Norbert Gräser is Application Engineer Team Leader and Kaj Burival is Applications Engineer for real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin Enscape. Together they presented the session Communication and collaboration within BIM – Using the next generation of visualization technology at DCW Connect fringe series. We caught up with them after their webinar to find out more.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work for Enscape.

Norbert: I have been a 3D enthusiast since the early 90s. I was born in Germany and have worked in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and BIM field in Europe and overseas for about 30 years.

During this time, I worked as a 3D artist, trainer, consultant and founded a platform for 3D content. I later worked as a Product Manager, AEC Business Development Manager as well as an AEC Business Unit Manager for an Autodesk channel partner.

When I was offered the position of the Application Engineers’ Team Leader at Enscape, I took this chance to come back to my beloved 3D architectural visualisation. Within this role, I define learning programs and support clients and colleagues around the globe. I work at the forefront of today’s rendering technology.

Kaj: I studied 3D design with Maya in 2012/2013, just when the first VR headsets appeared on the horizon. After finishing my education, while working as a technical support agent for a business management software, I applied for a position as 3D artist at Inreal Technologies, which was developing Enscape at the time. During the application process, we realised the development team was looking for a technical supporter. With my broad background in business management, general technology, and specific knowledge in the CGI field, I was the perfect fit for this position. So, I was hired as the first non-developer employee for this project.

And can you tell us a bit about Enscape and what you offer?

Norbert: Enscape is a real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin that is compatible with Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks. It plugs directly into your modeling software, giving you an integrated visualisation and design workflow.

Enscape is the easiest and fastest way to turn your building models into immersive 3D experiences. From creating lifelike design experiences to supporting effective diagnosis and experimentation, the tool gives you the ability to speed up your design process and envision better designs. For more details on what we offer, you can visit our website: https://enscape3d.com/

What are some of the biggest challenges for the construction industry right now?

Kaj: I think the biggest challenge for the construction industry right now is the volatility of the technical environment, especially in collaboration. For example, how teams working together on a design communicate or how AEC professionals and their clients work together. Enscape can help to counter this by simplifying and streamlining communication and collaboration in many ways.

Norbert: Two of the biggest challenges for the construction industry right now, in my opinion, are the adoption of BIM methods and the price increases for building materials.

How is technology changing the way the industry communicates and collaborates?

Norbert: Technology allows the industry to communicate more often and earlier, thanks to things such as virtual meetings. It helps you find and solve problems before construction begins. This helps for a better understanding of design intent and can really make the designs tangible before it exists.

Kaj: Throughout my time at Enscape, I, and many of our customers, realised how much of the everyday work of artists consists of dealing with the pitfalls of communication. I’ve heard so many stories of how our customers have had to draw, build maquettes, and then outsource their visualisation work to external companies, only to have to redo it again if the customer didn’t like something it.

It’s great that the software industry is focused on improving this type of communication and collaboration. A lot of the feedback we are getting from users is that they now feel like they are finally able to do their actual work. In many cases they say it feels like an entirely new way of working for them.

What are you focusing on at Enscape at the moment?

Kaj: We are always focusing on improving the design experience for our users. In our latest version, Enscape 3.0, we worked on creating consistency and providing a better workflow. The user interface overhaul helps us to prepare for the future and the new features and functionality that will follow, we need to ensure that the product can continue to provide a consistent user experience and incredible results.

We took customer feedback into consideration, which is something we always do, and we tried and tested every aspect of the product to see where improvements could be made. Since the very beginning, our aim has always been to deliver a real-time rendering tool that helps you work efficiently and produce the best results.

If you could transform one thing about the construction industry what would it be?

Norbert: I would define worldwide standards for BIM usage and exchange.

Kaj: On one side, there are many curious, fearless, smart, and incredibly talented minds in the industry, who seek the latest development and possibilities to improve the product they are delivering to their clients. Which I think is great.

On the other, I feel there are some professionals who want to stick with their proven ways of handling things. I’m not saying this is the wrong approach, but I would like to introduce them to new things that can take away their doubt and maybe improve their work their way of working for the better. This is actually what I do daily, so I’m in the right position.

Can you share three key takeaways from your session at DCW Connect fringe series?
  1. Using Enscape is as easy as taking a selfie with your mobile phone.
  2. Immersive exploration of a 3D models can give you more confidence in your decisions.
  3. It only takes one click in Revit, Sketchup, Archicad, Vectorworks or Rhino to get a real-time rendered model.

Watch on demand

If you missed Norbert and Kaj’s session at DCW Connect fringe series, there’s no need to worry. You can still watch the webinar on demand here:

Communication and collaboration within BIM – Using the next generation of visualization technology