Meet Our Technology Group
The SWBR Technology Group is our firm-wide resource for advanced building scanning and point cloud BIM modeling services.
The firm has always embraced design innovation and has now taken that commitment to the next level with a significant investment for in-house visualization technology. Our three-person team of technology experts employ a combination of 3D laser scanning, virtual and augmented reality, and drone software to create point cloud data. This process results in exceptionally accurate and detailed 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) models, which can be used throughout the design process.
We have created a design and technology center which includes a gaming T.V. for AR/VR viewing, enabling immersive experiences within designs for our clients and design teams.
These in-house capabilities can eliminate the need for manual scanning, measuring, and hand drawing, saving valuable time for design, and reducing the chance for human error. “We’re creating a ‘Culture of Accuracy’ for our clients,” said Chief Information Officer, Keith Sylvester, who also oversees the group.
Keith, who has been with SWBR for over 20 years, manages all IT systems and is the lead Information Technology (IT) decision maker, responsible for strategy, design, implementation, utilization of technology, and data security.
Victor Cruz, our reprographics manager who has been with the firm since 1993, has been a Level II Faro Scene Certified and drone pilot since 2016. Drone photography is used to better see conditions that are otherwise inaccessible, enabling greater understanding and attention to detail, during the earliest stages of design. Drone technology provides photography of exterior and roof conditions, capturing existing conditions prior to and after design. Laser Scanning technology provides “point cloud” scans of exterior and interior conditions and measurements, capturing existing conditions prior to and after design with great accuracy.
New to the group, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager Peter Foti has expertise and passion for Point Cloud technology, 3D modeling, Revit, laser scanning, and virtual reality. Peter’s expertise with digital scanning and point cloud technology allows us to create precise measurements that are crucial to the project’s success, saving time for designers and billable hours for clients.
“Applying these new technologies strengthens our current design expertise and creates new avenues for growth, improving our services and offering our clients an enhanced customer service experience,” said President Tom Gears, AIA. “We look forward to our on-going use of these technical capabilities, as well as our additional expertise with building energy modeling, envelope performance, and advanced thermal imaging for roofing design.”
