Designers are frequently using performance analysis tools in-house in order to get quick feedback on design decisions (rather than relying on outside consultants).
Several contributors to articles to our Energy Issue referenced Sefaira as one of the tools their firms use for analyzing building performance. In fact, according to the AIA’s Habits of High-Performance Firms, it’s the most common performance tool used by architects who submit projects for the 2030 Commitment.
Sefaira allows designers to compare massings, layout, and envelope options as well as study natural ventilation and HVAC systems for a wide variety of project types. It can be used collaboratively for shared projects and allows for peer review and works with both SketchUp and Revit.