Historical Timeline
1997
The Idea - 1997
After serving in The United States Air Force as an engineer, Existing Conditions Surveys Incorporated was created when Founder, Kurt Yeghian, began working at a large architectural firm in Boston, while pursuing his architectural degree. The problem that still exists today is simple. When it comes to measuring existing buildings, it is a task that is often relegated to the most junior staff, who have the enthusiasm, but not the experience, expertise, or equipment to put together an accurate set of drawings. This almost always leads to costly change orders, and other unpleasantness during the project. The main concern is that mistakes in the building process can arise from inaccurate information. The lack of emphasis put on this important phase of the project was puzzling to Kurt. Seeing this unmet need, Existing Conditions was founded to deliver high quality building documentation more accurately, efficiently, and cost effectively than anyone else in the market.
The Beginning - 1999
The formation of existingconditions.com heralded a welcome professional source for architects, engineers, real estate owners, and other building industry professionals to procure an accurate set of drawings for their projects. We were awarded our first project 3 hours after the launch of our website. This was the beginning of an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the building industry to this new service.
The Beginning - 1999
Incorporation - 2001
Because the building industry embraces the concept of a single source for professional and accurate creation of existing conditions drawings, existingconditions.com evolved into Existing Conditions Surveys, Inc. We became a Veteran owned, Massachusetts Subchapter S Corporation which added value and protection to the company as it continued to grow.
PJ Sullivan joins Existing Conditions - 2001
In 2001, Existing Conditions welcomed PJ Sullivan. PJ Sullivan is responsible for quality control, as well as, high profile and complex 3D modeling. PJ is based in the United Kingdom and continues to be a valued resource on Existing Conditions projects.
PJ Sullivan joins Existing Conditions - 2001
Joseph Sullivan joins Existing Conditions - 2002
Following the lead of his older brother, Existing Conditions was pleased to welcome Joe Sullivan to the firm. Today, Joe is still with us as a senior member of our staff, as well as one of our FAA certified drone pilots in charge.
Red Letter Date: Our First Large Project - 2002
In 2002, Existing Conditions was awarded our first large, high profile project, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. We competed against a number of more mature companies for this project, and after we completed this large, complicated project, our reputation as a valued consultant was solidified in the region. This project was the first for us to use terrestrial 3D laser scanning.
Red Letter Date: Our First Large Project - 2002
The First Expansion - 2003-2008
Building on the great work we had in our portfolio and while attracting five additional staff, Existing Conditions expanded from a small, Boston based, service provider, to a regional service provider, with a reputation and portfolio built on the successful execution of hundreds of projects, and many satisfied customers.
Red Letter Date:United States Senate Chamber Project - 2009
With great pride and honor, Existing Conditions was awarded a no-bid contract to 3D laser scan and create an existing BIM model (Building Information Model) of the United States Senate Chamber in Washington, D.C. After the successful completion of this project, Existing Conditions’ reputation as a regional provider of high-quality existing conditions drawings was established. The recognition from this project opened doors to other such high-profile projects that we have had the honor of completing, including the following: The Massachusetts State House, The Pentagon, Carnegie Hall, The Willis Tower, and the New York Stock Exchange.
Red Letter Date:United States Senate Chamber Project - 2009
Brian Ely Joins the Firm - 2009
Existing Conditions welcomed Brian Ely to the firm, from his former position as the BIM manager of Kallman McKinnell and Wood Architects (a storied firm located in Boston). Brian remains with Existing Conditions today as a senior member of management, the VP of Operations. Brian’s expertise and ethic has helped us embrace the latest technology and methods, and have raised the level of quality of our work.
Philip Smith Joins the Firm - 2010
The addition of Philip Smith to the firm was an event that allowed us to not only deploy a 3D modeler that is exceptionally versed in Revit, but also a mind that has allowed us to stay at the “tip of the spear” of technology. As a company, we always need to be at the cutting edge, and we maintain our edge as a result. Philip serves as our VP of Product and leads the production of our most complicated services.
