Early design performance evaluation among architecture firms of the USA: simulation workflows, team roles, and practitioner challenges

Design choices made in the early stages of a project can significantly affect a building's energy performance, carbon footprint, and future operational success. According to the American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment and in consideration of climate objectives, more architecture firms are now applying Building Performance Evaluations to the early design phase of their projects; however, many obstacles hinder consistent and effective use of BPE. This paper describes the first phase of an ongoing exploratory study that assesses existing BPE practices during the early design phase, prior to validation testing of the associated tools. The study employed a national survey of the American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment firms, administered electronically through their representatives, yielding 85 completed surveys from architects, engineers, and sustainability staff involved in project performance decisions. Survey results demonstrate considerable variability among respondent firms in the timing of simulation application, the allocation of responsibility for simulation across project teams, and the use of performance feedback in iterative design decisions. Although there appears to be consensus on applying performance-oriented design, factors such as in-house capacity limitations, time pressures, financial constraints, and fragmented workflows often result in Building Performance Evaluation being used as an isolated tool rather than an integrated decision-support tool. Performance objectives change according to client needs at different stages of the design process, with participants emphasizing the importance of early-stage collaboration across disciplines to support better assumptions, communication, and use of performance outcomes.