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Majestic Inn & Spa Hotel Renovation 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Majestic Inn & Spa Hotel Renovation

Majestic Inn & Spa: Hotel Renovation Backed by PPM’s As-Built Plans

Preserving History and Paving the Way for Modern Guest Experiences

Majestic Inn & Spa: Hotel Renovation Backed by PPM’s As-Built Plans

Preserving History and Paving the Way for Modern Guest Experiences

Nestled in the charming town of Anacortes, Washington, the Majestic Inn & Spa is a true vacation destination. This historic, 22-room hotel, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the allure of the nearby San Juan Islands, attracts a diverse clientele ranging from wedding parties and corporate events to leisure travelers seeking a serene escape. Recently, the Majestic Inn embarked on a renovation to refresh its beloved public spaces, enhance guest rooms, and retain the character of this iconic property.

VIP Hospitality Group, Majestic Inn’s management company, helmed the project with a clear vision of preserving the building’s historic charm while introducing modern updates. With a portfolio of properties across Oregon and Washington, VIP Hospitality is known for its thoughtful approach to hospitality development and management. Their expertise lies in expanding and elevating properties across the Pacific Northwest, and this time, the group turned to PPM to provide the essential As-Built plans and model that would serve as the foundation for the remodel.

As-Built Scope of Work

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

PPM’s Role in Majestic Inn’s Remodel

For this project, we delivered both 2D AutoCAD and a 3D Revit model, tailored to meet the unique needs of the project. The client requested an accurate Revit model of the property to share with their remote design team, who then used the Revit model and As-Built plans to implement a new café near the front desk and make improvements to the guest rooms.

As the Regional Director for PPM, Colin Maloney oversaw the project management, ensuring every detail aligned with the expectations of VIP Hospitality Group. Colin shared his insight on the project proposal’s several revisions before acceptance.

Colin Maloney Regional Director at PPM

"Since our client was the owner rather than an architect or engineer, the proposal went through several rounds of refinement to align with his vision. I shared multiple examples to help us land on the right scope that not only fit this project but could serve as a strong foundation for future ones as well."

- Colin Maloney, Regional Director at PPM

On-Site Surveying and Data Collection

Architectural Scan Surveyor Ben Johnson was instrumental in gathering the initial data for the Majestic Inn’s remodel. Ben and Colin worked closely with hotel staff to scan entire floors at once, ensuring security for occupied rooms by briefly keeping doors open only as needed. This approach allowed them to capture a comprehensive dataset while minimizing disruption. Ben explained, “I scanned the hotel while Colin took photos and measured any windows and doors. Because we split up the work, we tackled floors efficiently and effectively.”

Using a GeoSLAM Zeb Revo RT mobile LiDAR scanner, Ben conducted and merged multiple scans into one cohesive file, making the drafter’s job easier. He noted that the scanner software was ideal for merging several separate scans. Despite the challenges of working around hotel guests, Ben appreciated the cooperation of the hotel staff and enjoyed his time on site. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “The hotel is beautiful, and the staff are fantastic. The other thing I most enjoyed was getting to scan with Colin—he’s always a calming, confident presence in the field.”

A Revit Modeler's Approach to Detailed Modeling

PPM’s Senior Production Drafter, Alyssa Taylor, brought technical precision to the project, modeling the hotel with meticulous attention to detail. “To make sure this was modeled properly, I went through the photos meticulously and followed the point cloud closely. I started by modeling the exterior to ensure all the walls lined up, then moved to the interior details.”

Alyssa faced unique challenges, including intricate ceiling designs and curved staircases, which required careful sectioning and an individualized approach. She found satisfaction in seeing the project come together as both a beautiful 3D model and a practical tool for the design team.

A Seamless Collaboration with Long-Term Benefits

VIP Hospitality Group was pleased with PPM’s flexibility and communication throughout the project. The client mentioned his appreciation for our team and their patience in accommodating the hotel’s day-to-day operations. In turn, the successful remodel at the Majestic Inn & Spa has set the stage for future projects, with VIP Hospitality Group awarding us additional projects on the Oregon Coast.

