Our work here at CADD Microsystems takes us to unexpected places, and that’s one of the things we love about what we do. We were recently approached by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) to donate our services to a construction project that the Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) had undertaken.
[caption id="attachment_1018" align="alignright" width="362"] Marshall and Lundy[/caption]
The WCC is a non-profit that uses clinically-based Canine Connection Therapy to help wounded warriors recover from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It connects veterans with puppies, to train them to be service dogs for other veterans in need. This is a great form a therapy not only for the service member in need of a service dog, but also for the puppy trainer, as they have an important mission to direct their energy towards while transitioning back to life at home.
The WCC wanted to renovate existing buildings at a property they had just leased for a new training facility for the service dogs. They needed help with the entire construction process, and we were more than happy to donate our services. It’s hard to say no to such a worthy cause… and to puppies.
Pete Kelsey from Autodesk used a laser scanner to scan the existing structures and surrounding topography, and gave that point cloud model to Chris Lindo, one of our Application Specialists. From there, he was able to create a 3D model of the site using Revit and ReCap 360 Pro. He generated plans, sections, elevations and 3D views in Revit to help visualize the existing structures. Once the Revit model was complete, Chris uploaded all the BIM model data to BIM360 Docs, which allows all the other construction and contractor firms to continue coordinating and collaborating throughout the project.
One compelling aspect of this project – in addition to the charitable aspect - is that it highlighted how Autodesk products and BIM processes can help accelerate design, construction and operations of new and renovated buildings – something that our customers can benefit from every day.
We really enjoyed donating our services to help veterans reconnect with their lives, families, communities, and each other. We’ve always supported service members through our CADD Foundation, and this project fits in perfectly with our Foundation’s pillars – combining veterans’ causes with our particular industry expertise. Last year we donated more than $20,000 to veteran associations, and we hope to donate even more this year. Check out our CADD Foundation page if you are interested in learning more or getting involved!
And because we can’t have a blog post about puppies and NOT have puppy pictures, here you go…