D. Bryson began work in machining and metalworking in Canada in 1981, becoming a world recognized journeyman tool and die maker in 1985. Re-entering the workforce as a CAD designer, he worked his way up to Senior Mechanical Engineer in a leading microwave radio company. He shares recognition in two patents relating to his design work of microwave radios. His previous hands-on metalworking experience has benefitted him greatly in his design career, where he continues to design and develop innovative yet simple-to-manufacture parts and assemblies. Familiar with all aspects of manufacturing including precision machining and grinding, stamping, die casting and welding. He is an expert in Solid Works and AutoCAD, including import and export of the many other software platforms in the marketplace.

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Interview with Mr. D. Bryson

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   My clients are varied. My background is in metalworking and mechanical CAD, both 2D & 3D. I have worked on very complicated mechanical assemblies and manufacturing drawings for the microwave industry, the semi-conductor industry, the nuclear industry and just the manufacturing industry in general. I have also worked with architectural CAD and have a client in the low voltage retrofit industry whose major customers are school districts and hospitals. They upgrade security systems and classroom technology. I have done both 2D drawings and 3D renderings for them. I have another client that installs automatic car wash systems and I do all their installation drawings. I have another client for whom I do RV park layouts. Finally, I have created drawings for individuals to submit with patent applications.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on?
   What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   The most interesting project I worked on was a proprietary mechanical system that I can’t even talk about since the patent application is still pending. It had many small mechanical assemblies and a very large final assembly. All the work was in 3D. It will be interesting to see it actually come to fruition and know I was a part of it. I had to research many new to the market components that went into the assembly, create 3D models of them and integrate them correctly.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   My favorite tool is Solid Works. With my mechanical background, it is the most versatile software available that ties part modeling, assemblies and drawings all together parametrically. I can’t imagine doing the work I do today on a drawing board with a pencil. A week’s work would take a year!

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   I have talked to all my clients many times over the last 2 years, thinking that they were bringing their CAD requirement in-house since I had shown a significant decrease in business from all of them. This was not the case. It is simply a slowdown in all industries. If anything, they have laid off their own full time people and are still planning on outsourcing the majority of their CAD work.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I have always been good at time management and servicing several clients on several projects at the same time. I have never missed a deadline or had an unhappy client. With a home office, I have the flexibility to work any hours required to get the job done.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   I have been involved in many remote meetings as an observer but have not yet had the necessity to launch my own meeting.

B. Barkman is an independent CAD/BIM Application Specialist. Since the beginning of his career, he has invested time in the manufacturing, construction, and architectural industries as a drafter, designer, programmer, customizer, and all-around help desk guru. He has worked as an instructor for a technical college, an interior design college, and presently teaches an online class for Revit Architecture and has been training people to use AutoCAD since 2003. Since 2006, Barkman has been helping companies implement Revit and become familiar with BIM methodologies. Throughout his career, he has always served as the answer-man for many software and hardware tools.

M. Tripodi is currently a Registered Architect, licensed in 5 states including NY, VA, NC, SC and GA. Over the past 17 years, he has specialized in design, drafting of production drawings, project management, and construction administration. He has worked extensively on Multi-Family residential complexes, commercial offices, medical offices, financial institutions and mixed-use buildings. Mr. Tripodi is an expert in AutoCAD and has been using Revit for 3D renderings for 3 years.

S. Silva is at present an independent CAD consultant and NH licensed septic designer. She previously held the role of SR Cadd Technician at TF Moran in Bedford, NH a well established Civil Engineering Co. Prior to her role at TF Moran she held a similar role at Lavelle Associates in Hampstead, NH a Licensed land Surveying Co. She has an extensive background in Civil and Survey design as well as prior experience with mechanical drafting. She has an associate degree from NHVTC in Laconia, NH as well as civil engineering credits from The University of Lowell.

M. Robinson is currently an independent CAD consultant, a role he has performed since 2005. Mr. Robinson was previously the head of CAD Manager and IT Support at Brownworth Engineering Associates, a leading MEP design company based in the United States, from 1980 to 2008. Mr. Robinson managed a team of 2D and 3D designers (focusing on Revit, BIM and AutoCAD). His leadership and support resulted in over $500 million in annual revenue for Brownworth Engineering. Mr. Robinson started his career as a CAD Draftsman at Brownworth Engineering, and worked there from 1991 to 2008. He was responsible for implementing the use of CAD tools in the company. Mr. Robinson also worked directly with the companys customers, including architects and engineers.

