How PTG Transformed IT for Architecture Firms in the Triangle
See how Petronella Technology Group helped architecture firms across the Raleigh-Durham-RTP Triangle overcome critical IT challenges including large file management, cloud collaboration, intellectual property protection, and cybersecurity. PTG delivered infrastructure modernization and security solutions purpose-built for the demanding workflows of architectural design and engineering practices.
IT Obstacles Facing Architecture Firms in Raleigh-Durham
Architecture firms in the Raleigh-Durham-RTP Triangle operate in a uniquely technology-dependent environment where the intersection of creative design, complex engineering, and client collaboration demands an IT infrastructure that most generic technology providers simply cannot deliver. When these firms came to Petronella Technology Group for help, they were struggling with a common set of challenges that were directly impacting their productivity, competitiveness, and security.
The most immediate pain point was large file management. Architecture firms generate and work with enormous files on a daily basis. AutoCAD drawings, Revit models, 3D renderings, BIM files, high-resolution photographs, presentation packages, and construction documentation can easily reach gigabytes per project. Many firms were struggling with painfully slow file transfers between team members, remote workers who could not access project files without driving to the office, and storage systems that were constantly running out of space. Network infrastructure designed for basic office tasks was buckling under the demands of rendering engines pulling data from shared storage, multiple designers simultaneously editing large model files, and project managers assembling multi-gigabyte deliverable packages for clients and contractors.
Collaboration challenges compounded these infrastructure problems. Architecture is inherently collaborative, involving coordination between architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, contractors, and clients across multiple firms and locations. The firms approaching PTG lacked unified platforms for sharing large files securely with external collaborators, tracking project revisions across distributed teams, and maintaining version control on documents that were being edited by multiple people simultaneously. Meanwhile, cybersecurity had been largely neglected. Design files representing thousands of hours of creative and engineering work, proprietary design methodologies, client confidential information, financial records, and employee data were all sitting on systems with minimal protection. Several firms had experienced data loss from hardware failures, and none had a tested disaster recovery plan that could restore operations within an acceptable timeframe.
Purpose-Built IT for Architectural Practices
Petronella Technology Group developed a comprehensive IT transformation strategy specifically designed for the unique demands of architecture firms. Unlike generic IT providers who apply one-size-fits-all solutions, PTG's team, led by founder Craig Petronella, took the time to deeply understand how architects actually work, including their software requirements, file handling workflows, collaboration patterns, project timelines, and the critical relationship between IT performance and billable productivity. This understanding informed every technology decision, ensuring that solutions enhanced rather than hindered the creative and technical processes that drive architectural practice.
The infrastructure modernization began with a complete assessment of each firm's existing technology environment, including network topology, server and storage systems, workstation specifications, internet connectivity, software licensing, and remote access capabilities. PTG identified performance bottlenecks at every level and developed a phased implementation plan that addressed the most impactful issues first while minimizing disruption to ongoing project work. Critical early wins included upgrading network switches and cabling to support the bandwidth demands of large file transfers, deploying high-performance storage solutions with solid-state acceleration for active project files, and implementing bandwidth management policies that prioritized design application traffic over general internet browsing.
Cloud collaboration was a central pillar of PTG's solution architecture. Recognizing that modern architecture firms need to collaborate smoothly across locations and with external partners, PTG deployed cloud-based file synchronization and sharing platforms optimized for large file handling. These solutions enabled architects to access project files from any location with near-local performance, share large deliverables with clients and contractors through secure links rather than unreliable email attachments, and maintain automatic version history that eliminated the confusion of manually tracking file revisions. For firms using BIM workflows, PTG configured cloud-based central model hosting that allowed multiple team members to work on Revit models simultaneously from different locations, a capability that was transformative for firms with remote or distributed teams.
Security was woven throughout the entire solution rather than bolted on as an afterthought. PTG implemented layered cybersecurity defenses including next-generation firewalls, endpoint detection and response, email security, multi-factor authentication, and 24/7 security monitoring. Backup and disaster recovery systems were designed specifically for the large data volumes and rapid recovery requirements of architecture firms, with particular attention to ensuring that active project files could be restored within hours rather than days. PTG also addressed the human factor through security awareness training customized for design professionals, helping staff recognize phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other threats that could compromise the firm's data or client information.
Technology Solutions for Architecture & Design
High-Performance File Storage & Transfer
PTG deployed enterprise-grade storage infrastructure specifically engineered for the large file workloads generated by architecture firms. This included high-capacity network-attached storage with solid-state drive caching for active project files, delivering read and write speeds that eliminated the frustrating delays architects experienced when opening large AutoCAD drawings, Revit models, and 3D rendering files. Network infrastructure was upgraded to support 10-gigabit connections between workstations and storage, dramatically reducing the time required to save and load project files. For file transfers to external collaborators, PTG implemented secure high-speed transfer solutions that could move multi-gigabyte packages to clients and contractors in minutes rather than hours, replacing the unreliable and insecure methods previously used for sharing large deliverables.
Cloud Collaboration Platform
PTG deployed a comprehensive cloud collaboration platform that unified file sharing, project communication, and document management across each firm's entire team and their external partners. The platform provided secure, authenticated access to project files from any location and device, enabling architects to work from home, from construction sites, or from client offices with the same level of access they would have at their desks. Automatic synchronization kept local file caches current across all devices, while intelligent caching ensured that even users on slower connections could work productively with large files. The platform included robust permission controls that allowed firms to share specific project folders with external consultants and clients without exposing their entire file system, maintaining security while enabling the open collaboration that architectural projects demand.
