Leading developer of project efficiency and collaboration software, Bluebeam, recently announced an initiative to deliver a major digital milestone in revolutionizing and streamlining California’s Division of the State Architect (DSA) design review process.

Beginning October 1, 2018, DSA will fully implement an electronic plan review (EPR) and all project submittals to DSA must be done electronically. This process is intended to track response times, foster sustainability through reduced printing, mailing and travel requirements, and advanced productivity for all parties involved.

“To better serve our clients and consultants, we are providing them new procedures and training—as well as training our internal teams—to lead everyone on the path to a fully digital platform,” said Angel Hosband, AIA, Managing Prinicpal at HMC Architects. “We’re always looking for ways to deliver more value to our clients, and this will help us not only save time, but also reduce costs while improving the documentation process.”

The new process requires all design professionals submitting to DSA to use Bluebeam RevuXtreme to prepare and upload plan designs. Clients will still be able to view PDFs and comments in Bluebeam Revu. Design professionals using the standard CAD versions of Bluebeam Revu can upgrade to the eXtreme version on Bluebeam’s website. Designers who are unable to obtain this software product may contact their DSA regional office for assistance with project submittals.

According to the DSA, this necessary change will result in an annual reduction of over 113 metric tons of carbon dioxide due to energy and fossil fuel savings, save over 18 tons of paper, and reduce water usage by over 400,000 gallons. It is also expected to enhance communication among key stakeholders and reduce overall schedule review and back-check time for architects and engineers submitting plans to DSA.

In addition to developing accessibility, structural safety, and historical building codes and standards used in public and private buildings throughout California, DSA provides design and construction oversight for Pre-K–12 schools and community colleges owned and leased by the state.

If you are a client or consultant, you can view HMC’s training video for clients and consultants HERE.

If you are a design professional, you can view the DSA’s EPR video for design professionals HERE.

For more information, please visit DSA’s EPR resource page, which features access to documents regarding updated procedures.