John Young is a former Geologist turned technology fanatic. John is very interested in data visualization, 3D modeling and using alternative software for BIM projects. John works for AES Engineering which provides comprehensive electrical engineering services for building construction and infrastructure projects.
CanBIM had the chance to speak to John recently about his thoughts on BIM and how he is utlizing it.
CanBIM: Where are you working and what role do you fill?
John Young: I work at AES Engineering as BIM manager, Low tension systems designer. I am head of our Technology group.
CanBIM: Why was joining CanBIM important to you?
John Young: I am interested in participating in creating and furthering BIM standards and practices in Canada and furthering beyond BIM techniques. I am a member of the Technology Steering Committee for CanBIM.
Rendering from John Young, AES Engineering
CanBIM: How does BIM fit into your current workflow?
John Young: AES Engineering is using BIM for electrical, lighting and technology designs on many projects. Even if the project is not in a BIM software we often create our own model for visualizations and renderings to aid our design intent.
CanBIM: How would you like to see BIM affecting your workflows in the future?
John Young: I’d like to see continued development of automated processes using tools like Dynamo and Grasshopper.
Rendering from John Young, AES Engineering
CanBIM: What specific programs are you using, and how are you using them?
John Young: We are using Revit, Sketchup, 3DS Max for modeling, 3DS Max and gaming engine software for 3D photorealistic renderings, live interactive walkthroughs. We use Dynamo to automate processes within the Revit environment. We are using Grasshopper/Rhino for various site related drawings by recreating cities or portions of cities programmatically using available online open data sources. We use Elumtools and AGI for our photometric calculations.
CanBIM: What types of projects are you completing with BIM?
John Young: AES Engineering is involved with many commercial projects including hospitals, aquatic centres, schools, firehalls. We provide electrical, lighting and low tension systems designs on these projects.
Rendering from John Young, AES Engineering
CanBIM: What has been the biggest benefit that you have seen while utilizing BIM for electrical systems?
John Young: Coordination between electrical and lighting systems with other disciplines through clash detection has greatly improved the implementation of our designs. Elumtools plugin for Revit has allowed us to quickly calculate lighting levels while working in the model and adjust our lighting designs and layouts quickly. FBX export of Revit models to other software allows us to quickly create photorealistic renderings and walkthroughs.
Thank you John for contributing to our community. We appreciate our members sharing with the community, if you or your firm has a project to share, please reach out!
