NBS, the construction technology platform, today announced the acquisition of Australian specification consultancy SCL Schumann (SCL) along with its specification software tool Ezyspec. This acquisition will create Australia’s most comprehensive, consistent and up-to-date platform for building product information and architectural specifications as well as providing world-class consulting services.
The SCL acquisition is another milestone in NBS’ global expansion plans and offers access to a customer base that comprises over 100 architectural firms, including most of the Top 50 Australian architecture practices.
Both NBS and SCL are committed to improving the accuracy and quality of specifications, thus driving up construction quality. Both partners offer technology which allows architects, designers and specifiers’ to interpret information better and therefore be able to make informed choices when designing or specifying for a building project.
Lincoln Easton, Managing Director APAC, says, “Construction technology is increasingly expected to be a fundamental part of a building project, and as the sector digitises there is a rapidly growing demand for truly global solutions. Companies and practices want and expect to be able to use the same tools regardless of international boundaries. Bringing SCL into the NBS family will combine game-changing technology with world-class consultancy expertise. This will offer Australian specifiers additional opportunities to build out their digital toolkit further.”
Easton concludes, “Digital tools and innovation will be key in construction meeting the big challenges of the twenty-first century, including climate change. These tools will allow architects and specifiers to design better buildings based on the latest performance data from building manufacturers. Not only will buildings be greener, but they will also be safer.”
Schumann Consult Australia Managing Director Will Hamlyn-Harris comments, “NBS is passionate about digital construction. Their leading technology platform combines the best content and connectivity and its designed for anyone involved in the design, supply and construction of the built environment. This acquisition will further enable SCL to improve the quantity, quality, and support of our specification and software products, including Ezyspec, with full access to the global resources, reach and experience of NBS.”
Hamlyn-Harris adds, “I was impressed with the capabilities and direction that NBS offers through their systems and team capacity. The writing on the wall moment came when I witnessed the integration Chorus offered with modelling platforms such as Revit and Archicad. This approach is the future of specifications and scheduling. This acquisition will enable SCL to accelerate our growth plans and desire to improve the construction industry, protecting the designer, their client and delivering the best project outcomes.”
This news is part of NBS’ global growth strategy, following the 2017 acquisition of Canadian firm, Digicon Inc. and a $60m investment into NBS, from Lloyds Banking Group’s private equity arm LDC, in 2018.
For more information contact:
Isabel Dias
isabel.dias@thenbs.com
NOTES TO EDITOR
ABOUT NBS: https://www.thenbs.com/
NBS is a global leading technology platform that combines the best content and connectivity for anyone involved in the design, supply and construction of the built environment.
For architects, engineers, designers and contractors we provide a cloud-based specification system that enables them to work smarter and reduce their risk.
For building product manufacturers, we help grow their business by exposing their products across the construction project timeline.
Headquartered in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, NBS has a global reach via our permanent bases in both Australia and Canada.
Our roots lie in the UK’s National Building Specification, which for nearly 50 years has been helping the construction industry build better and with lower risk.
Our future lies in cloud-based technologies and connected data, as we fast become the information marketplace for the global construction industry.
About SCL
SCL Schumann is the world’s largest dedicated specification consulting firm and has its roots spanning over 35 years. SCL has developed baseline specifications, processes, systems and a unique set of skills dedicated to specification consulting across the globe, with tailored services suitable to each region it serves, protecting the designer. It also has client and software tools, including Ezyspec, which has been improving the construction industry and standard of design documentation in Australia since 2004.
Call: 1300 263 553
