Dynamo for AECO: How Nodes and Documented Scripts Accelerate Real Technical Workflows

Jhania Perez
Apr 21
2 min read

In the daily design, coordination, and modeling workflows within the AECO environment, one challenge remains universal: the need for efficiency without sacrificing precision. That’s where tools like Dynamo come into play. But beyond the basics, there’s a more powerful and often underused layer—documented custom nodes.

What are nodes in Dynamo and why do they matter?

In Dynamo, a node represents a specific function or action. It can be as simple as adding two values, or as complex as extracting and processing parameters across multiple families in a BIM model. When these nodes are well-documented, organized, and tested, they become reusable blocks of technical knowledge that turn workflows into something much more robust and reliable.

For design, MEP, coordination, or energy analysis teams, this means one thing: less time solving repetitive tasks and more time designing creative solutions.

The power of shared and documented scripts

Working with documented scripts not only speeds up development. It also improves workflow readability, helps debug faster, and makes it easier for anyone on the team to contribute, learn, or iterate without starting from scratch.

Imagine a workflow that checks name consistency across family types or translates parameters based on a project’s language. Having a tested node that does this—and knowing exactly how it works thanks to proper documentation—changes everything.

Real-world use cases

Here are a few examples of how custom nodes are currently used in AECO projects:

Early-stage visualizations with AI: using generative models to create conceptual visuals from text prompts—no long rendering times needed.
Spatial logic integration with GPT: leveraging LLMs to suggest optimal MEP routes or validate room adjacencies in healthcare design.
Automation of repetitive tasks: from exporting element data to generating customized coordination reports.

All of these rely on one key foundation: well-designed nodes that encapsulate complex logic in accessible tools.

So why isn't everyone using them yet?

Many teams still write scripts from scratch or copy code snippets without full context.

The lack of an organized, documented node library is a barrier to widespread Dynamo adoption. But that’s starting to shift.

Several public and private repositories are growing—offering not only access to nodes, but also learning paths, sample workflows, and real-world use cases. This structure doesn’t just support learning—it drives innovation inside firms.

What are we doing about it?

At AvantLeap, we’ve been building and documenting a growing node collection—already over 200 nodes strong, with 800+ more planned. Each node doesn’t just solve a task; it fits into a larger system: making it easier for professionals—regardless of their coding skills—to connect Dynamo with services like OpenAI, Replicate, and other AI tools without added friction.

You can explore more about this library and what it enables here:

Dynamo Nodes