Get a Quote 855 272 8458
Archives
A Unique Historic Renovation in Georgetown 352 196 Alexxis Plata

A Unique Historic Renovation in Georgetown

Historic Renovation in Georgetown: A Unique Architectural Journey

How Architect Douglas Crawford Prepares Remodels for Success Through the Use of As-Built Plans

Historic Renovation in Georgetown: A Unique Architectural Journey

How Architect Douglas Crawford Prepares Remodels for Success Through the Use of As-Built Plans

At Precision Property Measurements (PPM), we take pride in partnering with exceptional architects to bring their visions to life. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a unique project in Georgetown, Washington, DC. This three-story, 1,200-square-foot mixed-use building presented an exciting challenge due to its historical significance and distinctive architectural features. Below, we delve into the details of this project, from the initial motivations to the complexities faced and the solutions provided.

The Unique Nature of the Property

Because it was constructed over a century ago, the building stands as one of the few residential properties along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. The clients, a young couple, aimed to convert the mixed-use building—housing a hair salon on the ground floor and residential units above—into a fully residential property while preserving its historic charm.

Historic and Regulatory Challenges

The property falls under the jurisdiction of both the Georgetown Historic Board and the Federal Commission of Fine Arts, which added layers of regulatory complexity. These entities enforce strict guidelines to ensure the preservation of historic elements, which significantly influenced the scope and approach of the renovation.

The Need for Accurate As-Built Plans

The project was led by Douglas Crawford, an award-winning architect recognized for his regionally relevant and site-specific residential designs. Douglas Crawford took on this project due to its unique nature and prime location along the historic C&O Canal.

Douglas Crawford emphasized the importance of accurate As-Built plans for this project. He noted that the building’s skewed geometry and historical elements, such as exposed beams, required meticulous building documentation to ensure accurate planning and preservation. By utilizing Revit for this documentation, Crawford could integrate the building’s unique features into the renovation plans seamlessly.

While Crawford anticipated some irregularities due to the building’s age, the As-Built plans revealed a layout that was significantly more non-orthogonal than expected. This insight was crucial for planning interior renovations, especially in areas where precise measurements are essential, such as the kitchen and other functional spaces.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Revit Model
  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Still Photos

Project Management Insights

Justin Yotter, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at PPM, was the project manager for this project. From the onset, Justin recognized the unique character of the property on Canal Street in Georgetown. The weathered brick, exposed beams, and unique ceiling elements made it a fascinating project.

Justin emphasized that working with Douglas and on unique and historic projects like this one is always rewarding, regardless of their size or significance. PPM enjoys working on historic and unique row houses throughout the city, and this property was no exception.

Surveyor Insights

Our surveyor, Ryan Yetter, enjoyed the experience of working in such a historically rich area, bringing new life to an old building.

Rowhouses often present challenges in capturing data on roofs or accessing all exterior surfaces. With this property, one notable challenge was that only two of the three exterior walls were accessible from the ground, necessitating creative ladder placement to achieve adequate data coverage. To ensure thorough documentation, Ryan employed additional strategies, such as accessing windows and searching for alleyways. The Horizon scanner was used for this project due to its extended range, which allowed seamless capture of façade information from the ground level.

Ryan enjoyed surveying this property because of its bohemian character and unique three-story studio layout. The opportunity to work on a property that he could imagine living in added an extra layer of satisfaction to the job.

Drafting and Modeling to the Architect's Satisfaction

Douglas requested we use his Revit template, which is a common request we satisfy for our clients across the board. This allows architects like Douglas to immediately begin designing upon receiving their deliverables.

No two perpendicular walls existed in the building, a common occurrence in older buildings. Once our production team member began drafting and modeling, he immediately identified the non-orthogonal layout of the walls and reached out to the surveyor to confirm the details. He was careful to adhere to PPM’s standard of no more than a two-inch deviation over ten feet for orthogonal adjustment. He consulted Douglas to determine which wall to show orthogonal on the plans relative to the page.

Mutual Partnership

Douglas Crawford has been collaborating with PPM for over six years, relying on our expertise in As-Built documentation for all his projects. He appreciates the accuracy and efficiency of our laser scanning services, which save time and ensure reliable data for his designs.

