Studio Talks: How Can Technology Strengthen the Relationship Between the Architect and Client?
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At Studio Eagle, we’re lucky to spend our days designing collaborative workplaces for amazing clients. Not every day is easy, though. With each new project brings forward the challenge of how best can we help our clients visualize their new space?
From the point of conceptualization, to immersing our clients into the design, we find we need to better create opportunities that go beyond describing our design intent with pictures and drawings.
Two members from our technical and design teams – Technical Director Mike Macdonald and Junior Architect William Peralta – recently discussed their successes and the technological potentials we are seeing in our industry that can help us better understand how we can bridge the gap between the architect and client in the design of our spaces.
STUDIO EAGLE: from the onset of the design project, in what ways do you create opportunities to successfully portray your design intent to a client?
William: We always try to go to 3-D as fast as possible. When we share our work with our clients we want to help them visualize their space from day one – three-dimensional representation continues to bring us this opportunity. The one-to-one perspective for clients helps them holistically visualize their space.
We’ve also found creating animations and renders in real time gives the client a more immersive experience. We can get as real as sunrises to sunsets all in the model to help better tell our story.
Mike: For us, the process is start with 3-D scanning, move to a Building Information Model (BIM), and integrate our finishes. The design team then takes the proposed plan forward. Bringing the design and technical teams together gives us a more seamless transition and creates clear communication with our clients. At the end of the day it’s all about advancing more efficiently and meeting deadlines.
STUDIO EAGLE: What are the strengths and weaknesses you have found in using technology in your design process?
Mike: Technology is constantly evolving. For our team the question is rather how do we stay one step ahead and progress past the learning curve? We’re always reading and keeping our eyes open to training and new opportunities to learn where the world of technology in the architectural design industry is headed.
STUDIO EAGLE: Where do you see technology moving in the architectural design industry?
William: Technology is definitely moving towards a more virtual environment. What first comes to my mind is the advancement of augmented reality – this tool is amazing and has a lot of potential. Rather than walking through the traditional design development process, you can pop on a pair of shades and see the built environment one step further.
Ultimately, I believe we will be designing in 3-D – where we will already be in the space creating exactly what we need to do next.
Mike: A 3-D model not only goes through a clash detection process but will continue to alleviate conflict and change order risk in a more virtual environment. To Will’s point, we need to be moving this way and heading in this direction. What are we waiting for?