Northwest firms explore 3D, virtual reality, drones

Advanced technology helps architects
better communicate with clients By Natasha Nellis
The flood of technology over the past 10 years has changed the day-to-day operations of Inland Northwest architecture firms, and up-and-coming technology advances have the potential to change the industry even more, experts say.
A growing industry of
design and building information modeling software, ranging from programs that
have been around for years, like AutoCAD and Rhinoceros, to newer ones such as
Revit and Lumion, has streamlined workflows and made projects more time
efficient, they say. Hardware advances, including drones, 3D printers, laser
cutters, and virtual and augmented reality devices have increased significantly
a firm’s ability to communicate with clients and to market its work.
“Tech gives the
ability to push the limits of science at a higher rate,” said Matthew Collins,
owner of Spokane-based Uptic Studios.
Representatives of
Spokane-area design firms across the board say the abil..

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