Between the Lines

Autodesk University 2023: Your Thrive Guide

After attending 32 Autodesk University events, I won't be at this year's event, and no longer work for Autodesk. However, my tradition of providing tips to make the most of Autodesk University (AU) continues. This guide aims to help you not just survive, but thrive at AU 2023. Read more →

The Importance of Drone Photogrammetry and Aerial LiDAR in Construction

The construction industry is undergoing a technological and digital transformation, and one of the evolving and emerging technologies are in the area of reality capture including drone (UAS) photogrammetry and aerial LiDAR. Both technologies offer unique advantages in capturing high-quality data for construction projects, making them invaluable tools for modern AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professionals. Read more →

What is Industrialized Construction?

In a world where rapid urbanization and technology go hand in hand, construction methods constantly evolve and technology disruptions are occurring daily. One increasing development is industrialized construction (IC) where there is a convergence of manufacturing and AEC. Read more →

How AEC Firms Can Harness the Power of AI

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector is experiencing a transformative digital shift, thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI). From design conception to construction management, AI has found applications across a myriad of tasks. Let's explore some key ways AEC firms can utilize AI. Design Optimization AI algorithms can sift through complex data sets to recommend the most efficient design layouts. By analyzing factors such as sunlight, wind direction, form, and material strength, AI can offer eco-friendly and cost-effective designs. Predictive... Read more →

Evaluating the ROI and Hidden Costs of Design Software and CAD Tools in AEC

In the fast-paced world of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), having the right design software and CAD tools is more than a convenience—it's a necessity. These digital assets are integral to project planning, execution, and even client presentations. However, they also represent a significant investment. This post aims to guide you through the process of assessing the value and Return on Investment (ROI) of your design software, while also considering the often-overlooked costs. Read more →

Glacial Escape

Last week, Stefanie and I got out for a few hours just west of town 20 miles to exercise our day permit we had got a few days ago. We got it to hike into the Three Sisters Wilderness to Broken Top Mountain (a collapsed volcano), the Bend Glacier, and the beautiful blue-turquoise No Name Lake from the Broken Top Trailhead in the Deschutes National Forest. Stay tuned for more technology and industry articles, advice, and reviews on the Between... Read more →

Last Weekend - Diving Kayaking and Spending Time with Friends

Last weekend we visited a beautiful Central Oregon lake that is formed from a freshwater spring, and gin crystal clear. 360 photo: Photos of this lake could be mistaken for the Mediterranean oceans clear waters. I hope you are having a nice summer and getting out in nature. Its a great place to relax, quiet the mind, and come up with new ideas, inspiration, or realization of gratitude. -Shaan Read more →

Visiting Portland This Weekend

We are visiting Portland Friday August 18th through Sunday August 20th afternoon. We are coming for a few meetings, and some fun. First and foremost we are going to the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby Saturday at Mt Tabor Park. This will be my first year not being a course official in the infamous “Blood Alley”, and I will enjoy getting to enjoy the fun. We are also visiting some of my PDX favs like Portland Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, St... Read more →

Harnessing the Power of GIS Location Intelligence in AEC

In the ever-evolving and rapid digitization of the world of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), the importance of location-based data and spatial analytics cannot be understated. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have increasingly become an important strategic component, offering a vital competitive edge for AEC firms. One of the most prominent GIS platforms is Esri's ArcGIS, providing powerful location intelligence and spatial analytics capabilities to users worldwide. Read more →

Dive into XR: Shaping the Future of Building and Design

What is Extended Reality (XR)? The advent of XR has been very helpful for many industries, including Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and also Manufacturing. XR technology is revolutionizing the way we design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure, facilitating better communication, enhancing collaboration, inspection, and increasing overall productivity and efficiency. Read more →

Digital Twins in the AEC Industry: A Game Changer!

Are you as excited about the latest tech trends as I am? One trend in the digital transformation of industries that's got me on the edge of my seat is Digital Twins. These virtual replicas can transform the way we work in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) world and the data we use to inform decisions and drive design. Let's dive in! Read more →

Camping at Diamond Lake

Last week I went tent camping with my girlfriend and our two dogs to the Crater Lake National Park area at Diamond Lake Oregon. Mosquitos were out in force, but manageable. We didn't get into the National Park due to the historical amounts of snow this Winter, Crater Lake North Entrance and the rim drive were closed until they can get roads and facilities plowed for tourists, but we still had a blast and rode our bikes the 12 mile... Read more →

Sign Villain Busted Using Super Geek Powers of AirTag

Being a technology geek has its benefits when trying to solve a local real estate sign theft issue. Long story short, I helped my partner to solve the case of the disappearing real estate signs. These real estate signs can be spendy and come out of the real estate agent’s pocket. After placing the Open House sign out along the street, I simply taped an Apple AirTag to the sign and then stood nearby with a nice warm chai tea... Read more →

