Motif Advances BIM with Cloud-Based Collaboration Platform
Motif, Inc., a leading innovator in software for the built environment, has officially launched a groundbreaking cloud-based collaboration platform designed to unify 2D and 3D workflows. This next-generation solution enables real-time collaboration for architecture and engineering teams, eliminating the inefficiencies that have long plagued design review processes. By bridging the gap between disconnected tools and workflows, Motif takes a significant step toward realizing the full potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Revolutionizing Collaboration in the AEC Industry
“Motif simplifies how we collaborate across teams,” said Bill Carney, Design Technology Leader and Principal at DLR Group. “Instead of juggling screenshots, PDFs, and disconnected markups, everything is now in one place—live, structured, and effortless.”
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has struggled with fragmented data, rigid software, and disjointed collaboration tools that slow down decision-making. Motif is redefining BIM by prioritizing openness, intelligence, and seamless collaboration. Unlike traditional BIM platforms focused solely on information management, Motif leverages AI-driven insights and real-time connectivity to enhance decision-making and streamline workflows.
“Today’s AEC professionals face significant collaboration challenges,” said Amar Hanspal, CEO and Co-Founder of Motif. “Our goal is to remove friction, enhance creativity, and make design intelligence accessible to all stakeholders. Motif is the first step in building a smarter, more connected BIM future—one that empowers teams to work efficiently and intuitively.”
Tackling the Industry’s Biggest Collaboration Challenges
Design professionals rely on multiple software tools, including Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp, yet most stakeholders lack access to these applications. This limitation makes collaboration difficult and leads to delays, miscommunication, and costly rework. Existing whiteboard solutions lack essential features like unit measurements and 3D visualization, while specialized BIM software is often too complex or inaccessible for non-technical team members.
Motif addresses these challenges by introducing:
- A Unified Collaboration Space: A single, infinite canvas where architects, engineers, and stakeholders can integrate 2D drawings, 3D models, images, sketches, and specifications. This eliminates the need to toggle between multiple tools or search for files.
- Live Model Streaming & Integration: Direct connections to Revit and Rhino ensure real-time updates without manual re-uploads, keeping teams synchronized with the latest designs.
- 2D & 3D Sketching and Markups: Feedback is captured directly on models and drawings through live commenting and sketching tools. Comments made in Motif appear in Revit and vice versa, speeding up review cycles.
- Smart Presentation Tools: Users can create interactive design presentations with frames and views, eliminating the hassle of exporting static slides while maintaining a live connection to evolving designs.
- Web-Based Access: No software installation is required, making the platform accessible to all stakeholders. This eliminates the need for expensive CAD software licenses for team members who only need to review designs.
Motif is designed to support teams working both in-office and remotely. Unlike traditional collaboration tools that require costly licenses and complicated setups, Motif operates entirely in a browser, enabling broader participation in design discussions without requiring technical expertise in CAD or BIM applications.
Seamless Integration for Design Teams
“We designed Motif to work the way architects and engineers do—bringing together 2D and 3D content on an infinite canvas, enabling seamless collaboration, and ensuring every stakeholder can contribute meaningfully to the design process,” said Hanspal.
By integrating with widely used design tools, Motif preserves existing workflows while eliminating communication bottlenecks. This ensures that technical designers and non-technical stakeholders can collaborate effectively, fostering a more unified design ecosystem without disrupting established processes.
Setting a New Standard for Design Review and Presentation
With its official launch, Motif is pioneering a new approach to design review in the built environment. Unlike existing solutions that focus solely on general collaboration or technical review, Motif combines both elements into a single, intelligent platform. This integration ensures that project teams can maintain their workflows while improving communication and decision-making across all stakeholders.
“Motif has made coordination faster and eliminated unnecessary back-and-forths,” said Carney. “Instead of creating workarounds to collaborate, we can focus on decisions and feedback in real time.”
Motif’s vision for BIM extends beyond collaboration. The launch of Motif 1.0 marks the first step in a broader strategy to introduce data-driven modeling, automated documentation, and AI-powered insights. Future iterations will continue to expand the platform’s capabilities, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and intelligent design solutions.
