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The key objective for Wates Smartspace, a leading fit-out contractor, was to deliver a Category B fit-out at 2 Ruskin Square, London, for the Government Property Agency, that incorporated the latest digital technology. However, with no in-house digital team and a complex set of information requirements needed under the Government’s B2IM (Building to Information Management) initiative, the company required external support to meet the stringent demands of the project.
Although Wates Smartspace had been moving towards digital delivery internally, they lacked the specific resources and expertise required to execute and manage the extensive digital requirements of this high-profile project. To overcome these challenges and ensure that the project met its digital deliverables, they appointed AJ Digital, following a recommendation by sister company, Wates Construction, where it had a strong track record and existing partnership on previous projects.
AJ Digital provided a range of specialised digital services for the project, including 3D design coordination and information management, to streamlining and organise critical project data and model enrichment, to enhance all necessary data and compliance standards. In addition, they delivered comprehensive Building Information Modelling (BIM) support to ensure that all design and construction processes were digitalised, monitored and delivered effectively.
AJ Digital’s established reputation, industry-specific experience and successful delivery on past Wates projects made them the ideal partner for this complex project which covered the full delivery phase.
Bespoke Solutions for seamless integration
We understand that every project is unique, which is why AJ Digital
offers a range of information management solutions, including: Out-of-the-Box Solutions: For a quick and efficient implementation, we offer proven information management processes that can be readily integrated into every project workflow.
Bespoke Solutions: If you already have established information management practices, we can tailor our services to seamlessly complement your existing systems, ensuring a smooth transition.
This enabled AJ Digital to provide seamless coordination for the Cat B Fit-Out at 2 Ruskin Square by implementing BIM standards, that ensured that all information requirements were met. Over the project’s lifecycle, AJ Digital also regularly audited models and worked closely with the supply chain to rectify any discrepancies.
Furthermore, the collaboration between AJ Digital and Smartspace was underpinned by transparent and regular communication, with weekly updates and detailed progress reports, ensuring all parties were aligned on project actions.
To complete the project, the AJ Digital team introduced several cutting-edge tools and technologies, including an online platform for project management: This platform helped track ongoing actions, create programmes and produce weekly reports for both internal and client use.
Solibri and Power BI for Audits tools were integrated with AJ Digital’s own algorithms to conduct model audits, ensuring accuracy and compliance and Revit and Cyclone for as-built verification, were also used to validate the project’s as-built information, ensuring a smooth handover at project completion.
Outcomes & results
The partnership between Wates Smartspace and AJ Digital resulted in several significant outcomes. AJ Digital effectively managed the BIM process, ensuring that all digital requirements were met and documented. Their work provided clarity on project deliverables and the actions required to achieve them. By organising progress reviews, producing regular reports, and validating information through audits, AJ Digital also enhanced project management and coordination. This level of organisation allowed Wates Smartspace to efficiently manage their supply chain and meet the project deadlines.
This meant that AJ Digital played a key role in the as-built discrepancy reviews, ensuring that any issues were identified and resolved before handover. This provided Wates Smartspace with the confidence that they had met all client requirements.
In addition to the initial scope of work, AJ Digital’s collaboration brought extra value to the project. Their team went beyond just delivering on digital deliverables—they also shared their knowledge with the Smartspace team, fostering a greater understanding of BIM processes across the organisation. This knowledge-sharing initiative helped the Smartspace team feel more confident in managing future projects with digital components.
Furthermore, AJ Digital's proactive approach to model audits and coordination resulted in smoother operations across the project. By engaging with the supply chain and rectifying discrepancies early, they avoided costly delays and rework, ultimately ensuring the project remained on schedule.
Client feedback
Wates Smartspace were highly satisfied and impressed with AJ Digital’s involvement in the project. Their BIM Manager highlighted how AJ Digital’s expertise allowed Smartspace to focus on completing the project while trusting that the digital aspects were in safe hands. The clarity and support provided throughout the project gave Smartspace peace of mind, knowing that their stringent digital requirements would be met on time and to a high standard.
"Gaps in our supply chain capability represent a serious issue for us on projects like 2 Ruskin Square, where our client has stringent Information Requirements. Working with AJ Digital allowed Wates and our supply chain to focus on completing the project, safe in the knowledge that AJ Digital’s team had all the information deliverables in hand," said
Richard Ellis, BIM Manager, Wates Smartspace
The successful collaboration between AJ Digital and Wates Smartspace on the 2 Ruskin Square project underscores the value of digital expertise in modern construction projects. AJ Digital’s role in providing 3D design coordination, information management and BIM support not only ensured that Wates Smartspace met their digital deliverables but also helped foster greater digital understanding within their team. This partnership exemplifies how embracing digitalisation can lead to more efficient project delivery, greater client satisfaction and long-term business growth.