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How Blend helped DLR Group save 20% time with BIM in two mixed-used projects in Santa Monica

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Industry

Mixed-used building (multifamily and retail)

Challenge

The residential projects at 1801/1819 Wilshire Blvd and 2025 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica presented significant technical and coordination challenges. At 1801/1819 Wilshire Blvd, the primary obstacle was implementing a façade redesign during the Construction Document (CD) phase. For the 2025 Wilshire Blvd project, seamless communication among stakeholders was crucial to ensure that ongoing changes were accurately reflected in the BIM model.

Results

Blend's coordinated approach and technical expertise resulted in the successful delivery of both projects, meeting the client's objectives. The implementation of BIM solutions led to a 20% time saving, improved operational efficiency, and precise integration of design changes. The proactive mindset of the team helped prevent issues before they could impact project progress, and the accuracy of both modeling and documentation enabled faster, more informed decision-making.

Key Product

Architectural Coordination & Production , SD Support, DD & CD Project Delivery , BIM Coordination , High Complexity Modeling

20%
Time Saving
289
Study and Affordable units
300+
Revit Sheets
250
Market Rate and Affordable units

Collaborating with the Blend team was a truly positive experience. Their attention to detail, efficiency, and proactive mindset made a significant impact on the success of the project. The team was described as fast, responsive, flexible, and solution-driven — qualities that are essential in today’s fast-paced project environments.

Amy E. Kong

Principal Architect – DLR Group

We especially appreciated the professionalism and dedication of the team members, who consistently went above and beyond. Having such capable partners supporting our BIM model was a huge help, and we look forward to working with Blend again on future projects.

Takara Tada

Senior Associate – DLR Group

DLR office

About DLR Group

DLR Group is a U.S.-based integrated design firm, internationally recognized for its sustainable, multidisciplinary, and innovative approach to architecture, engineering, and planning. Since 2020, we have collaborated on 9 projects, providing specialized support in BIM modeling and documentation. Our partnership is built on precision, adaptability, and seamless integration with their workflows, adding value across various project types throughout the United States.

 

The Challenge

DLR Group faced significant technical and coordination challenges on its residential projects at 1801/1819 Wilshire Blvd and 2025 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. The 1801/1819 Wilshire Blvd project required the implementation of a complex façade redesign during the Construction Document (CD) phase, posing a substantial technical challenge. Additionally, the 2025 Wilshire Blvd project demanded seamless communication among stakeholders to ensure that ongoing changes were accurately reflected in the BIM model. Both developments demanded a proactive and synchronized approach to meet the client’s high standards.

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The Solution

The strategy was to address both projects with a coordinated and adaptable approach. The Blend team brought in deep technical expertise —especially in BIM— along with consistent communication to effectively manage evolving needs. At 1801, solutions were developed and successfully replicated in 1819, allowing for a unified design logic. In the 2025 Wilshire Blvd project, the focus was on accurate modeling and continuous model review to prevent duplication and errors.

“We coordinated both models simultaneously, developing solutions in 1801 that were later applied to 1819, which allowed us to maintain consistency and efficiency at all times.”
– Emanuel Vilosio, BIM Coordinator

“The key was ongoing, effective communication among all team members, which enabled us to maintain the expected quality throughout each phase of the project.”
– Jimena Grivarello, Architect Senior

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The Results

The collaboration between Blend and DLR Group resulted in a 20% time saving across both residential projects through efficient coordination, technical precision, and a proactive mindset. For the 1801/1819 Wilshire Blvd development, Blend allocated 26% of the time to modeling, 56% to documentation, and 17% to management and coordination. By working on both models simultaneously, the team ensured consistency, reduced rework, and accelerated decision-making. The experience also strengthened the team's capabilities and established optimized workflows for future projects. As José Ignacio Stang, Job Captain, emphasized, "We were able to successfully navigate the technical and coordination challenges, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality final result."

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