One of the main reasons we launched Real Estate NJ was the fact that this industry touches so many different disciplines and fields of expertise. Even the smallest, most inconspicuous project can have the fingerprints of dozens of professionals who help a developer’s vision become reality.
In our October issue, we highlight the work of architects and engineers, whose role in this process is as important as any other group of professionals. They’re among the first calls that a developer will make and can play a key role in helping a project overcome challenges along the way.
They’re also on the front lines when it comes to technology, as we highlight in two features this month. For one story, “Soaring Ahead,” we sat down with Kipcon Engineering to discuss its plans for incorporating drone technology into its projects. As the Kipcon team told us, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles can improve the outcomes, cost-effectiveness and safety of all types of projects — ranging from surveying and road repairs to moisture testing and building inspections. It’s providing a new frontier for engineering and construction, one that could benefit both the professionals and their clients on the developer and landlord side.
We also look this month at the role of virtual and augmented reality in architecture. We spoke to the team at Rotwein + Blake, a familiar name in New Jersey’s commercial real estate industry, to discuss how its principals see virtual reality as a way to create additional value for clients before and after construction. As Rotwein + Blake President Lance Blake tells us, it’s a “hugely powerful tool” and the next generation of technology in the design sector.
Our October issue also coincides with the debut of a new 230-foot-tall observation wheel at Atlantic City’s famous Steel Pier. As it turns out, the project comes with an interesting backstory, in which engineers with Warren-based PS&S were called on to help solve a major challenge in the project’s construction. We were fortunate enough to speak with members of the PS&S engineering team for an up-close look at how they created a path forward for the observation wheel.
We have those stories and more in the pages that follow. We also recently marked one year since the launch of RE-NJ.com and The Briefing, our daily newsletter with all of the top industry headlines, deals and personnel moves. Our audience is growing every day, as is the network of real estate firms and professionals who see the value of Real Estate NJ. Thanks to all who have helped us build our popular digital platform over this first year.
Keep an eye on RE-NJ.com and The Briefing for the new features that we have in store for the year ahead.
As always, we welcome any of your feedback, questions or story ideas.
Enjoy the issue!
Joshua Burd
Editor
