Paige Reitz
Design and Construction Integration
VDC Engineer at Messer Construction
Describe your potential job duties
-Develop, integrate, coordinate and manage digital models for design, construction and field use during construction.
-Produce and maintain 3D models throughout the life of a project.
-Coordinate with project team members to assist in the management of show drawing/model production.
-Review 3D models produced by architects and/or engineers and evaluate conformance to schematic design, design development or construction document requirements.
-Coordinate and prepare models with Estimating for quantity extraction to enable Model Based Cost Planning.
-Help refine and manage our BIM application capabilities, training programs, and provide training support to our operations staff leveraging Virtual Design and Construction applications.
-Coordinate and prepare models with field engineers to export layout points for use with field survey equipment.
-Coordinate and prepare point cloud/UAV data to work with design and construction model progression.
-Prepare models for AR/VR to be used in the field.
-Create models, model animations, video etc. to support project requirements and pursuits.
-Prepare models to be used for safety planning.
-Research, develop and implement a documented best practice process for the use of supporting new Virtual Construction technologies as part of the delivery of construction services.
-Act as a resource to prime subcontractors utilizing VDC to coordinate MEP and structural trades, including technical information and process support.
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
Before coming to Purdue, I had no idea that virtual construction was a thing. I would say the one thing that made me most uniquely qualified for this job is the internship hour requirement. In all of my interviews, I have talked about my past internships, what softwares I used, and how it makes me qualified for the job. The amount of modeling and BIM classes I have taken definitely make a big difference as well. If it hadn't been for Purdue and for DCI, I wouldn't have found a love and passion for 3D modeling and construction.
How has the college or someone in the college (feel free to name them) helped you achieve your goals?
Sarah George and Bryan Hubbard are both extremely helpful, passionate, and knowledgeable about this area of study. They genuinely want to see you succeed and also provide helpful feedback and critiques on projects and assignments.
What specific classes (titles are more helpful than course numbers) helped prepare you for your new job?
The two DCI classes (CM330 and CM331) were very helpful because they showed me how to work with clients and take critiques.
A lot of the BIM classes (CM460, CM462, and CM360) were also very helpful because those classes introduced me to Revit and many 3D modeling strategies.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
My favorite projects have come from the two DCI classes. In CM330, I designed and modeled a Victorian tiny home for one my classmates. In CM331, I designed a restaurant with a speakeasy bar. With the help of Sarah George, Bryan Hubbard, and Luciana Debs, these classes were easily my favorite throughout college. It was such a collaborative space that I loved going to everyday.
If it hadn't been for Purdue and the DCI major, I wouldn't have found a love and passion for 3D modeling and construction. My internship hours made me uniquely qualified; in all of my interviews, I have talked about my past internships, the software I’ve used, and how it made me prepared for the job."