Amanda Zaslow Presents "DIY vs. Professional Documentation" at AIA Tri-State Fusion Conference

At the AIA Tri-State Fusion Conference, held at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Amanda Zaslow, Brand Marketing Manager at Existing Conditions, a GPRS Company, and Sarah Drake, Principal of Sarah Gordon Drake Architect, delivered an insightful presentation titled Your Secret Weapon: DIY vs. Professional Documentation. The session highlighted the comparative advantages of DIY building documentation versus professional reality capture services, specifically within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors.

Challenges of Reality Capture for Small Firms

Small architectural firms frequently face significant hurdles in documenting existing buildings due to limited resources. These firms often operate with limited staff and need to determine when outsourcing to a professional service provider is a cost-effective and efficient solution. Zaslow and Drake offered practical insights into assessing the best approach for documentation based on project scope, complexity, and available resources.

Session Highlights

Architect Case Studies: Sarah Drake

Sarah Drake provided real-world examples to illustrate the challenges and benefits of both DIY documentation and professional services. Her case studies included projects where her team initially relied on hand measurements but later adopted the Leica BLK2GO for greater accuracy and efficiency.

Drake emphasized that professional reality capture services save time, reduce errors, and allow for seamless adaptation to project changes by providing comprehensive data at the outset. She also demonstrated how GIS-based platforms like SiteMap® enhance infrastructure and facility management by consolidating accurate documentation in one central location.

Key Takeaway: Projects requiring detailed as-built drawings, such as multi-unit residences, typically benefit from hiring a professional service. Conversely, simpler tasks, like creating a basic floor plan for a small apartment, can often be handled internally.

Comparative Analysis

Drake showcased side-by-side comparisons of time and cost for DIY documentation versus professional services, covering a variety of project types, from single-family homes to multi-unit developments. These comparisons showed how professional documentation can streamline workflows and mitigate risks found in manual methods.

Existing Conditions Case Studies: Amanda Zaslow

Following Drake’s presentation, Zaslow highlighted two case studies that demonstrated the value of professional reality capture services.

Case Study 1: First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

David Torrey, Principal of Torrey Architecture, faced challenges restoring this historic structure due to the absence of original as-built drawings. Existing Conditions employed 3D laser scanning technology to produce precise exterior elevations, enabling Torrey to align the scans with historic photos. This approach provided a reliable foundation for restoration planning, eliminating the risks associated with manual measurements.

Case Study 2: Residential Projects by SpaceCraft Architecture

Sally Degan, Principal of SpaceCraft Architecture, described the inefficiencies of traditional documentation methods, including time-intensive processes and frequent site revisits. By leveraging 3D laser scanning, Existing Conditions delivered accurate data upfront, eliminating costly delays and return trips while improving overall project outcomes.

Key Benefits Highlighted:

• Increased efficiency in capturing accurate as-built documentation

• Reduction in costly errors and the need for multiple site visits

• Enhanced ability to adapt to project changes with reliable as-built services

Making the Right Choice

For AEC professionals, understanding when to rely on DIY methods and when to invest in professional documentation is critical. While small, straightforward projects may benefit from in-house efforts, complex or large-scale undertakings often demand the precision and efficiency of professional reality capture services.

Learn more about the cost and benefits of professional 3D laser scanning. Explore pricing and details here.