Douglas Crawford, Architect at Douglas Crawford Architect

"I've been working with PPM since 2018, and I have nothing but great things to say. Since doing my first project with PPM, I require all my projects to be fully laser scanned and modeled by them because I know I can trust their As-Built content and it saves my clients time."

Douglas Crawford, Architect at Douglas Crawford Architect

As-Built Plans Support Historic Transformations

This project in Georgetown highlights the importance of precise As-Built documentation in historic renovations. We at PPM are incredibly proud to have partnered with Douglas Crawford, an architect whose commitment to preserving the historical and architectural integrity of his projects aligns perfectly with our own values. Working with Douglas allowed us to contribute to the conservation of a unique piece of Georgetown’s architectural heritage, and we look forward to assisting him with more remarkable projects.

Douglas’ dedication to capturing the authentic essence of historical buildings, combined with his innovative use of modern technology, exemplifies the best in contemporary architectural practice. To learn more about Douglas Crawford and his work, visit his website at www.douglas-crawford.com.

From Blueprint to Beauty: A Residential Transformation 352 196 Alexxis Plata

From Blueprint to Beauty: A Residential Transformation

From Blueprint to Beauty: A Residential Transformation

Using As-Built Plans to Upgrade a Single-Family Home

From Blueprint to Beauty: A Residential Transformation

Using As-Built Plans to Upgrade a Single-Family Home

In the bustling world of architectural design and remodeling, every project is an opportunity to weave creativity into the fabric of a living space. In a recent endeavor led by Nazim Nice, Founding Partner at Motionspace Architecture + Design, smart design was the cornerstone of a captivating remodeling journey.

Project Overview

Located in the serene neighborhood of Auburn, Washington, a two-story residence spanned an impressive 6,600 square feet. The project presented an enticing challenge for Nazim and his team, offering the promise of revitalization for a home with great potential.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Revit Model
  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Electrical Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Still Photos

The Architect's Expertise and the Homeowner's Vision

Nazim took on the opportunity to bring fresh elements to this home. The house boasted a solid brick exterior, yet its interior suffered from dated aesthetics and an awkward layout. Nazim’s keen eye identified the opportunity to enhance visual cohesion and improve functionality within the space.

The dining room was separated from the kitchen by a wall that Nazim decided to have end where the ceiling was vaulted in the adjacent space. They then enclosed the entire wall in cabinetry to hide it. This change achieved the homeowner’s goal of visually connecting the kitchen and dining room without connecting the rooms and resulted in a more visually cohesive design. As-Built documentation was key in achieving this structural modification.

As-Built Plans: The Foundation of a Remodel

The As-Built plans we provided were integral to the success of the project. Nazim emphasized the importance of accurate documentation, particularly in resolving structural issues and revising problematic angles within the house. The comprehensive scope of the plans, including exterior elevations and electrical layouts, facilitated seamless integration with Nazim’s design process.

Nazim Nice, Founding Partner at motionspace architecture + design

“PPM was very accommodating to how we specifically work, and our standards in Revit. It made it easy to transition from the as-built phase to the design phase.”

- Nazim Nice, Founding Partner at motionspace architecture + design

On-Site Surveying Expertise

Behind the scenes, PPM’s surveyor employed meticulous techniques to ensure accurate data capture despite inclement weather challenges.

Due to its extensive scope, the project needed to be scanned very slowly with our mobile scanner, so that elements for the Reflected Ceiling Plan were captured with proper detail. The home also needed to be scanned multiple times because of the tight spaces, including the foundation and the attic. Scans for individual spaces are often helpful to ensure accurate scan processing.

GeoSLAM Zeb Revo LiDAR laser scanner held by PPM employee

Our surveyor used the GeoSLAM Revo, which is best suited for single-family residential homes. It processes quickly on site, which helps our surveyors efficiently verify their measurements while on site.

It is ideal to capture the main living space, both interior and exterior, in one scan. However, because of the rainy weather, our surveyor was cautious to only leave doors open briefly. He got a single exterior scan and combined it with multiple scans capturing the individual floors of the house. He also captured partial exterior elements, then manually merged the scans, all to minimize the time the interior of the home was exposed to the elements. In addition to taking multiple scans, the surveyor had to sketch certain electrical components by hand, since the house was angled with several built-ins.

Overcoming Modeling Challenges in Revit

David Sperry, Revit Coordinator at PPM, tackled the unique modeling challenges presented by the property’s angled structure and complex roof design.

