Originally from South Africa, Devon now works in the UK, developing his skills and experience within the profession. His expertise in Revit models and BIM has added an extra dimension to Powers measured building team. He creates models which are an accurate depiction of current buildings. Measured Building Surveys (MBS) map the structural elements and architectural features of a building, while Revit allows architects, engineers and construction professionals to model shapes, structures and systems in 3D with accuracy and ease. Devon’s job is to create the base Revit model to Level of Detail (LOD) 300, which architects and designers can then use to create their vision.
Learning and developing
Devon is also excited by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) his role and its technology provides. He says: “I love surveying – there is always something new to learn. There are technological advancements in surveying coming on the scene all the time and Powers makes sure it incorporates the latest kit and methods into its ways of working”. Every element of a building has information to reveal – schedules, plans, sections and elevations. This data can then be used to create a multitude of new drawings, designs and records.
Devon continues, “I always like to get involved in different projects, but I am looking forward to developing the Revit side of the business for Powers. Revit is the principal software used in BIM and across a broad range of professions in the construction and design industry. Revit’s a bit like AutoCAD – but while the latter is adequate for a simple design, if you have something more elaborate, Revit is the better option.”
Working on campus
One of the most interesting projects Devon has been involved with in the last 12 months was at Cardiff Metropolitan University. This was a large project that is part of the wider ‘master plan’ and will see significant investment in its Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses. Devon undertook the planning of the surveying of the Llandaff site, designated areas ‘M’ and ‘N’. N was the lecturers’ rooms and classrooms, and M was the maritime building which housed the head of department, chancellor, vice chancellor, sales and marketing. This in itself brought its own challenges.
As Devon recalled: “This was a complex survey across a wide area. Due to the location and busyness of the campus, I was required to work out-of-hours to avoid congestion and student traffic, to minimise disruption to the campus. This was a challenge, as there are health and safety issues and also issues around lone working too. But this is all part of the learning process, of gaining wider knowledge and experience, to become a better, even more skilled measured building surveyor.”
Quality and experience
Powers combine a team of highly qualified and experienced engineers and technicians, with some of the leading survey technology to provide tailored, reliable and efficient surveys, drawings and models every time. Each survey is specifically developed to meet the precise requirements of the project. If you would like to find out more, contact Powers today.