Workstation Optimization & Management
Architectural design applications like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, and rendering engines like V-Ray and Lumion demand specialized workstation configurations that generic IT providers often get wrong. PTG optimized each firm's workstations for their specific software stack, including proper GPU configuration for OpenGL and DirectX rendering, memory allocation for large model files, storage configuration for optimal read/write performance, and display calibration for accurate color representation. PTG's managed workstation program includes proactive monitoring of hardware health, automated driver updates for professional-grade GPUs, and lifecycle management that ensures workstations are refreshed before performance degradation impacts productivity. This eliminates the all-too-common scenario where architects lose billable hours to spinning cursors, application crashes, and hardware failures on outdated machines.
Intellectual Property Protection
Architecture firms invest thousands of hours developing original designs, proprietary methodologies, and creative assets that represent their competitive advantage. PTG implemented comprehensive intellectual property protection measures including data loss prevention policies that monitor and control the transfer of sensitive files, access controls that ensure only authorized team members can view or modify specific project files, and encryption for data both in transit and at rest. Endpoint security controls prevent unauthorized copying of design files to external storage devices, while email security policies detect and block attempts to send proprietary files to unauthorized recipients. These protections ensure that the creative and technical work that defines each firm's value remains secure from both external threats and insider risks.
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Data loss is catastrophic for architecture firms. A single lost project file can represent weeks or months of design work that simply cannot be recreated from memory. PTG implemented robust backup and disaster recovery systems engineered for the large data volumes and rapid recovery requirements specific to architectural practice. The backup architecture includes continuous protection for active project files with point-in-time recovery granularity, automated daily backups of all servers and workstations, both local and cloud-based backup copies for geographic redundancy, and defined recovery time objectives that ensure business operations can resume within hours of any disaster. PTG conducts regular recovery drills to verify that backups are functional and that the recovery process can be executed successfully within the defined timeframes, giving firms confidence that their most valuable assets are truly protected.
Network Security & Remote Access
PTG secured each firm's network infrastructure with enterprise-grade firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, network segmentation, and 24/7 monitoring. For the increasingly common need to support remote and hybrid work arrangements, PTG deployed high-performance VPN solutions that provide encrypted, secure access to office resources from any location without the performance degradation that made previous remote access solutions unusable for working with large design files. Multi-factor authentication was deployed across all access points including VPN, email, cloud applications, and financial systems. PTG's continuous monitoring ensures that any suspicious network activity is detected and investigated immediately, protecting firms from the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting businesses in the Raleigh-Durham-RTP Triangle and throughout North Carolina.
Measurable Results for Architecture Clients
Ready to see what PTG can do for your business? Schedule a free consultation and join the businesses across the Triangle that trust us with their technology.
919-348-4912PTG's IT transformation delivered immediate and lasting improvements for architecture firms across the Raleigh-Durham-RTP Triangle. Architects reported dramatically faster workflows, seamless remote collaboration, and the confidence that comes from knowing their intellectual property and client data are protected by industry-leading security measures. These results reflect PTG's deep understanding of the technology demands unique to architectural practice and its commitment to delivering solutions that make a tangible difference in daily operations, competitive positioning, and long-term business resilience.
PTG Success Across Multiple Industries
The same expertise, methodology, and commitment to excellence that PTG brings to architecture firms extends across every industry vertical we serve. Whether your organization is in financial services, healthcare, legal, construction, or any other sector, PTG delivers tailored cybersecurity and IT solutions built on 22+ years of experience protecting businesses across the Raleigh-Durham-RTP Triangle and throughout North Carolina. Explore our other success stories to see how PTG can help your organization thrive.
Accounting & Financial
How PTG secured sensitive financial data, achieved regulatory compliance, and modernized IT for accounting firms in the Triangle.
All Case Studies
Browse the complete library of PTG client success stories spanning healthcare, legal, construction, non-profit, and more.
Meet Craig Petronella
Learn about the founder who has built PTG into the Triangle's most trusted cybersecurity and managed IT services partner.
Meet Autumn Wilkins
Get to know one of the cybersecurity professionals who helps PTG clients achieve robust security and IT excellence.
The PTG Advantage for Architecture Firms
Design Industry Understanding
PTG understands the unique technology demands of architectural practice. We have hands-on experience supporting AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, rendering engines, and the BIM workflows that drive modern design. Unlike generic IT providers, we optimize your technology environment specifically for the software, file sizes, and collaboration patterns that define your daily work, delivering measurable improvements in design team productivity.
Performance-Focused Infrastructure
We build IT infrastructure that performs under the demanding workloads architecture firms generate. From high-speed network architectures that eliminate file access delays to properly configured workstations that maximize rendering performance, every component is selected and optimized for the specific requirements of architectural design and engineering applications rather than generic office use.
Zero-Breach Security
Your designs, client information, and business data deserve the same level of protection that PTG has provided to over 2,500 companies over 22+ years with zero breaches among clients who implemented our full security recommendations. Our layered security approach protects your intellectual property and sensitive data from ransomware, theft, insider threats, and all other cyber risks facing Triangle-area businesses today.
Local Triangle Partnership
Based in Raleigh, PTG provides responsive, personalized service to architecture firms throughout the Triangle including Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Research Triangle Park. We are a local partner invested in the success of the Triangle design community, not a distant call center. When your rendering server goes down before a deadline or you need emergency support, we are here, ready to help, every time.
Questions About IT for Architecture Firms
Ready to Upgrade Your Architecture Firm's Technology?
Join the growing number of architecture and design firms across the Raleigh-Durham-RTP Triangle that trust Petronella Technology Group with their IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and collaboration technology. With 22+ years of experience, 2,500+ companies served, and zero breaches among clients who implemented our full security recommendations, PTG delivers the performance, security, and reliability your practice demands. Schedule your free technology assessment today and discover how PTG can eliminate the IT frustrations holding your firm back, accelerate your design workflows, and protect the creative assets that define your competitive advantage.