Are you looking to elevate your structural design process? Do you want to automate repetitive tasks and explore more creative solutions? Our new Introduction to Parametric Design training is designed to bridge the gap between traditional structural engineering and cutting-edge parametric design methodologies. 

This training is tailored for both  

• Consteel users who have heard about parametric design and Grasshopper but haven’t had the opportunity to dive in, and  

• Grasshopper users looking to apply their skills specifically to structural engineering with Consteel. 

Expand your design possibilities 

Our training uniquely combines the strengths of multiple platforms: 

• Rhino with Grasshopper: The industry-standard environment for parametric modeling 

• Pangolin: Our custom plugin that bridges Grasshopper with structural engineering workflows 

• Consteel’s Descript: Our powerful in-built scripting environment 

By understanding how these tools work together, you’ll develop a comprehensive toolkit that spans from conceptual design through detailed structural analysis. 

The training provides a balanced approach to both environments, ensuring you can leverage the full potential of parametric design in your work: 

1. Foundation skills 

• Navigate Rhino and Grasshopper’s interface specifically for parametric design 

• Master Consteel’s Descript environment for streamlined scripting 

2. Cross-platform workflows 

• Connect Grasshopper and Consteel through live scripting 

• Build a simple beam example to understand the fundamentals 

3. Real-world applications 

• Create a parametric transmission tower model—from wireframe geometry to full analysis 

• Design and investigate a hall structure with a canopy 

• Interpret Consteel results within Grasshopper for iterative refinement 

4. Optimization techniques 

• Compare optimization approaches in both Grasshopper and Descript 

• Focus on section optimization for a simple truss design 

• Learn practical methods for evaluating multiple design solutions 

Why parametric design matters? 

In today’s competitive environment, parametric design has become an essential approach for forward-thinking engineers and designers. The efficiency gained through automating repetitive tasks allows professionals to dedicate more time to creative problem-solving and innovative thinking.  

Parametric methodologies enable teams to quickly evaluate multiple design alternatives, leading to more thorough exploration of possibilities that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Engineers can fine-tune their designs with unprecedented precision, optimizing for crucial factors like performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability benchmarks.  

Perhaps most importantly, parametric design fosters improved collaboration by creating standardized workflows that enhance communication between architects and engineers, breaking down traditional silos that have historically limited interdisciplinary innovation. As structural engineering continues to evolve, these parametric approaches increasingly represent not just a competitive advantage but a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize and execute complex structural projects. 

Ready to transform your design process? 

This training represents an investment in skills that are becoming increasingly essential in modern structural engineering. Whether you’re looking to stay competitive in the industry or simply curious about expanding your capabilities, our Introduction to Parametric Design training provides the perfect foundation.