3D modelling and parametric design: Devoto Design’s methodology

3D modelling is the core of Devoto’s engineering process.  Through parametric design, executive development, and a never-ending dialogue between engineering and production, we can turn complex geometries into buildable systems, applying the same methodology to both large international projects and small-scale custom ones. 

3D modelling: the language of the project

In recent years, the level of complexity in custom interiors projects has grown exponentially. Seamless surfaces, organic shapes, out-of-scale furniture, and higher levels of customization require tools and skills capable not only of representing the project but also of making it real, buildable.

For us, 3D modelling is not just a technical phase of the process. It is the language spoken by the Art direction, the Client, the Designer, and the Manufactures. It is the common ground where the project can be analyzed, verified, developed.

At Devoto we often use the expression “turn the 3D around”, and it perfectly gives the idea of what we do: we observe the items from every angle, every point of view; we “strip” them of all their layers in order to see and understand their structure, construction logic, critical points. The 3D model becomes the connection point between idea and reality.

It is not simply a way to visualize the item, it is a true technical infrastructure that supports every stage of the process, from the definition of the requisites to the production.

Requirements analysis: understanding before engineering

Every project starts with the analysis of the requisites and of the drawings provided by the Client. This step is essential because it allows our technical team to understand the level of complexity, possible production constraints, and the critical points that might come up during the production.

During this step the construction logic and materials are defined according to dimensions and construction techniques.  3D modelling, then, turns into a verification and control tool and it is essential for the nesting process and for the optimization of the project surface, according to the LEAN Manufacturing principles.

The goal is to engineer not only a product that meets the project requisites, but also an efficient and buildable system.
Rather than being treated as a simple collection of isolated items, the project becomes a connected system of components, materials, geometries, ironmongery, and functions that remain coherent even when changes are introduced.

The survey: every millimeter counts

In our job, the survey plays a crucial role. When dealing with custom furniture and surfaces tailored to the specific space, even the smallest variation can compromise the balance of the project.

Every millimiter counts, especially with complex geometries and surfaces. That’s why the survey is not simply a technical check, but a genuine project validation phase.

The precision of the measurements is what makes 3D modelling truly reliable and turns the project into something buildable without losing consistency between concept design and reality. When complex projects are concerned, 3D modelling is the way to check interferences and coordination with architectural elements, MEP systems, lighting and other possible technical components within the space.

Model development: from geometry to construction

Once measurements and requisites are defined, the project gets into the construction development step. The 3D model is progressively integrated with geometries, substructures, materials of different thicknesses, ironmongery, tolerances, assembly details, and construction details.

From this model we extract working drawings, shop drawings, material lists and the files for the CNC machines, through CAD/CAM systems like Alphacam. As you can see, 3D modelling is not separated from production: it is the operational basis for production.

At this stage, a fruitful discussion with the production department usually begins. Our production team leaders are involved in the validation of the working drawings, the definition of the assembly details and the choice of materials. This dialogue perfectly combines engineering expertise with craftsmanship experience, turning the 3D model into a real buildable system.

At this point the model becomes a shared operational tool capable of connecting engineering, production and assembly while reducing unexpected issues and minimizing the risk of errors.

Parametric design and control of complexity 

When complex projects are concerned, 3D modelling is integrated with parametric design tools. With software like Rhino, Grasshopper and AutoCAD, the model is not just a mere collection of components but a system governed by relations, parametrs and geometric rules.

Thanks to parametric design we can deal with double-curving surfaces, organic shapes and out-of-scale items without losing control on the overall system. Changes do not imply starting from scratch: we operate on the parameters that consistently updates the model.

Shape stops being just a static element and becomes the result of a controlled process. This approach allows us to manage major project modifications without compromising the overall consistency of the construction and geometric system.

Break down to build up

One of the key aspects of our approach is the ability to turn complex geometry into a real buildable system.

Complex surfaces need to be divided into buildable, easy-to-assemble, and transportable elements. This happens through a process of decomposition, panelization, substructure design, and tolerance management.

Again, the 3D model is the key to manage complexity and turn it into something real. The project stops being an abstract idea and begins to deal with materials, production timing, installation. The quality of the final result strictly depends on the level of precision and control achieved during this step of the process.

Applications: from big projects to custom ones

This methodology can be applied to both large international design projects but also to smaller-scale custom interiors.

In the case of the National Museum of Qatar, 3D modelling proved essential in reinterpreting the initial model provided by the Art direction, by integrating it with MEP, substructures, and on-site constraints.

For the archive desk of the MAXXI Museum in Rome, the 3D model helped us define the substructure and divide the item in three trasportable sections to be assembled and finished on site.

In the Ducasse restaurant inside Hotel Romeo Hadid, ceiling modelling was essential in understanding and defining the different materials that compose it.

The Romeo Hadid Hotel is an emblematic example of this approach. Together with Zaha Hadid Architetcs we developed and managed fluid and seamless geometries with a perfect integration between architecture and furniture. In such a context, parametric design and 3D modelling were essential in understanding the architectural language and translating it into consistent buildable systems.

This same approach can be applied to smaller projects: the scale changes, the methodology stays the same.  Also small custom pieces of furniture need 3D modelling to check proportions, identify possible critical points and optimize production.

3D modelling as USP

So as you see for Devoto 3D modelling is not an accessory support tool, but the true beating heart of the engineering and production process. It is the way we handle non-conventional geometries, the way we maintain high quality standards and the way we ensure consistency between design and product.

The ability of applying this methodology to projects of any scale, from large architectural works to custom pieces of furniture, makes it one of our unique selling points.

Technology evolves and software changes, but the process stays the same: understand the project, analyze it, turn it into something that can be built with precision, control and quality. That’s what modelling means to us: shape an idea without losing the control over its execution.

Photo Credit: 

• National Museum Ff Qatar: Tom Ferguson, courtesy of KTA
• Maxxi: Zeno Colantoni
• Romeo restaurant: 9centos