Nationally recognized landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm Confluence have created a dedicated digital studio, led by Justin Clark and Daniel Tal, FASLA, out of the firm’s Denver office. The new studio, which will serve all nine Confluence offices nationally, will help bring projects to life with detailed digital 3D models and expert drone photometric capabilities.
“With the Digital Studio, we’re able to become a more powerful partner with our clients,” said Tal. “By integrating our firm’s technology and expertise into each phase, we can improve the experience across the entire project lifecycle, providing actionable data faster and immersing clients and stakeholders in the creative process in a way that builds understanding and supports project buy-in.”
From the earliest stages of a project – even before surveying begins – Confluence’s drones can obtain site data that informs decision-making and accelerates project timelines. During the design process, powerful visualization tools allow Confluence’s design and planning teams to communicate the core project narrative, enhance the creative process and build collaborative consensus more effectively. During construction and beyond, digital 3D modeling and drones can be used to monitor construction administration and to evaluate post-occupancy metrics and operations.
Confluence’s Digital Studio tools have been used on recent projects including the firm’s winning entry in the Falls Park National Design Competition in Downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Creighton University Campus Master Plan in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska, and the Downtown Gateway Arch in North Kansas City, Missouri.
“Confluence came to us with a number of creative ideas for making the corridor more attractive, including a new archway into our downtown,” Sara Copeland, North Kansas City Community development director. “An archway was well beyond the scope of the project, but our City Council was so excited about the idea that they decided to move forward with it immediately, while also implementing the recommendations outlined in the corridor plan. The archway will be one of the first improvements made along the corridor and will help tie the future corridor improvements to other gateway signage improvements being made around the city – another project that we’ve hired Confluence for.”
Clark and Tal have a combined 45 years of experience in the use and innovation of digital 3D modeling, drones, and the integration of emerging technologies in the design and planning process.
Tal is being nationally recognized on Nov. 21 at the 2021 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Nashville, Tennessee as a member of this year’s class of ASLA’s Council of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed on members of the landscape architecture profession. His contributions to the Landscape Architecture profession have been transformative in promoting the use of digital technology, including developing, disseminating, and teaching 3D modeling methods, strategic drone use in the planning process, and for his advances in emerging technology integration and software development. He has authored three books on digital methods for landscape architects, which have sold over 20,000 copies to date. His first book, Google SketchUp for Site Design, now in its second edition, has been widely adopted by Landscape Architecture programs and professional firms.
Clark is a 3D Modeling and Visualization Specialist who has been working in the AEC/Design industry for over 23 years. He brings extensive expertise in 3D modeling, photogrammetry, drone piloting, animations, photo simulations, virtual reality, multimedia presentations, Autodesk software, AutoCAD drafting, graphic design and project management. He is also an FAA-Licensed/Certified UAV pilot and has flown drones for a large variety of project types, including bridges, streets, highways, transportation hubs, sub-stations, energy plants, waterways, plazas, parks, urban design, and similar infrastructure.
Confluence plans to further grow the digital studio in line with project and client demand. With nine locations throughout the Midwest and Western U.S., the firm has emerged as one of the most comprehensive, growth-oriented landscape architecture firms serving clients across the nation.