The middle of the property had a 30-degree bend, which made modeling the roof a unique challenge. It had to be pieced together in two separately modeled pieces to get all the specific ridge heights to align properly.

Along with the unique roof shape, this project scope also included some roof framing. David’s expertise in modeling trusses using Revit’s Truss family contributed to the accurate representation of the property’s intricate features.

David Sperry

Revit Coordinator

Precision Property Measurements

Celebrating Success

The collaborative efforts of Nazim, PPM, and the homeowner culminated in the successful transformation of the residence. From resolving structural issues to enhancing visual cohesion, every step of the remodeling journey was assisted by our As-Built plans. As the project nears completion, Nazim and his team looks forward to witnessing the homeowner’s delight in their revitalized living space. To learn more about motionspace architecture + design, visit their site here.

Creating Timelessness: A Southern California Craftsman Remodel 776 420 Alexxis Plata

Creating Timelessness: A Southern California Craftsman Remodel

Creating Timeless Spaces: The Southern California Craftsman Remodel

Adapting an Antiquated Home to a Growing Family

Creating Timeless Spaces: The Southern California Craftsman Remodel

Adapting an Antiquated Home to a Growing Family

This captivating Southern California Craftsman home, a sanctuary for a growing family, underwent a remarkable transformation led by Lewin Wertheimer Architects of Venice, California. Known for their expertise in crafting elegant coastal homes, the talented team tackled the challenge of modernizing the dwelling without expanding its square footage.

The mission: to infuse a contemporary, hip, and comfortable atmosphere while reimagining the exterior to enhance living spaces for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. To initiate this ambitious project, accurate As-Built plans were imperative.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Electrical Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Sections

Worry-Free As-Built Surveys: A Foundation for Seamless Transformations

Leveraging 3D laser scanning technology, our team swiftly conducted a site visit, capturing millions of data points for our drafting team. This non-intrusive, LiDAR technology is particularly advantageous for homes with residents and children because it drastically reduces time and overall footprint throughout the home.

Once the point cloud data underwent rigorous review for accuracy and completeness, it journeyed to our production team for meticulous drafting and quality assurance. The resulting As-Built plans were then delivered to Lewin Wertheimer and his team, marking a crucial milestone in the project’s progression.

“The accuracy of the As-Builts made our job much easier.”

- Lewin Wertheimer, Owner at Lewin Wertheimer Architects

Visualizing the Future: A Collaborative Design Process

Upon receiving the updated As-Built plans, the Lewin Wertheimer team seamlessly transitioned to the next phase of visualizing and designing the space. Working closely with the client and interior designer, Lewin ensured the aesthetics aligned perfectly. Witnessing the project come together to bring joy to the client was Lewin’s greatest satisfaction.

Celebrating Success: Crafting Memorable Spaces

At PPM, the success of our clients is paramount. While our role as surveyors, drafters, and As-Built project managers is vital for a smooth process, our ultimate satisfaction comes from seeing designs come to life and clients delighted with the results. Special thanks to Lewin Wertheimer Architects for sharing this captivating project with us — a testament to the harmonious blend of expertise and creativity in achieving worry-free renovations.

Bringing Cohesion to a Single-Family Residence 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Bringing Cohesion to a Single-Family Residence

Bringing Cohesion, Comfort, and Functionality to a Single-Family Residence

Establishing Order in a Home That Has Undergone Several Add-Ons

Bringing Cohesion, Comfort, and Functionality to a Single-Family Residence

Establishing Order in a Home That Has Undergone Several Add-Ons

Embarking on the quest to transform houses into homes that burst with uniqueness, TriVistaUSA Design + Build, based in Arlington, Virginia, lives by the slogan “building cool projects for cool people”. In an interview with Kieran Fannan, Project Architect at TriVista, we explore a captivating remodeling journey that not only aligns with the company’s ethos but also showcases the pivotal role of precise As-Built plans in their creative process.

TriVista architects revel in projects in which their clients’ special interests and unique features shape the blueprint of their homes into something new. For this project, TriVista immediately resonated with the client’s vision and teamed up with her to make it happen.

Where There’s a Vision There’s a Way

Partnering with PPM for their As-Built plans is now part of TriVista’s process, and our collaborative journey spans 58 remodel projects since 2021. This particular project was located in Vienna, Virginia and totaled approximately 4,000 square feet.

Kieran enjoyed how the homeowner compiled her ideas by creating collages in PowerPoint. Kieran would take her collages, put them against some of photos included in the As-Built drawings we delivered, and imagine the space as his client desired it to be. It was an unorthodox yet effective way for the homeowner to communicate her vision, a creative example of picking whatever tool works for you, as long as you get the message across.

Every Home Has a Story

The homeowner owned this house for a few years prior to initiating the remodel and had been renting it out while she waited to retire. At the beginning of her retirement, it became the starting point for her “forever home”. This house was interesting because it resembled a LEGO house that had a patchwork of additions built over several decades. By the time it reached TriVista, there were no cohesive plans or documentation for the house to begin remodeling. Kieran explained that the house appeared small from the street, but when someone would walk inside, it felt easy to get lost.

Plans for the Home

The homeowner wanted to utilize the space well by creating a primary suite upstairs in what was then a loft and bathroom that a previous owners had redone themselves. Kieran’s goal was to design the space to be more livable for the homeowner and to fix the lack of cohesion in the house. When redesigning a home, comfort and functionality are top of mind for him. Below you’ll find the scope of work for As-Built plans that was needed for Kieran to accomplish his goal.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Still Photos

Discoveries Through As-Built Plans

Kieran requested full plans and elevations for the house. At the time, the architects at TriVista were using AutoCAD, and PPM’s drawings were easy to transfer into their AutoCAD templates. What was most important for Kieran was being able to see accurate wall thicknesses. There were several areas of the house where it was difficult to see what was going on. Viewing the plans stacked on top of each other enabled Kieran to see where specific plumbing chases and HVAC lines were, which prevented potential issues and delays in the construction phase.

Unpredictable Roof Lines

Because of the numerous additions, the home had differing roof lines that were easily visible in our As-Built roof plan. PPM’s As-Built surveyor mentioned the property had a complex roof that appeared to have been added onto several times and had vegetation all around it.

Expanding Underutilized Space

There was a portion of the second floor that had been underutilized. One part of TriVista’s plans was to add a dormer to the front of the house. Originally, the space seemed small looking at the plan view compared to walking through the attic. Once the space was opened up, they managed to gain a bedroom's worth of space, which became a reading nook when construction was done.

Kieran Fannan, Architect at TriVistaUSA Design+ Build

“Working with Justin at PPM is wonderful. At times, he'll give us a call and advise adjustments to our deliverable requests to best fit our scope. He helps us save money in the end. If we save money and the client saves money, everybody is happy.”

– Kieran Fannan, Architect at TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Interview With the As-Built Surveying and Modeling Experts

To get a deeper understanding of what went into creating the As-Built Plans for this house, we interviewed the surveyor and modeler for this project. Read more about their experiences from their perspectives.

As-Built Surveyor Interview

Which equipment did you use and why?
We chose the GeoSLAM ZEB Revo for this property because it’s the best scanner for working with small spaces.

Which specific strategies/techniques did you employ to make sure you captured all the data properly?
This was a fun, but challenging property to survey. It was early in the pandemic, so the owner was working from home. I had to time my scanning between the homeowner’s online meetings and school classes. It was important that I worked around the people in the home, so I ended up scanning one of the bedrooms separately.

What was most unique about surveying this property?
The original cottage design, plus the many additions over the years, created unique spaces throughout the home. The layout challenged me as a surveyor in almost every facet of the surveying process.

What challenges, if any, did you face while surveying this property?
The scanners don’t produce accurate data if they scan people moving, so I had be very careful to avoid running into anyone while moving through the spaces. I also had to use the upper deck to capture a large amount of roof data. So essentially, I had to plan a good path, be diligent to capture all the small and unique spaces, work around moving objects, and utilize some techniques for capturing data at angles, all while trying to not have a scan that was too large. Because I did have a few partial scans, I had to create some overlap, so that I could successfully merge in the spaces later.

As-Built Modeler Interview

Did you work on drafting or modeling this property, or both?
I modeled this project in Revit and exported it to AutoCAD.

Which specific strategies/techniques did you use to make sure you modeled all data properly?
As all projects do, it required me to thoroughly check the linework to ensure it matched the point cloud and the photos. I usually run through each room’s photos, both the 360 and still images, to make sure I catch everything. I usually end up going through photos two to three times with houses like this one.

What was most unique about modeling this property?
The most interesting exterior element was the circular entryway.

