sense of how the building will perform."

They also use ArchiCAD¹s 3D models to create sun studies to see how different solutions like a trellis, a movable shade or a blind will affect a room.

"We model each space to see the lighting at a certain time of day and that allows the client to see what it will be like to occupy that space." Because it is difficult to predict when they will need that type of detailed information on a project, being faithful to the 3D aspect of the ArchiCAD model has become part of their design culture, Hricak said.

The 3D models and renderings they create using ArchiCAD, Art*lantis Render and Photoshop also figure prominently in their marketing effort. The type of visualization they can provide gives potential clients a sense of confidence that many of Rockefeller/Hricak¹s competitors can¹t instill. "At the end of the day, a lot of architects do fine work, so how we communicate our design intentions is an important part of what we market," Hricak explained. "Traditionally, you don¹t know if a project is a success until you walk in the building after the painters have left. ArchiCAD allows the client to look behind the curtain; they don¹t have to read the architect¹s mind."

On one of their current projects - the 20,000-sq.-ft. Morton/Donnelly residence - Rockefeller/Hricak began using ArchiCAD in the preliminary design stage to help them make initial design decisions.

Hricak relates, "With ArchiCAD we could judge the quality of spaces we were creating, and get a sense of material choices, quality of light, and a sense of how you would experience the house as you move through it."

Three-dimensional models continue to be updated as the design unfolds. "This is a valuable database for us, and facilitates the seamless integration of design decisions and technical drawings."

And thanks to ArchiCAD¹s Virtual Building method, Rockefeller/Hricak is always confident that they are designing a product that can actually be constructed. "With a program like Form Z, it is easy to be seduced by a beautiful form that has no architectural or structural integrity," Hricak said. "ArchiCAD forces you to think in terms of building systems. It keeps us honest."

When the design phase is completed, Hricak is looking forward to exploiting ArchiCAD¹s Virtual Building model to help their general contractors get a real sense of the spaces they are creating. "We still turn out plans, sections and elevations," Hricak said. "But we have all this 3D information available to us that can help us put together a set of construction documents that communicate more than the conventional two-dimensional views."