Philip Smith Joins the Firm - 2010
First Deployment of New Generation FARO Scanners - 2011
Starting in 2011, Existing Conditions made the bold move of deploying three new FARO Focus 3D laser scanners. This new generation of scanners allowed us to collect field data faster, more accurately, and less expensively than previous methods. The speed and accuracy that we are now able to collect data has been a watershed to us and our clients, allowing us to deliver work of unprecedented quality and accuracy. This is also a time when Existing Conditions became the largest user of FARO laser scanners on the East Coast.
First Deployment of FARO Freestyle Handheld Scanner - 2015
In 2015, Existing Conditions deployed the FARO Freestyle Handheld 3D Laser Scanner. The FARO Freestyle was a useful tool for capturing intricate details on various projects. The handheld design allowed for complete 360-degree scanning around objects, which was not possible with tripod-mounted scanners limited to certain angles.
First Deployment of FARO Freestyle Handheld Scanner - 2015
The Second Expansion - 2012-2016
Building on our new senior staff and proprietary workflow, we added seven new staff members during this period, all of which are still with the firm. The addition of our pool of highly skilled and motivated staff allowed us to expand our operations, moving into areas across North America, including; Chicago, Washington, D.C., Miami, San Francisco, and Houston, to name a few.
European Expansion - 2017
As a result of building on the great work in North America for the last 17 years, Existing Conditions opened our first overseas office located in Glasgow, Scotland, U.K. This expansion gives us access to markets in the U.K., a point of departure for projects throughout The European Union, and access to talent and technology not available in the United States.
European Expansion - 2017
First Deployment of New Generation Leica P-Series, Leica RTC360, and Leica BLK360 Gen 1 Scanners - 2018
As our projects grow larger and more complex and the need for accurate information grows, we have had great success deploying the latest generation of Leica scanners. The amount of situational awareness that we provide to our clients is staggering, especially considering the compressed timeline that most projects are under. We continue to demonstrate successful execution, completion, and follow-up on all of our projects. FARO would take 2 ½ minutes for a scan, and there were round spheres all over the room for targets. It would take 4-5 minutes per scan since we were using the spheres. With Leica, the 3D scanner has a video camera-based system, and no targets are needed. When we move it, it knows its location, and the scan only takes up to 30 seconds.
Our First Deployment of Aerial Drone Technology: DJI Phantom Pro 3 - 2018
Existing Conditions began deploying drone technology in support of our terrestrial scanning equipment to further add to our clients’ situational awareness of their most valuable assets. We consider drones a valuable tool in our arsenal that helps clients better understand the built environment of their projects. The drone can be used to get imagery of roof structures that we cannot see from the ground with our traditional scanning process. Many roofs cannot be safely accessed or seen from the street level, so this is one instance where a drone can be employed.
Our First Deployment of Aerial Drone Technology: DJI Phantom Pro 3 - 2018
First Deployment of the Artec Eva - 2019
The introduction of the Artec Eva scanner in 2019 provided Existing Conditions with improved fidelity, resolution, and accuracy in our scans. The tracking system of the scanner allowed us to capture finer architectural details with precision. This was particularly useful when scanning intricate details that needed to be recreated for building restoration purposes. By sending the scanned details to fabricators, they were able to accurately recreate and restore these architectural elements. The Artec Eva scanner became an invaluable tool in Existing Conditions’ arsenal, expanding our capabilities and enhancing our ability to capture and recreate intricate building details.
Our First Project in Africa - 2019
Because of our relationship with the United States State Department, Existing Conditions was selected for the 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling of the United States Embassy Complex in Monrovia, Liberia. As a veteran-owned company, we are excited to support the Dept. of State and United States Marine Corp with the renovation and expansion of the embassy complex.