What did you most enjoy about modeling this property?
In the end, the details were a lot of fun to see come together. These kinds of details make a project feel more complete and finished, making it more satisfying.

The Final Result of the Remodel

Transforming Homes through As-Built Plans

This remodel project is a testament to the transformative power of precision and collaboration. PPM’s As-Built plans unraveled the layers of the property’s history and empowered Kieran to create a home that brings tranquility to the owner. The journey encapsulated not just the physical evolution of the house but also the emotional importance to its owner.

The As-Built Journey of a Modern Farmhouse Remodel 352 196 Alexxis Plata

The As-Built Journey of a Modern Farmhouse Remodel

The As-Built Journey of a Modern Farmhouse Remodel

Bringing a Dream Home to Life

The As-Built Journey of a Modern Farmhouse Remodel

Bringing a Dream Home to Life

In the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Kendra Rosenberg, the Principal Designer at KNR Design Studio, embarked on a captivating journey to revitalize a home and transform it into a haven of beauty for a client and his daughter. Specializing in residential architecture, Kendra found herself drawn to this project because it would allow her to weave modern charm into the fabric of a classic farmhouse.

A Vision Preserved: Choosing Remodel Over Demolition

The home, nestled among towering redwood trees, held sentimental value for the client. Opting for a remodel instead of a full demolition, Kendra and her client sought to preserve the existing structure's footprint and robust foundation. The decision was strategic, ensuring the conservation of the beloved backyard redwoods.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Sections
  • Still Photos

The Blueprint of Success: As-Built Plans by PPM

For Kendra, the success of any remodel project lies in reliable As-Built plans. Precision Property Measurements became a key ally by providing a comprehensive package, including a floor plan, a roof plan, exterior elevations, sections, and still photos. Kendra emphasized the importance of accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in the As-Built plans delivered by PPM.

Kendra Rosenberg, Principal Designer at KNR Design Studio.

“PPM delivers a reliable, high-quality product every time. When we're doing remodels, their reliability is second to none.”

- Kendra Rosenberg, Principal Designer at KNR Design Studio

The Architect's Perspective: Navigating Challenges with As-Built Plans

Kendra shed light on the critical role of up-to-date As-Built plans in remodeling projects. She explained that starting with reliable plans from the outset prevents potential disasters, saving time, money, and stress for everyone involved, including the architect, property owner, and contractors. She shared her preference for PPM’s detailed As-Built packages, which provide valuable information during the design phase of her remodels.

Floor Plan Under X-Ray Cloud from Precision Property Measurements on Vimeo.

The As-Built surveyor at PPM used cutting-edge technology, the GeoSLAM ZEB Revo, to capture scans with optimal density for single-family residences. The challenge of incorporating manual perimeter measurements amid trees and bushes against the house was expertly navigated. The surveyor highlighted the efficiency of the process, emphasizing the speed at which the survey was completed due to the use of LiDAR technology.

Behind the Scenes: As-Built Drafting and Modeling

Angelo meticulously employed techniques that ensured accurate representation of the house in AutoCAD. The small property size presented a manageable yet enjoyable challenge, particularly in regards to drafting the roof in elevation view and the roof plan. The art of piecing together the property's features was akin to assembling a puzzle, making the process both engaging and rewarding.

Angelo Maldonado, Production Lead and Modeler/Drafter at PPM

"I used a technique that involves comparing linework against the cloud data. It's important to carefully ensure that each line placed is accurately and consistent throughout the project.”

- Angelo Maldonado, Production Lead & Drafter/Modeler at PPM

Vision and Details as Cornerstones for Success

As Kendra and her client transformed an older house into a breath of fresh air, the reliability of our As-Built plans played a key role in their success. The marriage of Kendra’s design vision and PPM’s meticulous measurement brought the client’s dream to life. To learn more about KNR Design Studio and their work, visit https://www.knrds.com/.

Reviving Baltimore’s Historic “Clifton House” 776 420 Alexxis Plata

Reviving Baltimore’s Historic “Clifton House”

Reviving Baltimore’s Historic Single-Family “Clifton House”

A Cultural Heritage Restoration Journey

Reviving Baltimore’s Historic Single-Family “Clifton House”

A Cultural Heritage Restoration Journey

Preserving cultural heritage goes beyond bricks and mortar; it intertwines with the narratives of families and communities, forming an integral part of our shared history. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, an initiative of the National Trust of Historic Preservation, champions this cause annually through a grant program.