R. Taylor has extensive experience using Auto CAD, Auto CAD Mechanical, Inventor, Architecture as well as Bentley and MicroStation. His qualifications include 6 years of experience as a CAD designer/ draftsman. His recent experience includes design, as-builts and redraws in various areas, including architecture, piping, electrical, mechanical, rail road design, civil and site layouts.

J. Peters is a highly experienced CAD draftsman, who has years of experience in using Autocad/Revit, Microstation and ARchicad to handle challenging Computer Aided Design & Drafting projects. He has managed construction inspections for numerous architects, city officials and banks, and has conducted on-site construction inspections to track budget costs, feasibility and projected budget overruns. Projects ranged from retail stores to multi-million dollar condominiums to private residences. He graduated with honors from San Diego State University with a B.A. degree in Environmental Design, with a concentration in Construction Technology Design Certification. He lives and works in Hailey, ID.

T. Dang is a CAD Specialist/Technician/Operator/Coordinator. He received his Associates in Science degree in Engineering, with specialties in the design and drafting field. He worked for almost 9 years as an Electrical/Mechanical/Structural Drafter. He had worked as a Printed Circuit Board Designer for 3 years, during which time he designed circuit boards for power supply), and also developed designs for cables and harnesses.

N. McDonough is an Architectural Draftsmen with experience ranging from 4 story commercial building to residential additions. He has over nine years of professional experience as a draftsmen. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, proficient in the use of Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit 2011. He is also an expert in Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, Autodesk Impressions, and Sketchup.

T. Mifsud is a CAD consultant providing services to architects, engineers, builders , construction managers, and facility managers. He provides a range of CAD services, including implementation, standards and best practices development, training, project support, CADDBIM management and 3D BIM modeling services. He has extensive experience with Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Navisworks and AutoCAD. He is based in Southern NH which allows him to provide daily on-site services for clients in all 6 New England states. He has extensive real world experience in AEC-FM and CADDBIM management.

Comments

All project are challenging in different ways but the two main challenges are: unrealistic schedules and trying to meet our clients’ expectations

I use AutoDesk Suite and Revit. Pros and cons are too much detail to go into.

Training is ongoing. I have a program for our staff called “sharpen the saw” days, i.e. for 4 days a year (scheduled as work permits for the individual) each person or group selects a specific topic, researches/studies and develops a presentation for the benefit of the entire staff.

We don’t outsource anything in our skill set but do outsource to IT and web content/development consultants

Interview with Mr. T. Mifsud

1. 1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   We serve architects, construction managers, facilities manager for CAD, REVIT and BIM and our particular areas of expertise are training, implementing software, support services, library development, standards development.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   I work with and support many clients on their projects so there isnt one stand-out that I could describe as the most interesting.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   REVIT Architecture is my favorite software and I teach classes in it It makes everything easier than 2D AutoCad.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   Over the last 5 years the trend in New England has moved totally away from drafting in 2D AutoCad. We anticipated this trend, moved ahead of our clients and now work primarily in 3D BIM.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like not being tied to one desk and the challenge of constantly changing projects.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Ive been using remote software for 6-7 years. The one I prefer now is TeamViewer because it is good for remote support, training, teamwork whereas others we have tried are not as quick or flexible. Working remotely with clients is good for handling all types of questions. For comprehensive introductory training of 2 hours or more its preferred to have a face-to-face meeting.

A. Trottier is an independent CAD consultant and an experienced draftsman. He has extensive experience in the area of fire alarm systems, and is an expert in AutoCAD 2009-2011 and AutoCAD MEP 2010 along with other office software including Adobe Pro X. Mr. Trottier has designed and planned system layouts, and has also created submittal packages.

J. Buttari is a Draftsman/Project coordinator. He has extensive experience in the preparation of architectural floor plans, foundation plans, interior/exterior elevations, wall sections, 3-D modeling and construction documents as well as on-site job experience. He has prepared and developed plans for various construction projects, such as restaurants, bars, private custom homes, renovations for existing homes, small office redesign and stores.