"When we receive the deliverables from PPM, everything is already very easy to see and understand. It makes it easy for our design team to complete all their work remotely. The extra money we spend on hiring PPM is more than made up on reduced travel and expense costs and design time."

- VIP Hospitality Group | Portland, OR

Supporting Historic Properties with Detailed As-Built Plans

For VIP Hospitality Group, accurate As-Built plans were essential for preserving the Majestic Inn’s historic luxury feel while making practical updates. With our detailed deliverables, the design team was able to work efficiently, delivering a quality remodel while reducing travel and on-site work. As the project continues, we look forward to the next phase of renovations with VIP Hospitality Group, knowing we have built a reliable partnership rooted in shared goals and a deep respect for the history and beauty of properties like the Majestic Inn & Spa. To learn more about the beautiful Majestic Inn & Spa, visit www.majesticinnandspa.com. To learn more about VIP Hospitality Group, visit www.viphgroup.com.

Honoring History: Remembrance Gallery Design 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Honoring History: Remembrance Gallery Design

Remembrance Gallery: Immersive Memorial Space & Interactive Exhibit

Okano Picard Studio Leverages As-Built Plans to Purposefully Transform Spaces

Remembrance Gallery: Immersive Memorial Space & Interactive Exhibit

Okano Picard Studio Leverages As-Built Plans to Purposefully Transform Spaces

Seattle-based Okano Picard Studio, a four-person firm co-founded by Yousman Okano and Michael Picard, led the architectural design for this project in collaboration with Belle & Wissell’s interactive media team. Known for innovative design across residential and commercial spaces, Okano Picard Studio brings a holistic approach to meaningful projects like The Remembrance Gallery, where form, space, and human connection unite to tell important stories. The firm is dedicated to projects that challenge convention and benefit the community.

Transforming an Unused Space into a Powerful Historical Exhibit

With a clear sense of purpose, Okano Picard Studio set out to create an engaging installation that both educates fairgoers about this dark period in history and connects with their personal experiences.

The Remembrance Gallery brings awareness to the history of the Puyallup Assembly Center as the largest temporary American concentration camp in Washington State. With spaces for reflection, immersion, and interaction, the Gallery highlights the experiences of the Japanese Americans incarcerated on this site during World War II.

Nestled in the Washington State Fair’s grandstand, the exterior of the exhibit is enclosed with barrack recreations that intrigue passersby. Crude living structures combined with historical digital photography portray the realities of prisoners who occupied them. These facades help to set the emotional tone for the experiences that await inside.

The backbone of the exhibit is a sculptural installation titled Monument, which honors over 7,500 incarcerees. Hidden responsive technology dynamically illuminates inmate “name markers” as visitors approach. The illumination aims to connect visitors to those honored in the name panels while also enhancing legibility. Names and family identification numbers were relief-printed on Corian panels, allowing visitors to experience the names by touching them as well as creating a stone rubbing as a keepsake. The 111 panels are arranged in a continuous waveform composition, alluding to the rippling effects of this event across geography and generations.

In the digital installation Throughline, visitors can interact with rich, layered content designed to engage and educate a wide audience. The assemblage of touch displays presents digital stories built from archival photos, footage, documents, and custom-designed maps, educating visitors on the incarceration’s effect on the local area as well as the country.

On the opposite end of the Gallery, a multi-sensory experience titled 8×10 combines historical set design, audio, and theatrical light show to transport visitors back in time. The immersive soundscape evokes the sense of despair and distress of those forced to live within the horse stall living quarters that existed in this very same building back in 1942.

