Why we do it
The commercial real estate industry has failed to advance how we design and construct buildings for decades, especially in high-density multi-family. Commercial real estate is responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions, using building techniques that are imprecise, slow, inconsistent, and labor-intensive. Most projects are a “one-off” resulting in long and expensive design cycles and unanticipated issues in the design and construction phases.
Most buildings also fail to inspire. The typical structure, whether concrete or steel, is wrapped in drywall creating bland environments that require significant investment to make compelling and biophilic.
These problems exist because many real estate development teams are focused on solving the economic problems of development rather than creating better buildings through engineering solutions. That task is often outsourced to architects, structural engineers, MEP subcontractors, and the general contractor. But if the developer's role is to establish a direction, choose the right team, and course correct when needed, that is impossible without subject matter expertise. This is why it often takes a lot of time and money to figure out the optimal design.
We see a better way. Using iterative designs, we significantly reduce the learning curve. This is enhanced by recent advances in digital design technology and the ability to manufacture building components - something that only mass timber can do.
