Moreno supports its digital transition with Fit 4 Innovation

Established in Luxembourg since 1995, Moreno Architecture & Associés, named after its founder Stefano Moreno, is a well-recognised entity in the country's architecture and urban planning sector.

With 35 employees, many of whom boast 15 to 20 years of experience, the agency has achieved some remarkable, even iconic projects such as the One On One office building in Luxembourg, the interior design and space planning of the RTL City premises, the Omnia residential building in Esch-Belval, and the renovation of the Marnix building in Brussels.

From 2D to 3D: tackling both managerial and technological challenges

For many years, the Moreno agency was one of the few still predominantly using 2D models, while the market increasingly demanded 3D for all projects.

However, this was not due to a lack of will: the agency had attempted twice to make this transition but failed to complete the process. The obvious observation was that it was not merely a technological project involving software migration but rather a comprehensive managerial endeavour. This project also needed to manage the impact of such a transition on productivity.

"Once it became clear that we needed to overhaul all our processes, it was sensible to rely on the expertise of professionals who could provide an external perspective. It was during our meeting with the consulting firm Optimease that we learned about the Fit 4 Innovation programme," says Stefano Moreno. "I was unaware of this programme and did not even consider that, as an SME in the field of architecture, we could be eligible for public aid."

The Fit 4 Innovation programme: structured support for Luxembourg SMEs

The Fit 4 Innovation programme, an initiative of the Ministry of the Economy operated by Luxinnovation, is designed for Luxembourg SMEs wishing to improve their organisation, processes, and competitiveness through tailored expert support.

In practical terms, the programme unfolds in two main phases:

1. In-depth audit phase: An external, neutral perspective is employed to create a precise picture of the existing situation, identifying friction points, areas for rapid improvement (the "quick wins"), and fundamental projects.
2. Deployment phase: This part is structured around a prioritised roadmap, which includes monitoring indicators and support throughout implementation.

Companies participating in this programme can benefit from partial financial aid from the Ministry of the Economy to cover the costs of the consulting mission conducted by a service provider approved by Luxinnovation.

A comprehensive organisational audit to transform processes

To execute the diagnostic phase, the consultant conducted numerous interviews, involving a third of the agency's employees, to understand how the existing system operated and what "easy" optimisations could be made, while considering the project's global scope. "In a context of migration or process change, it is crucial for everyone to buy in. The 'soft skills' aspect is therefore very important."

This audit helped Stefano Moreno understand why the first two migration attempts had failed: "Our method was flawed because only a few people were truly involved in the project. There was no training support for the rest of the team."

I found the multi-sectoral perspective of the Luxinnovation teams very interesting. Stefano Moreno

This objective perspective, free from emotional bias, proved beneficial on several levels. It enabled the identification of certain suboptimal operational practices. "Generally, you can sense when things are not going well, but like any good entrepreneur, you focus on the positives," Moreno admits. "This process allowed us to concretely identify what often remained as mere feelings. It became factual. Having someone illuminate these insights is invaluable."

The roadmap developed following this preparatory work covers several tangible areas:

• Standardisation of deliverables and documents
• Structuring the project life cycle (from inception to completion)
• Implementation of templates
• Development of soft skills and internal change management

"We are a rather creative agency, and everyone is very interested in these proposals. We realise how much more efficient we can become, spending less time on mundane tasks and more on quality, high-value activities. The key to the process lies in employee development. We know that no one likes change. But if this change brings better comfort and work quality, then perhaps it's worth it!"

Luxinnovation's multi-sector support

Throughout the process, the national innovation agency Luxinnovation has supported Moreno Architecture & Associés, providing expertise at various levels. "I found the multi-sectoral perspective of the Luxinnovation teams very interesting. Their ability to move from one sector to another and provide us with different visions and viewpoints that we couldn't have is crucial."

Stefano Moreno also highlights the good understanding between the teams at Luxinnovation and those of the service provider Optimease, a vital condition for this support to remain fluid and beneficial for all parties.

Ambitious prospects

The roadmap for Moreno Architecture & Associés aims to completely migrate production to 3D tools within a year. Meanwhile, the deployment of soft skills and process management will span a two- to three-year horizon.

"We don't claim to aim for an ideal model. But it is essential to take the time to ask the right questions, observe the surroundings, and strive to do the best possible. In two or three years, we may take a similar pause again."

By then, artificial intelligence might have become a significant part of the agency's production processes. "It's obviously going to be part of the developments to come. We are still evaluating how."

Stefano Moreno's strongest conviction remains that even before the rollout began, the exercise had already yielded tangible effects. This is why he wholeheartedly encourages other SMEs to take the plunge. "Do it because it's worth it! Don't be afraid; it's not an effort. It's even more of a pleasure to take the time for your business and a privilege to do so with professional support. My only regret is not having had this opportunity sooner! I might have avoided the first two failures."

Call on Luxinnovation for your innovation projects

Like Moreno, do you want to take the time to gain an external perspective on your organisation, identify performance areas, and structure your transformation? Luxinnovation supports Luxembourg SMEs at every stage of their development, from audit to implementation.

Find out more about the Fit 4 Innovation programme and contact our teams to assess your eligibility.