SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2002--

Autodesk's Online Project Collaboration Service Enhances

Communication And Teamwork Among More Than 90 Building Professionals

On Major San Diego-Based Project

TKG Consulting Engineers, a San Diego-based provider of mechanical, plumbing, process design and electrical engineering services, has improved and accelerated the design process on a major research facility expansion by using the Autodesk(R) Buzzsaw(TM) project collaboration service from Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK). TKG is designing the HVAC, plumbing, lighting, process and telecommunications systems for four new buildings under design or under construction on the Pfizer Global Research campus, a keystone facility within San Diego's Biotech Beach research community. Launched in the fall of 2001, the Pfizer project is adding approximately 375,000 square feet with a projected total of 800,000 square feet at completion, which is slated for February 2004.

Early in the design process TKG proposed the use of Autodesk Buzzsaw to the project team--a group including three architecture firms, a structural engineering firm, a civil engineering firm, a landscape design firm, and a project management firm. All participants standardized on the platform and immediately began using the Buzzsaw service to store documents, share materials and collaborate on designs. The new users on the team quickly found that Buzzsaw not only eliminated the need for FTP sites, daily document CDs and most overnight deliveries, but more importantly it enabled the entire project team to collaborate online, improving team communication and project management.

"With Autodesk Buzzsaw, the interchange of information is constant and incredibly fluid," noted Don Crotty, the TKG principal in charge of the Pfizer project. "We can lay out equipment and post the designs onto Buzzsaw; the architects then download our work into their plans and vice-versa. It's not just a two-way or even three-way flow. All of the disciplines are involved--structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, process, and telecommunications."

Because the new Pfizer buildings will house research and laboratory facilities, TKG and the architects have had to confront a number of difficult issues. The HVAC systems, for instance, are far different than those in standard office buildings. In laboratories it is important that air not be returned, so continual exhaust is necessary to efficiently bring in outside air. The nature of such a design forces the engineers and architects to contend with dimension and clearance issues--simply getting everything to fit--that otherwise would not be of concern. In such a situation--where problems are likely to arise and costs can quickly spiral out of control--efficient collaboration is essential.

"The speed and simplicity of Buzzsaw eliminates many of the delays, aggravations, and miscommunications that can slow large projects," added TKG mechanical engineer Eric Doan. "With this project, we are working with a very intensive, very compact design. Buzzsaw has really helped the entire team to serve the client better by enabling us to deliver robust and coordinated work while keeping travel and communication costs under control."

More than 90 project members--architects, engineers, and designers--collaborate and share information using the Buzzsaw Pfizer project site. Every day, team members log on to exchange drawings, respond to changes and share ideas. Though the site is primarily being used as a collaboration tool for the design process, Pfizer project managers can also log in to the Buzzsaw site to view progress of the project.

"Managing projects with Buzzsaw keeps all team members on the same page regardless of the numbers of participants involved or their geographic location," said Chris Bradshaw, vice president, Autodesk Building Collaboration Services. "We are delighted that TKG's colleagues were able to experience first-hand the cost benefits and time savings of Buzzsaw-powered online collaboration."

About TKG

Incorporated in 1982, TKG Consulting Engineers provides full service mechanical, plumbing, process design and electrical engineering services with a commitment to progressive yet practical design excellence. TKG manages projects throughout the Western United States from its offices in San Diego and Seattle. For more information about the company, visit www.tkgeng.com.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc. is the world's leading design software and digital content company. Autodesk offers solutions for professionals in building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering progressive products and services, Autodesk helps customers create, manage, use and maximize the value of their digital data throughout the lifecycle of their projects. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com. For information about the Autodesk Buzzsaw service, visit the product site at www.autodesk.com/buzzsaw.

Autodesk and Buzzsaw are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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