Tocci Building Companies has promoted Pierce Reynoldson to virtual design construction (VDC) manager.

As VDC manager, Pierce will provide oversight on Tocci's VDC projects. In his new role, he will report to Laura Handler, director of VDC, and will manage the five-person VDC team including conducting performance reviews, providing coaching and mentoring activities, and recruitment for the VDC department. In addition, he will implement a VDC training program for Tocci employees, and will be responsible for developing and maintaining software and process standards, manuals and best practices, and testing and providing recommendations on software advancements. Finally, Pierce will spearhead research and development projects for the firm.

"Pierce has guided Tocci to new levels of process innovation, and contributed significant architectural expertise," said John Tocci, chief enabling officer of Tocci."Since joining the company in 2009 as a VDC Modeler, he has developed curriculum and provided architectural training company-wide, helping to redefine what a 'builder' is. We are looking forward to his continued creativity in his projects and endeavors."

Currently, Pierce is leading the VDC effort on the 225 Binney St. project, which is part of Alexandria Center at Kendall Sq. At 307,000 s/f, this six-story environmentally sustainable building designed specifically for Biogen Idec will feature a glass and terra cotta façade, will include two historical buildings, and will serve as the home of Biogen Idec's executive leadership.

Pierce frequently lectures at universities and professional association meetings on Building Information Modeling (BIM), building systems integration, and new project delivery methods, including a regular engagement as a faculty member at his alma mater, the Yale School of Architecture.

Prior to Tocci, Pierce worked for design firms in the U.S. and abroad, including Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and NBBJ. Pierce received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Ohio State University; and a master's degree in architecture from Yale University, where he was recognized with the 2008 AIA Henry Adams medal, an annual award given to the top-ranking graduating student in an accredited architecture program.

A pioneer in the practice of VDC, Tocci has shifted its company culture and project management to fully adopt the use of a single 3D model to design, build and manage building projects. Also referred to as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the VDC process uses software tools to create a computer simulation of a building project's design and assembly. In 2006, Tocci was the first adopter of VDC in the Northeast, and has since moved past the basics of clash detection and quantity extraction available through BIM to code checking, high-performance building analysis and rapid prototyping. Tocci is also a vocal advocate of integrated project delivery (IPD), a new contract form that enables everyone in the extended design team to work together with opportunities to succeed tied to the performance of other project participants through shared risk and reward. Combined, VDC and IPD improve the design and construction process, team communication, and the quality of the finished product while reducing waste, schedule duration and budget.