The interactive Gallery experience makes unique emotional connections with its visitors that reinforce the cause for social justice. This is particularly important for younger audiences who may be unfamiliar with the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Collaborative Excellence: PPM's Role in Bringing the Vision to Life

To begin the design of The Remembrance Gallery, Okano Picard Studio sought out proper documentation for the existing condition of the space. The studio had obtained As-Built plans from us for several projects in the past, including measured drawings and Revit models, and chose to continue the partnership because of these successful collaborations.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plan
  • Reflected Ceiling Plan
  • Electrical Plan
  • Interior Elevations
  • Revit Model

The scope of work for the As-Built plans included a comprehensive layout of existing walls and mechanical, structural, and electrical components, including the placement of sprinklers and other critical systems. This information was vital not only for visualization but also for determining necessary modifications. In addition, Okano Picard Studio requested a Revit model add-on to confirm they had accurate information about the structure.

Custom Revit Templates for Seamless Workflows

At PPM, we’re committed to helping your projects run smoothly by offering customized As-Built solutions tailored to your specific needs. For Okano Picard Studio, we implemented their custom Revit template directly into our deliverables, ensuring a seamless integration into their workflow. This eliminated the need for their team to spend hours adapting standard plans to their software, allowing them to focus more time and energy on the Gallery’s architectural vision and requirements. Now with their standards set, every future PPM project will now align perfectly with their processes.

"PPM's use of our custom Revit template has been a game changer for us. It allows us to work more efficiently, as we no longer need to spend time translating models from other formats."

Yousman Okano, Co-Founder at Okano Picard Studio

Mastering Complexity in As-Built Surveys and Data Collection

Colin Maloney, our Pacific Northwest Regional Director and Project Manager for this project, played a pivotal role in ensuring the survey and data collection met the client’s needs. From a project manager’s perspective, Colin appreciated the unique nature of this project and the collaboration with Okano Picard Studio. Since this project involved multiple complexities, including capturing intricate plumbing systems, early and frequent communication was key to meeting the client’s goals.

As the As-Built Surveyor, Colin utilized the GeoSLAM ZEB Revo RT scanner to capture the site data, which was used by our drafters and modelers to create accurate As-Built plans. Because the project area had undefined boundaries, Colin scanned more than what was required, ensuring the modelers had ample data to work with.

"Working on this project, with such a great client and in such a unique setting, was a highlight for me. Being on-site at the Washington State Fairgrounds, with roller coasters being set up around me, was quite an experience!"

Colin Maloney, Pacific Northwest Regional Director at PPM

Crafting Complex Spaces with Drafting and Modeling

Stetsen Womack, the As-Built Drafter and Modeler for this project, worked skillfully to address unique aspects of the design. One of the more intricate challenges was modeling the clerestory windows, which required careful attention due to their height and placement. Despite this, Stetsen and the team successfully created an accurate model of the entire space, including the plumbing pipes and fire suppression systems. Stetsen tackled these complexities with creative solutions, such as consulting colleagues and leveraging site images for extra accuracy checks.

Stetsen remarked on how exciting it was to work on such a meaningful project. He noted that being part of the Puyallup Assembly Center Remembrance Gallery allowed him to not only practice and enhance his skills but also contribute to a project with historical significance.

Architecture That Honors the Past

The Remembrance Gallery is more than just an exhibit; it is a vital storytelling space that honors the past while educating future generations. Okano Picard Studio’s vision, combined with our As-Built expertise, brought this powerful project to life.

This project exemplifies our dedication to solving client challenges through innovative surveying techniques, solid client relationships, and high-quality deliverables. For more information about Okano Picard Studio, visit www.okanopicardstudio.com. For more information about Belle & Wissell, visit www.bwco.info.

Modernizing a Historic Floating Home in Seattle 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Modernizing a Historic Floating Home in Seattle

Modernizing a Historic Floating Home with As-Built Plans

A Seamless Blend of Precision and Creativity

Modernizing a Historic Floating Home with As-Built Plans

A Seamless Blend of Precision and Creativity

On the tranquil waters of Seattle, Washington, a historic floating home has been given a second chance to shine. This small yet iconic floating structure, steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, was transformed into a modern summer retreat, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Citizen Design, the homeowner, and our As-Built plans. This collaboration allowed the team at Citizen Design to overcome the challenges of space, age, and unique community regulations to create a functional and inviting space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Citizen Design: A Collaborative Vision

Citizen Design, the architectural arm of Collaborative CO, approaches every project with the goal of delivering joyful, collaborative, and client-centered designs. The firm’s primary focus lies in custom single-family residential designs, where their broad expertise and thoughtful process allow them to excel in this specialized area of architectural endeavor.

