For decades, computer-aided design (CAD) has played a critical role in the planning, design, and delivery of infrastructure projects. At Mark Thomas, Autodesk technology plays a central role in supporting innovation, efficiency, and collaboration across transportation, land development, structures, and landscape projects. As a California-based engineering firm with a long-standing commitment to quality design, Mark Thomas has steadily evolved its CAD strategy to leverage Autodesk solutions and meet the increasing demands of modern infrastructure delivery. Today, the firm supports approximately 250 internal CAD users, each working within discipline-specific standards built on Autodesk-based workflows tailored to their teams' needs.
Building on an Autodesk-Centered CAD Foundation
Mark Thomas’s approach to CAD reflects the broader evolution of the AEC industry. What began as a drafting support function has grown into an integrated design environment powered by Autodesk tools and essential to engineering and construction workflows.
By maintaining clear CAD standards and continuously evaluating Autodesk technologies and workflows, Mark Thomas enables consistency, accuracy, and coordination across projects. This disciplined approach allows engineers and designers to focus on delivering high-quality outcomes rather than navigating fragmented systems or manual rework.
Improving Efficiency Through Autodesk Collaboration Tools
Innovation at Mark Thomas is driven by practical needs, improving collaboration, accelerating workflows, and reducing inefficiencies across large and complex projects. By leveraging Autodesk collaboration and cloud-based tools, the firm has enhanced team coordination and streamlined the sharing and management of design information. These improvements have delivered measurable efficiency gains, including dramatically reduced software load times and smoother collaboration across large infrastructure projects, benefits that directly support project delivery and internal productivity.
Preparing for the Future with Autodesk Technologies
Looking ahead, Mark Thomas continues to explore emerging Autodesk capabilities that will shape the future of transportation and infrastructure design. Advancements such as 3D design, BIM-enabled workflows, and intelligent data-driven tools are opening new possibilities for corridor visualization, improved decision-making, and better integration between design and construction.
By integrating new Autodesk technologies into established workflows, Mark Thomas is positioning itself to leverage innovation while maintaining the reliability and precision its projects demand.
A Case Study in Autodesk-Enabled Digital Progress
This Mark Thomas case study illustrates how infrastructure firms can evolve their digital practices using Autodesk technology while staying grounded in proven processes. Their journey shows that successful digital transformation isn’t about adopting tools in isolation; it’s about aligning technology, standards, and people around clear goals for efficiency and quality.
Share Your Autodesk Story
Case studies like this help inspire the infrastructure community and highlight real-world approaches to Autodesk-powered digital delivery. If you are a customer or partner with a testimonial to share, whether it is an Autodesk workflow improvement, a technology transition, or a measurable project outcome, we would love to hear from you. Your experience could help peers across the industry learn, adapt, and move forward with confidence.
Submit your story today and help shape the future of smarter infrastructure delivery.
Lisa Galicia, Marketing Programs Manager, Infrastructure
Lisa Galicia is the Marketing Programs Manager for ARKANCE’s Infrastructure Business Unit, where she leads strategic initiatives that connect civil engineering professionals with innovative technology solutions. She develops programs that showcase customer success and demonstrate how ARKANCE’s expertise and Autodesk solutions help agencies deliver smarter, more connected infrastructure.