In this article, we delve into a poignant project funded by this program — the restoration of the Clifton House. This historic residence, once home to influential figures Lucille and Fred Clifton, embodies not only architectural significance but also a rich tapestry of activism, art, and community engagement.

This program provided a fellowship for a student to study, document, and preserve the historical structure. In addition to its historic significance, the Clifton House was selected because of its community and cultural significance with the original owners. Lucille Clifton (pictured left) was a poet and artist, and she and her husband were both activists in the community fighting for African American rights.

Choosing a Cultural Beacon

The personnel at the National Trust build relationships with sites and work that possess diverse histories. When the time came to pick a fellow and site to which to allocate funds, they passed the torch to Joel Randolph, a member of the Digital Documentation Fellowship, a program of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. At the time, Joel lived in Baltimore, was studying environmental design and architecture at Morgan State University, and participated as a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

A Vision with a History

The Cliftons' daughter, Sidney Clifton (pictured right), is an Emmy-nominated film producer passionate about bringing recognition to the impact her parents had on both the arts and activism in Baltimore, as well as encouraging other young people to be more active in their community.

When the house was purchased after the Cliftons first owned the property, it was transformed into a duplex for rental purposes. The bottom of the building was designed to be one unit, while the top was the second unit. To fulfill this concept, the new owners installed a second kitchen, so the house could be appropriately subdivided.

Sidney Clifton then repurchased the home in 2019 with a vision to restore the property back to a single-family home and align it with her and her siblings’ memories of the original house. The “Period of Significance”, or time period when Lucille and Fred Clifton’s family lived there, is what Sidney wanted to restore.

Architectural Symphony

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund contacted Quinn Evans, an architectural design collective, with the project, and they agreed to take it on. Sydney Clifton was particularly interested in working with an architect of color for this project. Senior Associate at Quinn Evans, Nakita Reed, was familiar with the fund and was a perfect fit to lead this project with her firm. She understood the family story and the significance of the project. It was a passion piece for Nakita, as well as a specialty of Quinn Evans, as they do historic preservation in sites around the US.

One of the main deliverables of this project was a Historic Structures Report. This is when Quinn Evans engaged Precision Property Measurements to perform an As-Built survey and produce 2D and 3D plans of the Clifton House in AutoCAD and Revit. The Quinn Evans team used the plans to provide recommendations for restoration purposes. The purpose of attaining the plans was not to create a new design for the building, but to create this special report.

Nakita Reed, Senior Associate at Quinn Evans

“It’s easier to tell the story of the existing conditions using the As-Built plans as the backdrop. The As-Built plans allowed us to diagram areas of the building that have been altered historically.”

- Nakita Reed, Senior Associate at Quinn Evans

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plans
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Revit Model
  • Still Photos

The Art of Preservation with As-Built Plans

PPM’s part in the fellowship was to guide Joel and his team through the process of capturing As-Built data, while teaching the laser scanning, point cloud, and point-cloud-to-Revit processes. This enabled the fellows to use the point cloud and Revit model to highlight elements of the existing structure that were important for the Cliftons to preserve as they renovate with respect to the history of the building.

The fellowship didn’t already have existing drawings, so having As-Built plans created quickly provided base documentation from which they could design. Since the main purpose of their project was to create a Historic Structures Report, they didn’t progress the project to construction. The intent of the As-Built plans was to serve as a diagram on top of which to draw concept sketches and schematics.

“Blending new technology with historic buildings is something that people often overlook the importance of. Using laser scanning as another tool in the toolbelt of preservation architects and documentation of historic structures is something that is really viable.”

– Nakita Reed, Senior Associate at Quinn Evans

Using the information gathered, the Quinn Evans team advised the client to focus any changes on areas that had already been altered, so that areas that had not been altered could remain intact.

The rear of the building had been significantly altered throughout its transformation from a single-family residence to a rental property.

The As-Built plans were a visual advantage that enabled them to highlight which areas had been changed and make recommendations to revert areas back to their original form.

Preservation Zone Plans

Quinn Evans used the floor plans to highlight which zones were primary, secondary, tertiary, or non-rated from a historic significance standpoint to help communicate where preservation efforts needed to be focused throughout the building.