This remodel, though modest in size, was no exception to Citizen Design’s passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. The 406-square-foot floating home posed unique design challenges, and the team was eager to take it on, especially for an existing client with whom they had a long-standing relationship.

The client’s vision was clear: to modernize the floating home while maintaining its charm. Once used as a storage dock and later as a studio rental, the floating home needed extensive updates to transform it into a livable and stylish summer getaway. However, with strict community rules limiting the footprint and height of the floating home, every design element had to serve multiple purposes, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget.

As-Built Scope of Work

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

Designing Within Constraints: Creativity Meets Functionality

At the heart of the design inspiration was a bold Native American blanket cherished by the client. Its blue, white, and black patterns informed many of the design decisions, from materials to color palettes.

One of the primary goals of the remodel was to maximize the floating home’s natural light and create a sense of spaciousness within its small footprint. Larger windows were installed to open up views of the city, while a skylight was repositioned to bring sunlight deeper into the space. The rooftop deck was reimagined with built-in benches, turf for a grassy feel, and even a diving platform that doubles as a playful summertime feature.

Inside, the design focused on thoughtful simplicity. The kitchen, bathroom, and living areas were carefully organized to allow for easy movement, and storage solutions were seamlessly integrated into the limited space. Every decision reflected Citizen Design’s commitment to creating a functional and joyful environment.

PPM’s Role: Precise As-Built Plans and Revit Modeling

To bring this vision to life, Citizen Design turned to PPM for precise As-Built plans and a detailed Revit model. For a project with such tight design constraints, accuracy was paramount.

Colin Maloney, PPM’s Regional Director for the Pacific Northwest, explained, “Our client needed both 2D AutoCAD plans and a 3D Revit model. The precision of these deliverables ensured that every design detail could be mapped out effectively, especially given the floating home’s age and unique floating structure.”

Surveying on the Water: Challenges and Rewards

For Benjamin Johnson, an architectural scan surveyor at PPM, working on this floating home was both a technical challenge and a memorable experience. Using the GeoSLAM ZEB Revo RT, a mobile LiDAR scanner, he carefully captured every detail of the property. “The Revo RT allowed me to process data quickly on site,” he shared, “so I could ensure the measurements were accurate before leaving.”

Benjamin scanned the 406-square-foot floating home in just one hour. Thanks to his expertise and our cutting-edge technology, the project progressed with remarkable speed and efficiency, even wrapping up ahead of schedule.

Surveying the floating home came with unique obstacles, such as navigating narrow decks and avoiding the water. “We have to be incredibly cautious with every step we take,” Johnson noted. “With this project, that care was amplified, but the experience was worth it.”

For Johnson, the most rewarding part of the job was taking in the stunning surroundings of Seattle. “Being out on the water, enjoying the views, and working on something so unique—it’s hard to beat that,” he reflected.

Conclusion: A Floating Retreat Reimagined

This floating home remodel is a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and precision align. Citizen Design’s thoughtful approach to maximizing space and light, paired with PPM’s meticulous As-Built plans and Revit model, brought the client’s vision to life within challenging constraints.

The floating home now stands as a beacon of modern design on Seattle’s waters, ready to host summer gatherings and provide a peaceful escape. This project underscores the value of collaboration, innovation, and the ability to adapt, no matter the size or scope of the challenge. To learn more about Citizen Design and this project, head to their website at www.collaborativeco.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.

