1. Interview: < A visit with Richard Epstein >
Topic Number: <72>
Interview: < A visit with Richard Epstein >
By: <Deborah Snoonian,P.E>
Date: <June 2003>
Web Address:
construction. com/features/digital/archives/030da-1
Presented By:
< Maha Ibrahim Mohamed Abd El Moniem >

2. A visit with Richard Epstein
11/23/2017
Introduction:
Richard Epstein has had his own firm in Boulder, Colorado, Richard Epstein Architects since 1992.
He has designed a variety of commercial, Residential ,and mixed-use projects ; Public art and sustainability have been the mainstays of his practice.
Portrait courtesy
Richard Epstein
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

3. A visit with Richard Epstein
Introduction:
He has collaborated for more than 20 years with the renowned artist Michael Singer, whom he met as an architecture student at MIT.
They has designed together the Phoenix Recycling Center as well as numerous projects at the Denver International Airport.
Phoenix recycling center
Denver International Airport
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

4. A visit with Richard Epstein
What Kinds Of Digital Tools Are Integral To Your Firm’s Practice?
We’re a PC office, and for design we use primarily AutoCAD and from-Z .
We do a lot of form-Z modeling of every project - we often begin with that , and then we use AutoCAD to generate production drawings.
Solid Waste Transfer
And Recycling Center
Phoenix, Arizona
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

5. Have You Explored Other 3D Design Programs?
We’ve explored to some degree the idea of parametric Modeling , using some of the software packages that are Available right now
Epstein’s prospects lofts mixed –use development
I’ve determined That between the Amount of Computer horsepower needed to keep A model Updated and the time it Takes ,especially with multiple people Working on a project it’s not as efficient as allowing people to work on the project at the same time.
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

6. A visit with Richard Epstein
Have You Explored Other 3D Design Programs?
The models ended up getting in the way , we found . I can imagine that on a very complex building it might be the only way you can get fast results.
But I’m still un convinced of the value of the parametric modeling.
Epstein’s prospects lofts mixed –use development has been modeled extensively in 3D as he and his partners seek funding to build it.
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

7. A visit with Richard Epstein
What Are Your Major Hardware Needs ?
We don’t buy computers premade from Dell or Gateway or any of those companies .
We always need better graphics cards and other features like that, and we find the machines are much more affordable and functional if we piece them together ourselves.
Solid Waste Transfer
And Recycling Center
Phoenix, Arizona
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

8. A visit with Richard Epstein
What Are Your Major Hardware Needs ?
We have a part-time guy, Ferdinand Schmidt ,who’s an IT manger for Architectural Energy Corporation , a large firm nearby .
He builds the computers for us and provides technical support for them , as well as our printers and other hardware .
Using models created in form-z
Epstein showed clearly how the
Firm would transform a tilt-up
Concrete industrial building into
Office space with a new façade
,more windows, and glass corner
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

9. A visit with Richard Epstein
How Has Technology Affected The Way You Practice Architecture ?
Technology has become a great equalizer , Even though we’re a small firm , we’re able to compete with larger firms and be efficient in our practice cause of the level of technological proficiency we’ve achieved .
I think the quality of our modeling work is as good as most firms As most firms in our area so we can offer those benefits to our clients ,as well as the advantages of working in a smaller firm.
Solid Waste Transfer
And Recycling Center
Phoenix, Arizona
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

10. A visit with Richard Epstein
11/23/2017
How Has Technology Affected The Way You Practice Architecture ?
We’ve seen more and more benefits in doing 3D modeling in the early stages of a project to explore design options like material and color with our clients.
The renderings for a project that’s under construction ,A renovation of an existing building Sold the developer on a more radical design concept than he’d originally been comfortable with.
Solid Waste Transfer
And Recycling Center
Phoenix, Arizona
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

11. A visit with Richard Epstein
How Has Technology Affected The Way You Practice Architecture ?
We use the internet extensively to search product catalogs .looking up specific manufactures and products online saves us a lot of time.
Many companies also provide dimension information for their products on their web sites ,along with CAD details you can download.
Solid Waste Transfer
And Recycling Center
Phoenix, Arizona
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein

12. A visit with Richard Epstein
How Has Technology Affected The Way You Practice Architecture ?
I’m also acting as a developer for a mixed-use project in Longmont, Colorado .
And being able to use the internet to research material costs has been crucial to doing this in conjunction with my practice.
Solid Waste Transfer
And Recycling Center
Phoenix, Arizona
5/2/2005
A visit with Richard Epstein