The front and the exterior of the building, as well as the porch, all needed to be maintained. The approximately 170-page report included the drawings from PPM as an appendix to provide clients access to the plans of the exterior and interior.

The Impact of As-Built Plans on the Students in the Fellowship

Joel and a few students visited the site with the Historic American Building Survey, where they hand measured a few elements of the structure, learned about the history of the site, and used the As-Built plans to create some drawings of what the home looked like when Sydney lived there.

Because the students weren’t able to document measurements of the entire home, the As-Built drawings and 3D model gave the students a deeper understanding of the structure. During the site visit, they compared what they saw in person to what they saw in the plans.

Leicester B. Holland Prize is an annual competition that recognizes the best single-sheet measured drawing of a historic building, structure, or site. Joel and his classmates submitted the sheet they created to officially document the site, have it listed in the Library of Congress, and increase the number of places celebrating African American heritage. Though not the primary goal, winning the competition became a perk of their hard work! The submission board for the Holland Prize included data and select drawings they were able to create from the 3D Revit model. The fellowship sliced the model and summarized their findings for an academic setting, and those records are now held in the Library of Congress.

To view the records, you can visit the Library of Congress at www.loc.gov.

Behind the Scenes: Perspectives from the Surveyor and Drafter/Modeler

After learning about the intricacies of this project, we interviewed the surveyor and drafter for this project. Indulge in the Q&A of their experiences with this historical structure. The historical home was surveyed by our Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Justin Yotter.

Justin Yotter, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at PPM

“I enjoyed surveying this site because it was challenging and unique, and most critically, it has a tie to a unique cultural and political family that made a huge impact on their community.”

- Justin Yotter, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at PPM

Q&A: Perspectives from the Surveyor

Which strategies/techniques did you employ to make sure all data was captured?
We covered the mirrors with paper to avoid reflections of cloud data, propped open the doors, set up ladders to the detached garage and the porch roof, and made sure we could access all the doors. Because the back stairs were closed off, we had to close the loop with the scanner by getting as close as possible to the exterior and the stairwell that was blocked off. We had to be extra diligent in our path for scanning, as we had to go up and down two ladders to two different roof surfaces and up an exterior staircase to the prior roof area.

Which equipment did you use to capture the measurement data?
We scanned the site with the GeoSLAM ZEB Revo because it provided the best blend between volume of data and range for a house of this size. We also utilized the Leica Distometer and a Stanley 25-foot tape measure. We used both of those to capture some hand detail measurements and follow our standard quality assurance process that addresses overall perimeter and window and door measurements. We took still photos and then 360 photos for our production team with a Ricoh Theta camera.

What was most unique about surveying this property?
It is a historic house that has a wraparound porch and tons of nice woodwork and hardwood floors. In addition, it has a lot of various architectural features that we made sure to capture.

What challenges, if any, did you face while surveying this property?
The challenges were many, but by setting everything up in a way that was conducive to the scanner’s ability to best capture the data, we were able to get high-quality data of the home. We scanned two structures, the house and the detached garage, and there was a staircase to the roof, with some flat areas, plus another roof to access. In addition, the basement had very low clearance with very little light.

Q&A: Perspective from the Drafter/Modeler

What was the most unique aspect of drafting/modeling this property?
The emergency escape feature stood out as exceptionally distinctive for this property, as it’s an uncommon element in single-family homes. This one was especially unique because it involves navigating multiple roofs and staircases from an upper-story window. Capturing these details without point cloud data would pose a significant challenge.

What challenges, if any, did you face while drafting/modeling this property?
Drafting and modeling the top story presented difficulties due to the variety of sloped ceilings. These complexities required precise attention to detail to get the items modeled accurately.

History Lies Within the Buildings That Surround Us

Historic preservation paves the way for a sense of place and community for our past. It can serve as inspiration in our lives when we tie the historical, architectural, and aesthetic character of buildings to our families and legacies the way the Cliftons did. We’re grateful to have played a role in such a historically significant project orchestrated by the National Trust of Historic Preservation and Nakita Reed from Quinn Evans.