Designing a Waterfront Multifamily Residence 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Designing a Waterfront Multifamily Residence

Reimagining Urban Spaces: Designing a Waterfront Multifamily Residence

Restoring Contaminated Spaces Into Luxurious Condominiums

Reimagining Urban Spaces: Designing a Waterfront Multifamily Residence

Restoring Contaminated Spaces Into Luxurious Condominiums

Embark on a captivating journey of transformation with Clark / Barnes, an esteemed Architecture Firm based in Seattle, Washington. Renowned for their commitment to creating timeless, sustainable buildings, Clark / Barnes specializes in ground-up, multifamily projects that seamlessly blend urban living with environmental consciousness.

In this exclusive narrative, we unveil the intricate process behind the remodel of a 4-story, 20,000-square-foot multifamily residence nestled in the scenic landscape of Kirkland, Washington. We explore how Clark / Barnes navigated through challenges, harnessed innovative solutions, and partnered with us to breathe new life into a space marred by contamination.

The Challenge: Contamination and Reconstruction

The six-unit condominium faced significant contamination of all interiors through the ventilation system, leading to the complete stripping of its interior down to the studs. This necessitated a comprehensive remodel, a process complicated by the involvement of insurance companies and the need for individual permits for each of the six condo owners. Clark / Barnes undertook the task of coordinating with all stakeholders, guiding them through decision-making processes and ensuring alignment with design specifications for communal areas.

This project was brought to Clark / Barnes by the general contractor for the building. Although they don’t usually take on insurance projects, Clark / Barnes, always being interested in recreating spaces for high-profile projects, found this one to be a match.

Before Clark / Barnes got involved, the remediation company came in to do testing, demolish parts of the interior, and make sure that the building was safe to safe to enter. They left whatever they felt was still acceptable by testing methods.

Scope and Design

The multifaceted scope of the project demanded careful consideration and planning. Clark / Barnes opted for a full set of As-Built plans to serve as a strong foundation for their design endeavors. With these plans in hand, the firm reimagined the condominium’s layout, accommodating both practical considerations and the diverse preferences of condo owners. Part of the remains were electrical, but after reviewing them with their general contractor, they decided to remove the electrical components and build them into their new design from scratch.

It was important for Clark / Barnes to identify plumbing throughout the building to avoid making major changes to the plumbing structures. In the instances where they did have to make adjustments, they wanted to make sure the new plumbing structures could be retrofitted in the existing lines.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Revit Model
  • Floor Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Sections
  • 3D Virtual Tour
  • Still Images

“Having PPM create our As-Builts is easy. It gives us somewhere to start from and we can focus on what we're good at. PPM has a set of tools that we don't have, so projects move a lot quicker when we work with them.”

- Craig Carney, Director of Residential at Clark / Barnes

Leveraging Revit for Seamless Design and Management

Clark / Barnes works primarily with Revit models for their projects. Revit makes it easy for Clark / Barnes to show their clients a mockup of what their building can look like based on different designs. Their Revit models are also referenced when they coordinate with consultants. All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures and any overlays are presented to their clients through Revit.

For this specific project, they used the Revit models to display different material options for the recladding of the exterior, the addition of rain screens, and elongated windows. Overall, Revit was an excellent tool for designing and managing this project.

Diverse Design Needs

While some units underwent minor modifications, others saw major transformations. The floor plans for three of the units stayed as they were, one unit had minor modifications to open the kitchen space, and two units had substantial changes.

Once example of a substantial change was adding an outside deck to increase the square footage of a top-floor unit. This created a second primary suite within the space.

Most of the unit owners opted for an upscale interior design. One of the owners had just completed a remodel in her unit only six months prior. Her aesthetic preference is a unique lodge style, so Clark and Barnes helped her recreate her original design as best as they could.

One desire all six owners shared was to convert from wood burning fireplaces to gas fireplaces. This posed a challenge for Clark / Barnes because the homeowner on the very top floor wanted the chimney in the middle of his deck space removed. To make both ideas work, they had to think creatively to come up with a way for the new gas fireplaces to have ventilation. Having the As-Builts correctly showing where the floor joists were helped them navigate the best way to successfully install gas fireplaces with proper ventilation.

