A new architectural visualization startup launched in Atlanta gives those designing their dream homes a virtual look at their project.
Vippo provides comprehensive architectural visualization---including VR or even 3D printed models of design plans---to help get owners and developers involved in the design process, as well as marketing at the end of the design process, according to co-founder and CEO Kirkland Brooks.
The company is in a soft launch in the city, educating customers on how their visualization process is different from competitors. Brooks said those without an engineering, design or architectural background usually have difficulty being able to visualize a 3D project when presented with 2D plans on paper.
"So part of the beauty of our technology is we can incorporate all the engineering files and the architectural files into one, and that can be seen in both in VR or as an executable on any computer that you have," he said. "This can help an owner actually experience the space that they want to build as opposed to getting a 2D set of paper plans and trying to imagine it."
By combining plans from architects, civil and structural engineers into one visual representation, owners and designers will be able to recognize any hiccups in the plans, Brooks said. Through its proprietary cloud-based software, Vippo can create an interactive simulation quickly, removing the ‘black box’ surrounding the entire design process.
"One thing that you could do is actually save quite a bit of money by being able to see if there are glaring issues and being able to take care of that in the software as opposed to having to do massive change orders later," he said.
A major differentiator separating them from the competition is being able to incorporate the engineering plans, something most architectural visualization firms aren't doing, Brooks said. He said Vippo and other programs like it will be the future of designing.
"Our design phase especially, I believe that will be how owners and developers will interact with their teams," he said. "They will be seen in a virtual world as opposed to paper plans...It basically makes it easier for everybody."
Vippo hopes to secure funding during its soft launch in Georgia and the founders believe their business is scalable across the design industry, Brooks said.
Check out a video of how the visualization comes together with Vippo:
