BranchPattern

Beetroot built a custom web platform MVP for a sustainability consultancy firm. The goal was to replace multiple processes and files with an integrated digital platform containing spreadsheets, files, and reference guides. As a result, the project’s efficiency increased by 20% in less than 12 months, helping the company win two additional clients.

  • Python
  • React.js
  • Remix.js
  • Azure

Background

BranchPattern is an American sustainability consultancy agency consisting of Professional Engineers, Registered Architects, and Building Scientists who focus on implementing programs and solutions to optimize human experience and environmental stewardship in the built environment.

Their interdisciplinary team of experts brings together building science, design, engineering, and technology to holistically address the environmental, societal, and economic needs of diverse buildings and empower developers, designers, and organizations to create high-performance buildings that save on cost and reduce carbon emissions.

  • Challenge

    BranchPattern approached Beetroot with the goal of creating an integrated digital platform to replace multiple processes and files. The client faced challenges in finding a ready-made product on the market that met their criteria, so they needed a totally customized and bespoke platform for a fairly niche industry. The challenges we had to address were:

    • Leveraging data and digital platforms efficiently: BranchPattern needed to improve how they worked with data and digital platforms to consistently demonstrate value to clients. The solution should increase the efficiency of the internal team and impress their respective data-savvy clients with a platform they can access and engage with.
    • Team onboarding and training: Bringing new hires on board, training them, and getting them up to speed was one of the challenges the client needed to address with this solution.
    • Maintaining profitability: As early adopters and leaders in delivering their programs, BranchPattern faced the challenge of improving efficiency to sustain profitability in response to market-driven price reductions.
    • Task automation: Addressing inquiries about several hundred projects BranchPattern has certified was labor-intensive because data was scattered across multiple files and locations. This highlighted the need for centralized, accessible data management.
    • Fragmented file storage: With files spread across various locations, consolidating data into a unified digital platform was critical to improving efficiency and reducing operational bottlenecks.

  • Goals

    • Consolidate data to increase efficiency: Bringing all data together and transitioning to a streamlined digital platform to improve overall efficiency and responsiveness.
    • Deliver more projects with existing staff: The overarching goal was to handle more projects without requiring additional hires when onboarding new clients, ensuring scalability and sustainability in service delivery.

  • Project Recap

    • The client shortlisted Beetroot through an online search and selected it over others because it matched criteria such as cultural fit, good value for cost, alignment of company values, and sustainability focus.
    • Beetroot’s team conducted a robust discovery process that resulted in a proposed roadmap, technology stack, timeline, and budget. This helped set the project’s course and priorities, with an MVP targeted for December 2024.
    • Together with the client, we developed a sprint schedule and a roadmap for version updates to track project development and exchange feedback.
    • The discovery phase lasted 12 weeks, and the MVP stage, with a revised scope, took place between May and December. In January 2025, BranchPattern released the product for internal use by teams working on project certification.

Solution

To address BranchPattern’s challenges, Beetroot provided a dedicated team structured in two phases:

  • Discovery phase: Business analyst, designer, project manager, and technical lead.
  • MVP development phase: Business analyst, QA specialist, project manager, one backend developer, and one frontend developer.

  • Solution Development

    Our team began by reviewing BranchPattern’s extensive spreadsheets, calculators, and program standards to gain a deep understanding of their workflows. Based on these insights, we developed an integrated web platform, consolidating scattered information from multiple files and reference guides into a single, streamlined system.

    • Cost-efficient tech stack: We strategically used open-source technologies to balance affordability with high-quality functionality.
    • Rapid prototyping: A swift MVP launch enabled early user feedback and continuous iteration.
    • Iterative improvements: The platform was designed for adaptability, evolving in line with BranchPattern’s operational needs.

  • Technology Stack

    • Backend: Python (Django) – Chosen for its versatility, robust support, and extensive ecosystem.
    • Frontend: React.js – Ensuring a scalable, feature-rich user interface seamlessly integrated with Django.
    • Performance optimization: Remix.js – Enhancing client-side navigation for a dynamic, high-performance experience
    • Cloud provider: Azure – Aligned with BranchPattern’s existing Microsoft-based ecosystem.

  • Implementation

    Following the discovery phase, MVP development was structured in two key stages:

    • Initial launch (3 months): Delivered a basic workflow enabling project managers to track incoming projects and perform manual compliance checks.
    • Extended development (4 months): Based on user feedback, we enhanced the platform with dashboards, checklists, and improved workflow automation to support integration and change management.

    After deploying the first version, we identified a need for clearer expectations regarding future updates and communication. To address this, Beetroot collaborated with BranchPattern to establish a structured sprint schedule, incorporating feedback loops and a well-defined roadmap for future improvements.

    Beetroot’s dedicated Project Manager ensured smooth execution by managing the team, schedule, and client communication. As the single point of contact, she streamlined requests and guided BranchPattern through the process, providing clarity and structure, especially given their limited experience with this type of project.

Results

Through a combination of deep discovery, efficient development, and a flexible, feedback-driven approach, Beetroot successfully delivered a scalable, cost-efficient solution tailored to BranchPattern’s needs.

The result is that the project managers on BranchPattern’s end can see all of their projects and documentation in one place, quickly move throughout the project without opening/closing files, and seamlessly interact with project data. Key deliverables are:

  1. An MVP that the client’s beta testers would be comfortable rolling out to a larger practice.
  2. Increased project efficiency by 20% among the project managers using the platform.
  3. Platform leveraged to win two additional clients in <12 months after launch.

Reflections on the project

  • Beetroot AB successfully delivered the platform’s MVP, increasing project efficiency by 20% and helping win two additional clients. The team was dedicated, managed the project schedule well, and responded consistently. They also made an impressive effort to understand the client’s business.

    Pete Jefferson,
    Senior VP, BranchPattern

Bring your idea to life

Check some of the main reasons tech leaders and non-tech startup founders choose us for their custom software development solutions.

    2000