The owners also decided to raise the header heights on all the windows and all the doors to bring in more natural light and take advantage of the beautiful views out of the lake. To achieve this look, the building design includes getting entirely new windows and doors.

Partnering for Success: Collaboration with PPM

Integral to the project’s success was their partnership with us for their As-Built plans. Our Surveyor meticulously captured the building’s dimensions and details, while our Revit Coordinator translated this data into a comprehensive digital model.

We interviewed these experts about their involvement in creating the As-Built plans that enabled Clark / Barnes to begin their design process and streamline their workflows.

Interview with Ben Johnson, Architectural Scan Surveyor at PPM

Ben outlined the meticulous strategies employed to ensure proper data capture for the project. Prior to scanning, Ben propped open all doors to minimize any potential movement during the process.

Ben chose to use the GeoSLAM Revo scanner, which he selected for its efficiency. This mobile LiDAR scanner facilitated comprehensive measurements of both the building’s interior and exterior within a mere 45 minutes.

To verify the data, Ben took additional measurements of the windows, doors, and perimeter using a Leica Distometer. He highlighted the unique challenge posed by the property’s stripped-down state due to a previous biohazard, which required extra precautions including wearing a KN95 mask and a Tyvek suit.

Ben expressed appreciation for the property’s stunning view of Lake Washington, which provided a refreshing break amidst data capture tasks.

Interview with David Sperry, Revit Coordinator at PPM

David employed specific techniques, such as cutting section views through the plan and utilizing section boxes in the 3D view to isolate complex areas. He noted the uniqueness of the property, that most of the interior walls were stripped down to the studs and offered clear views of the framing throughout the building. Challenges included modeling the exposed floor-ceiling assembly, which required David to determine the thickness of the subfloors and interpret the ceiling attachment points.

David enjoyed visualizing the wall framing and detailing the exterior, as well as setting up profiles and paths for wall sweeps.

Great Things Come To Those Who Wait

As the project nears completion, Clark / Barnes stands poised to breathe new life into the Kirkland condominium, transforming it into a beacon of urban revitalization. Through meticulous planning, innovative design, and collaborative partnerships, the firm has overcome significant challenges to deliver a project that not only meets but exceeds expectations. This multifamily remodel serves as a testament to Clark / Barnes’ commitment to excellence and their ability to navigate complex urban landscapes with finesse and expertise.

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences

An Innovative Hospitality Renovation

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences

An Innovative Hospitality Renovation

Innspace, a leading national hotel renovation company, has mastered the art of elevating guest experiences through comprehensive in-house capabilities. A 138,000 square-foot project dating back to 1969 demanded a transformative approach to renovation. With a commitment to accuracy and innovation, Innspace utilized our advanced LiDAR scanning and Revit BIM modeling to navigate decades of changes. In this article, we explore how this cutting-edge technology reshaped the property and supported Innspace’ high-end designs.

Innspace’ Unique Methodology: Designing and Building Together

What is unique about Innspace is that they not only design projects, but they also build them. This gives them the advantage of every team member being engaged in collaboration throughout the process of a project. They bring the full experience of their client into one space, from design and project management, to procurement, logistics and construction. Innspace’ specialty is taking outdated buildings and completely transforming them in ways that attract guests.

The Motivation Behind the Remodel: Aiming for Success

The property was struggling with having a very outdated and tired feel, so InnSpace’s client made it their goal to formulate a new brand for this hotel that would spark excitement and attract people. With the property located Washington’s capitol and near a highway, they hoped they could attract heavy government-affiliated foot traffic.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Revit Model
  • Electrical Plan Sketch
  • Still Images of MEP
  • 360° Photos

Meet Nayive: The Creative Director Driving Design Excellence

Nayive Kalkach is a creative director at Innspace and focuses on the design and documentation of projects. Her work is to make sure that each property they work on has a design story. Her involvement in this project was to create the interior design while making sure that all the documentation of those design decisions crossed the finish line.

Nayive Kalkach, Creative Director at InnSpace.