Happy First Day of Summer

Today is the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. The first day of summer, often referred to as the summer solstice, is a special solar event celebrated globally, marking the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. This usually occurs on June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, and December 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. The term "solstice" comes from the Latin words 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still), reflecting the sun... Read more →

Is There a Future for 2D

Is there still a future for flat two dimensional (2D) writing or drawings, yes. 2D drawings and written communication have been around since the beginning of time as evidenced on cave walls and papyrus. Today many use these flat 2D methods based on needs, medium, cost, and effort and will continue to rely on them, even in design using CAD (Computer Aided Design). CAD has dramatically changed the way we design and develop products, structures, and systems. CAD software today is more focused on 3D modeling, enabling engineers and designers to create three-dimensional representations of their ideas. However, amidst the dominance of 3D CAD, the question arises: Is there a future for 2D CAD? Read more →

Unleashing Creativity: The Innovative Marketing of BarkBox

Coho, my almost 2 year old hyper, sweet, sniffy, and energetic silver labrador is a rockstar when it comes to playing with, and testing toys. He takes some apart and removes their squeakers by performing what I call squeakerectomies. In today's ever-evolving and crowded and “ruff” world of marketing, companies are constantly searching for new and creative ways to capture the attention of their target audience. One company that has knocked the dog ball out of the park in my opinion is BarkBox, a subscription service for dog products. Read more →

Epic Roadtrip Bend Oregon to Napa California

What a magical trip last week for the Memorial Day holiday weekend! My girlfriend and I embarked on a road trip that I can only describe as an epic adventure. Our journey started in sunny Central Oregon’s Bend, Oregon. We drove to Napa California in the San Francisco Bay Area, and then on the return trip back up the iconic Pacific Coast Highway101. We crossed picturesque landscapes, beaches, and vineyards, that culminated in a three-day immersive musical experience at the... Read more →

Spring Finally in Central Oregon

The other day I went with the Deschutes Land Trust to photograph and film some wildflowers starting to appear. It was a very warm and sunny day near the Ochoco National Forest where we spotted many wildflowers like Indian paintbrush, prairie stars, balsam root, flax and phlox, checkered lilies, wild onion, wild strawberries, chokecherry, serviceberry, larkspur, columbine,and so much more as well as wildlife like vultures, squirrels, lizards, small birds, rabbits, elk and deer tracks, and one small 5-7-year-old northern... Read more →

How Might AI Impact the AEC industry and Construction

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is one of the most rapidly evolving industries of the 21st century, and to me, it is feeling like the speed is accelerating. With the introduction of AI (Artificial Intelligence), the industry is undergoing a transformation that is expected to have a major impact on the AEC design tools, data, construction process, and the entire industry, including all of us. The what and how we build. The potential applications of AI in the... Read more →

Testfit.io - A Building Design Automation Startup

In the world of architecture and real estate development, the preliminary development and design process can be time-consuming, and costly. However, with the emergence of startups like Testfit.io, the game is changing. Read more →

Snaptrude – Innovating the Architectural Design Process

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is no stranger to innovation, and disruption. We have seen new technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and 3D printing that have transformed the way we design and build. Now, Snaptrude, a relatively new AEC startup aims to further revolutionize the industry with its architectural design platform harnessing the power of intelligent automation and real-time visualization on the cloud. Read more →

How Technology May Change in Our Lifetime – Food for Thought

”It is easy to underestimate how much the world can change within a lifetime. Bringing to mind how dramatically the world has changed can help us see how different the world could be in a few years or decades.” By Max Roser of Our World in Data February 22, 2023 Read the full article. Technology over the long run: zoom out to see how dramatically the world can change within a lifetime - Our World in Data Read more →

AEC Design Software Trends

The AEC Trend Nostradamus.. The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) design software and technology market has been rapidly evolving over the past two decades, with numerous trends shaping or morphing the industry. Here are some of the most significant trends that have emerged in recent years: Cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based AEC design software has become increasingly popular due to its accessibility, scalability, and flexibility. This trend has enabled users to collaborate on projects in real-time and work from anywhere, leading to... Read more →

Manufacturing Design Software Trends

The MFG Trend Nostradamus.. I have been deep dive researching in AEC and Manufacturing design software and the greater industry trends. Here is my overview of manufacturing design software trends. There are several trends in mechanical design software technologies that are shaping the future of engineering and product design. Some of these trends in no particular order of significance include: Cloud-based software: Cloud-based software is becoming increasingly popular as it allows engineers to access design tools and data from anywhere... Read more →

Pure Stoke – Skiing on a Volcano

I went alpine skiing, Wednesday at Mt Bachelor. Mt Bachelor is an extinct volcanic cone mountain about 20 miles West of Bend Oregon where I live, and the 6trh largest ski resort in the US. We have received so much snow recently, that I had to go skiing even after so much recent travel left me exhausted. It was also my lucky day to be skiing with sunny skies and fresh powder “pow” when they opened the summit ski lift... Read more →