The Journal
Visualization & Modeling
Coeur d'Alene Architect's Journal - Why We Build Buildings Twice
Why We Build Buildings Twice
See it all - before it's built

Before our projects are actually constructed on a site, they are built first in our studios, in a comprehensive computer model. Working closely with specialized experts in each of the disciplines involved, we model every system in the project... not just the architecture, but the lighting, plumbin...

Coeur d'Alene Architect's Journal - Detailing Light
Detailing Light
Forensically accurate light modeling

We created these computer model images exploring options related to detailing proposed new niches in the wall of a condominium. They are quick proportion and lighting studies of a concept we were refining for our client's urban nest, which we are in the process of transforming room by room.This ...

Coeur d'Alene Architect's Journal - Designing for Natural Light
Designing for Natural Light
Forensically accurate sun studies

One of the first things we do with a new project is build a detailed and accurate three dimensional computer model of the land and its physical features from a survey. The survey work is usually completed using both a laser theodolite and satellite GPS data. The topographic model created from this d...

Coeur d'Alene Architect's Journal - Three Dimensional Point Clouds
Three Dimensional Point Clouds
Digitizing the material world

Technical innovation continues to rapidly and profoundly impact the practice of architecture. Here is one example: We can now perform a three dimensional laser scan of any built environment, rapidly collecting the locations of millions of points in space, creating a digital file housing a massive bu...

Coeur d'Alene Architect's Journal - The Third and the Seventh
The Third and the Seventh
(Gorgeous 12.5 minute film)

"Lighting has been and still is one of my obsessions when creating art. I think it's a key element on many levels: as a tool for composition, narration, in the emotions it provokes." ~ Alex Roman We love what computer visualization can do for our clients, design process, and clients. We work...

Coeur d'Alene Architect's Journal - Column Design Alternatives
Column Design Alternatives
Virtual mockups for visualization and evaluation

The virtual mockups in these videos explore alternative approaches to how beam and column materials and forms could be composed in a project we are working on now. One option looks at a relatively traditional cluster of four wood posts supporting dovetailed beams intersecting above, with a base elem...