VQ Design
VQ Design founder Lawrence Bowen reduced manual calculation time by over 75% using Calcs.com, replacing hand calculations with automated structural analysis that fits his BIM-based workflow.
“Calcs.com has significantly improved my workflow. I would say that it cuts it by more than a half, maybe three quarters.”
About VQ Design
As the founding principal of VQ Design PLLC, an Arizona-based firm, Lawrence Bowen designs buildings that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.
"I approached it from the standpoint that structure is the architecture." His philosophy of minimalism shapes his designs, where "the aesthetic should really come from the structure and the perfect functionality."
With over 20 years of experience collaborating with structural engineers and 10 years as a sole proprietor, Lawrence is deeply involved in every stage of his projects. His clients range from homeowners to developers and institutional administrators, and his projects span custom homes, remodeling, and retrofitting older buildings.
Lawrence's work begins with a detailed site analysis, often using techniques like heliodon studies to optimize solar orientation. He follows projects from concept to construction, often serving as both the designer and project manager.
Despite his busy schedule, Lawrence focuses on learning new things to stay on top of his craft. Online learning, in particular, has been a practical way for him to grow his skills while staying involved in his projects.
The challenge
Before discovering Calcs.com, Lawrence struggled to find a structural analysis program that worked with his existing processes. Managing diverse projects ranging from retrofits to custom builds required a reliable solution for precise structural calculations without disrupting his established design process.
Lawrence's search led him to investigate an online structural analysis tool. However, it presented hurdles that made it impractical for his needs.
"I didn't like having to re-build structural models that I had already developed via BIM. Recreating models added unnecessary complexity and time to my projects."
He continued to search online and eventually found Calcs.com, which stood out because it made his work easier without forcing him to start from scratch.
"Although Calcs.com doesn't have a structural modelling feature that would interface with BIM, using Calcs.com is less disruptive to my design workflow."
Simplifying structural analysis with a user-friendly interface
Calcs.com transformed how Lawrence approaches structural analysis. Its clean, straightforward interface fits naturally into his workflow.
"Calcs.com is very straightforward and allows me to either analyze a section of the building or the entire building as well."
Initially, Lawrence was worried about the learning curve, but Calcs.com's tutorials and videos helped him get started quickly. This user-friendly approach gave him more time to focus on his designs instead of wrestling with complicated software.
Eliminating time-consuming manual calculations
Before Calcs.com, Lawrence relied on manual calculations to figure out load capacities, lateral forces, and other structural details. He used span tables and wind resistance references, performing each calculation by hand.
"Previously, I was using longhand calculations - you have to do everything by hand with a calculator."
With Calcs.com, automated tools replaced manual processes. Tasks that once took hours could now be completed in minutes.
Lawrence estimates Calcs.com has reduced his workload by over 75%, freeing up time to take on more projects without sacrificing quality.
"Calcs.com has significantly improved my workflow. I would say that it cuts it by more than a half, maybe three quarters."
Lawrence Bowen, Founding Principal
Enhancing client and stakeholder communication
Calcs.com also helped Lawrence create professional, well-structured PDF reports for clients and building authorities. These reports are easy to read and provide all the necessary details for project approvals.
"I've gotten comments from the authorities; they like the fact that it's laid out very clearly."
This transparency not only speeds up approvals but also strengthens trust with his clients, enhancing his reputation for precision and professionalism.
Conclusion
For Lawrence, success in architecture is about creating designs that seamlessly balance form and function - sustainable, health-conscious buildings that benefit their occupants and fit naturally into their surroundings.
"For me, architecture is not about imposing art without purpose, but allowing it to emerge organically from the harmony of form and function."
This philosophy was exemplified in one of Lawrence's standout projects: the restoration of a flood-damaged home along Arizona's East Verde River. After a devastating flood destroyed two of the home's structural columns, Lawrence developed a solution using Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) that combined resilience and elegance.
"These columns didn't merely support the structure - they allowed the home to withstand extreme environmental forces while conveying the beauty and efficiency inherent in simplicity."
Calcs.com has made achieving that vision much easier.
"It's like night and day. Calcs.com has been leagues beyond having to do it all by hand."
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