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Jorge Nieves-Rodriguez, a seasoned generalist architect with over 25 years of experience in large corporate firms, embarked on a new chapter by founding JNR Architecture & Interiors in Columbus, Ohio. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, he quickly faced the challenge of efficiently capturing existing conditions for renovation and addition projects. The traditional methods of manual measurement and photography were proving time-consuming and inefficient, especially for a solo practitioner.

"As a sole proprietor, time is my most valuable asset," Jorge explains. "I needed a way to streamline the surveying process without sacrificing accuracy."

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A Digital Discovery: Polycam's Transformative Power

Jorge discovered Polycam through social media and was immediately intrigued by its potential to revolutionize his workflow. He was especially drawn to the affordability and accessibility of Polycam, which leverages LiDAR technology on readily available iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. For a sole practitioner, this meant access to professional-grade 3D scanning without the need for expensive specialized equipment. He decided to test Polycam's Space Mode on a challenging renovation project: a 100-year-old single-family home in Cincinnati.

"So far, I've saved 80 hours on this project. I simply walked through the house, using the LiDAR Space Mode to capture the entire house,” Jorge says. “It's as easy as taking a detailed 3D video of the space. The process was easy, fast and intuitive, allowing me to capture the entire house in just one hour, compared to the estimated 16 hours of manual measurement."

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From Scans to BIM: Transform Engine's Efficiency

Impressed by Polycam's speed and accuracy, Jorge sought a solution to further streamline the process of translating scan data into Revit models. He discovered Transform Engine, a service that automates the conversion of Polycam scans into professional-grade CAD plans and Revit models. He uploads the Polycam generated .PLY file to Transform Engine, and the service returns a fully formed Revit Model. The use of Transform Engine and Polycam provided a much more cost-effective solution than other BIM modeling services.

"Transform Engine saved me approximately two weeks of manual Revit modeling," Jorge states. "That's two weeks I could dedicate to design and client interaction. In Revit, I'm now able to focus on the design itself, creating detailed 3D models of proposed renovations, experimenting with different layouts and finishes, and presenting realistic visualizations to my clients."

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Future Innovations: Expanding Polycam's Role

"I'm really excited to push the boundaries of what's possible with Polycam," Jorge says. "On this current project, I'm planning to use drone scanning to capture the exterior, and then merge that with my interior scans using the Scene Editor. I also want to explore object scanning for detailed elements like custom millwork." He continues, "The AR capabilities are going to be huge for on-site client walkthroughs. Imagine being able to show how aspects of the design will look in their space, in real time."

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Streamlining Project Communication and Documentation

"Polycam isn't just for the initial survey," Jorge explains. "I plan to use it throughout the entire project. For instance, creating punch lists with precise 3D documentation will make it so much easier for the construction crew. And for final permit submissions, having accurate as-built models is going to be invaluable."

Embracing Innovation for Efficiency and Excellence

"With Polycam, I'm finding new ways to streamline my workflow every day. It's not just about capturing data; it's about transforming how I approach design," Jorge states. "Polycam and Transform Engine are essential for sole practitioner architects. They level the playing field, providing access to professional 3D scanning and precise Revit models of existing conditions. This empowers us to dedicate more time to design and offer personalized, cost-effective solutions."

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See how Space Mode works on your own device

Explore Polycam's robust 3D export options for any workflow.

Learn more about merging and editing scans.