“Even though we approach design from a conceptual perspective, we make sure that we are designing to reality, which is where PPM comes in. We want to make sure anything we're proposing fits within the boundaries of the building, and this is only possible if we're working with an As-Built model.”

– Nayive Kalkach, Creative Director at Innspace

Design Inspirations: Nature's Influence in Reviving Spaces

When it came to designing, the Innspace design team’s touches evolved around bringing a fresh and revived feel into the space. They took influences from the beautiful nature surroundings, and the local tradition. For example, upon entering the new lobby guests would be greeted by vibrant elements that effortlessly coalesce with the earthy tones, patterns, and organic materials inspired by Olympia’s natural surroundings, establishing a strong connection to the environment. Large windows were part of the design to instill relaxation by showcasing gorgeous views of the Pacific Northwest.

Achieving Milestones: Transitioning to a Voco Hotel

It is significant to note this hotel’s approval to be built into a voco hotel. Voco is an international hotel brand owned by the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and this hotel was the first voco on the West Coast in the United States. This was exciting for the team because of the extensive process involved in receiving approval to become a voco. Currently, there are voco’s located in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and more, all offering upscale lifestyle hotel experiences.

Advantages of As-Built Technology in Project Management

Our advanced point cloud data and Revit BIM models are used by all of Innspace’ teams. They use our 3D scans and As-Built plans to collect important information such as the material square footage and ff&e quantities. This is then translated into budgeting and construction time-management logistics.

In addition to internal use, Innspace uses the Revit model to communicate ideas to their client by moving the model in different angles and virtually walking through the space. This use of visuals helps the client make decisions in a more accurate, efficient, and confident manner.

Revit Model: the Right Choice for Design and Build

For Innspace, this is a no brainer. They want to be in control of the full project from beginning to end and provide accurate information. Because Innspace takes full liability for the accuracy of the information they provide to their client, they come to us to document their existing conditions. Our use of the most forward technology that exists, LiDAR, allows Innspace the ability to propose plans, materials, and elements with confidence.

Unveiling Hidden Insights: Discoveries Invisible to Photography

There were several conditions that were not able to be documented through photographs or by viewing the site in-person. When the As-Built BIM model was completed, Innspace was able to view the full and true conditions of the property.

To give one example, hotels typically have two to four floor levels of similar heights; what Innspace discovered through the help of the BIM model was that the hotel had half levels and a restaurant located between levels one and two. This is very important information to have on hand and would have posed a challenge to accurately document this data without the use of LiDAR technology.

The Partnership with PPM: Ensuring Accuracy in Documentation

Nayive received As-Built plans from a different provider who did not include enough detail regarding lighting fixtures. InnSpace discovered several discrepancies between the documentation they received and the actual locations of items. Nayive’s colleague, Dennis, had worked with PPM at his past company and liked the proximity of our Seattle office to his business, so he reached out for us to partner with them on this project.

When it comes to As-Built drawings and models, any inconsistencies between the measurements and actual building elements pose a massive risk to the success of the project. At PPM, our QA process involves 14 steps, including verifying measurements, element placement, and more before we send it out for use.

Behind the Scenes: Angelo's Dedication to Detail

When we interviewed the modeler for this project, Angelo Maldonado, he commented on the unique lobby and restaurant area. Angelo impressively modeled this building completely on his own and was motivated by his enjoyment of seeing the model come together floor by floor.

Angelo Maldonado, Production Lead at PPM.

“I paid close attention to every detail and made sure to reach out for help when I wasn’t sure about any part of the model. I’m grateful to have been able to model on the entire project on my own.”

– Angelo Maldonado, Production Lead at PPM

Integrating Innovation and Precision in Hospitality Renovation

Innspace’ renovation journey exemplifies the seamless integration of creativity and precision. From conceptualization to execution, their commitment to accuracy and innovation has resulted in a transformative guest experience. As we reflect on this project, let us carry forward the lessons learned about the power of collaboration and the importance of embracing technology in shaping interior design abilities and the future of hospitality.