Hampton Inn Hotel – Lakewood, NJ
NJ Architecture, a respected architectural firm based in New Jersey, is known for its expertise in commercial and hospitality design. The firm is led by a Registered Architect with multi-state licensure, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts, and holds an NCARB Certificate. Their design philosophy combines functionality, aesthetic sensibility, and code compliance—ensuring spaces that are both brand-aligned and operationally efficient.
SMV Designs, a multidisciplinary firm specializing in Architectural Design, Engineering Services, BIM Solutions, and BIM Consultation, was engaged to provide comprehensive BIM support throughout the lifecycle of this project. As a group company of SMV Engineers and a trusted BIM partner to NJ Architecture, SMV Designs brought deep technical proficiency and industry experience to the table.
Client Profile
The project involved the development of a 98-room high-end Hampton Inn Hotel in Lakewood, NJ. The client sought to achieve the following:
A seamless, fully coordinated design that meets Hilton’s Hampton Inn brand standards
Efficient design-to-construction transition with minimized delays
Enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders: architects, engineers, contractors, and surveyors
High-quality documentation to support a design-build delivery model
The client aimed to leverage digital tools for better visibility and control throughout the construction process.The client aimed to leverage digital tools for better visibility and control throughout the construction process.
Business Needs
While the vision was clear, the path to delivery presented several challenges:
Cross-discipline coordination: Aligning architectural, structural, and MEPF disciplines with zero clashes
Tight project timelines: Maintaining design accuracy under pressure of aggressive construction schedules
On-site complexities: Addressing site-specific constraints while adhering to Hampton Inn brand guidelines
Minimizing rework: Ensuring precise, conflict-free drawings to reduce RFIs and change orders during construction
Challenges
SMV Designs stepped in as a strategic BIM partner and provided an array of services:
Detailed 3D modeling across architectural, structural, and MEPF disciplines
Design development support to help translate NJ Architecture’s vision into coordinated digital models
Clash detection and resolution during preconstruction to prevent costly site conflicts
Scan-to-BIM integration where needed to map existing site elements with new construction
Construction documentation support including quantity take-offs, BOQs, and shop drawings
The team ensured that all models were aligned with construction sequences and client standards.
Solutions
The project adopted a design-build approach, supported entirely by BIM from conceptualization to execution. SMV Designs followed a structured and collaborative workflow
Kick-off with stakeholder alignment, understanding the design goals and project scope
Model development in phases, beginning with schematic design, progressing through detailed coordination and construction modeling
Ongoing collaboration with NJ Architecture, structural engineers, and MEP consultants via cloud-based platforms
Weekly coordination reviews using federated BIM models to identify and resolve issues early
As-built model preparation post-construction for future maintenance and facility management use
Approach
The project benefitted immensely from the integration of BIM throughout all phases
Improved Accuracy & Quality: Precise documentation reduced errors, miscommunication, and manual revisions
Enhanced Efficiency: BIM accelerated project milestones by enabling faster design decisions and smoother transitions
Cost & Time Savings: Proactive clash resolution and accurate BOQs minimized rework, delays, and budget overruns
Stronger Collaboration: All project stakeholders were aligned through real-time model-based communication
Future-ready Assets: The deliverables provided valuable digital assets that support long-term facility operations