A Modern Redondo Beach Dream House Remodel 1080 602 Alexxis Plata

A Modern Redondo Beach Dream House Remodel

As-Built Plans for a Modern Redondo Beach Remodel

Unlocking the Blueprint of Precision

As-Built Plans for a Modern Redondo Beach Remodel

Unlocking the Blueprint of Precision

When embarking on a remodel project, it’s essential to lay a solid foundation for meticulous planning with accurate building measurement data. As-Built plans serve as the cornerstone, providing architects and developers with the necessary details to bring their visions to life. In this showcase, we delve into a project that highlights the significance of As-Built plans, as shared by three key contributors: the client, PPM’s Quality Assurance Specialist, and PPM’s As-Built Surveyor.

Client’s Vision: Building Their Dream Home

For our client, architect Bryan Winters, the journey began with a homeowner’s dream – the dream of transforming their tired existing home into a modern marvel in Redondo Beach, California. Years of hard-earned savings culminated in the homeowner’s decision to embark on this ambitious project. The question that arose was, “What sparked your interest in taking on this project with the homeowner?” According to Bryan, he was drawn to the project by the unique collaboration opportunity. His clients, who happen to be custom furniture designers and fabricators, shared a common vision of creativity and precision. This alignment of creative minds set the stage for what would become a remarkable venture.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Sections
  • Still Photos

The Role of As-Built Plans: A Custom Blueprint for Success

To turn a dream into reality, precise and comprehensive As-Built plans are indispensable. Bryan believes that the foundation of any large-scale remodel project hinges on two crucial elements: an accurate site survey and a well-documented set of As-Built plans. With this knowledge, he chose to work with professionals who could deliver with precision. His confidence in the expertise of Precision Property Measurements was unwavering.

humnlab+ architecture / logo

"Both these pieces of information (an accurate site survey and a well-documented set of As-Built plans) need to be spot on and accurate, or else ours won't be. That's why I trust PPM."

- Bryan Winters, Owner + Architect at humnlab + architecture /

LiDAR Laser Scanner: Capturing the Essence of the Property

To capture the essence of the property, the surveyor plays a pivotal role. They are responsible for gathering data with absolute precision, often utilizing advanced LiDAR technology to create an accurate representation of the property in a point cloud. The choice of equipment is paramount, and in this instance, the surveyor explained their decision.

Hand using the Leica BLK2GO LiDAR laser scanner to scan a building for as-built measurements.

"For this project, I used the Leica BLK2GO for my scan. The scan provides most of the information needed for most of the plan types we offer in a more accurate way than I can do by hand."

- PPM As-Built Surveyor

Surveying the property unveiled unique aspects of the building that set it apart from others. It had an interesting spiral staircase to a full basement with storm doors. This is not a common sight in California, so the surveyor was impressed by this diverse feature.

However, unique properties often come with their own sets of challenges. In this case, the challenges were met head on. The surveyor elaborated, “The basement was a tight fit with the scanner, so I had to do multiple scans and merge the scans together while double checking them with check measurements.”

Quality Assurance Specialist: Ensuring Accuracy and Excellence

To confirm the accuracy of As-Built plans before delivery, a rigorous analysis of each plan is performed by a PPM Quality Assurance Specialist. This step plays a pivotal role in avoiding mistakes and delays in the construction phase of a remodel, which can be caused by any incorrect measurements. The Quality Assurance Specialist sets the stage for the architectural vision to come to life with confidence. Their responsibility is to ensure that the drafting of every As-Built plan we deliver is accurate and consistent with the data and measurements collected onsite.

We asked the QA Specialist who worked on this project about the most critical aspect of the project to quality check, and the answer was clear: “The roof on this project was very interesting. It was a focal point of the main elevation of the house and thus a key area to get accurate in the drafting process.”

The strategies and techniques employed to guarantee precision are multifaceted. In this case, the specialist shared, “All the survey data was crucial to modeling the property accurately. Making sure the plans align with our point cloud and with the other plan types in the project ensures that we have a top-quality project for the client.” Precision is the name of the game when it comes to data accuracy.

Architecture Creates Forever Homes

In conclusion, this project exemplifies the collaborative efforts of an architect with his clients, in tandem with PPM’s QA Specialist and Surveyor, bringing a dream home to life. As-Built plans are the bedrock in modern remodels, as they help ensure that every detail aligns seamlessly with the project’s vision. With the right blend of expertise, technology, and commitment to excellence, projects like these not only transform spaces but also create lasting impressions of creativity in the world of architecture and design.

To learn more about Bryan Winters and his work at humnlab + architecture /, visit https://humnlab.com/.