What is VDC?

Virtual Design and Construction is the framework that turns the digital asset into an early decision system.

Updated November 2026 · 7 min read

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a method that manages the project's digital asset and brings people together with aligned processes, to plan cost, schedule and risk digitally before building.

Where it comes from

The method was introduced at Stanford University's Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE), which teaches and certifies professionals from around the world.

The model unlocks the data. The value is in what you decide with it.

Its three pillars

Product, process and people. The product is the digital asset as the single source of truth; processes connect design, cost, planning and the site on the same data; people decide with a shared purpose.