Our First Project in Africa - 2019
First Deployment of DJI Mavic Air 2 - 2020
Transitioning from the DJI Phantom Pro 3 to the DJI Mavic Air 2 in 2020 marked a significant leap in drone technology, particularly in camera capabilities, with the DJI Mavic Air 2 having a jump from 20 to 48 megapixels for superior image quality and detail. Additionally, the DJI Mavic Air 2 introduced advanced obstacle avoidance features, in contrast to the Phantom Pro 3's lack of such capabilities, enhancing safety during flight operations. Furthermore, DJI's implementation of geofencing in 2013 played a crucial role in promoting safer and compliant drone flights by facilitating better communication with the FAA and restricting flights to authorized areas, enhancing the DJI Mavic Air 2's advancements in both technology and safety measures.
First Deployment of the Leica ScanStation P50 and NavVis VLX - 2021
In 2021, Existing Conditions introduced the Leica ScanStation P50 3D laser scanner, renowned for its durability and weatherproof design, particularly suitable for harsh construction environments. With a range of up to a kilometer, it excels in scanning large-scale environments like high-rise buildings, although requiring more personnel and time compared to other scanners. Additionally, Existing Conditions debuted the NavVis VLX, a mobile mapping device utilizing SLAM technology for efficient scanning. While the NavVis VLX's size limits its use in certain environments, its integration with tools like the Leica RTC360 and Leica ScanStation P50 enhances overall workflows, exemplified by its use in projects where drone flights were restricted, showcasing its value in complementing other scanning methods.
First Deployment of the Leica ScanStation P50 and NavVis VLX - 2021
Jared Curtis Joins the Firm as an Equity Partner - 2020
With great pride and boundless optimism, founder Kurt Yeghian welcomes Jared Curtis as an equity partner in the firm. Jared, a Cornell University Architecture graduate, who also has a background in commercial real estate and private equity, will be heading up the continued growth initiatives of the firm, as well as working on corporate rebranding of our well-established, continually profitable firm. Jared’s expertise and vision are a welcome addition to our winning team and will propel us to new heights.
First Deployment of the Leica Gen 2 BLK360, DJI Mini3 Pro, Autel Nano, DJI Mavic Enterprise 2 Series - 2022
In 2022, Existing Conditions deployed the Leica Gen 2 BLK360, notable for its ability to capture images simultaneously while scanning, speeding up color scans significantly. This advancement aligns it more closely with the Leica RTC360, integrating new tracking technology for improved maneuverability. Additionally, Existing Conditions adopted the Autel Nano drone for training purposes and situational use, offering greater flexibility due to its lack of geofencing compared to DJI models. The DJI Mini 3 Pro was also added for its compact size and advanced features, meeting regulatory requirements effortlessly. Furthermore, Existing Conditions utilized the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Series for its thermal imaging capabilities in projects such as the St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, Massachusetts, optimizing energy efficiency without invasive measures.
First Deployment of the Leica Gen 2 BLK360, DJI Mini3 Pro, Autel Nano, DJI Mavic Enterprise 2 Series - 2022
First Deployment of DJI Air 3 - 2023
Existing Conditions’ introduction of the DJI Air 3 in 2023 was a response to the growing need for drones and the rapid advancements in technology. As with many electronics, by the time a product is purchased, a newer version is already on the horizon. The DJI Air 3 stands out with its exceptional camera capabilities, including a 48-megapixel photo and an optical zoom, providing clearer and more detailed images compared to drones with digital zoom. With two cameras on board, it allows for closer shots without getting closer to the building. Additionally, the drone offers software updates and improved geofencing features, enhancing its overall functionality.
Kurt Yeghian Founder & CEO
Kurt Yeghian Founder & CEO
Jared Curtis President
ongoing
In 2023, we completed over 1,700 projects totaling more than 130 million square feet, for hundreds of clients and thousands of project stakeholders. Some of our high-profile work includes projects at world-renowned institutions like Williams College and Yale, repeat work at NYSE, and projects for the top architects, developers, and building industry professionals in the country.