Delaware

How a Delaware Designer Uses AI to Reimagine Building

An interview with Keith Roper, founder of Tri-State 3D, a boutique 3D design firm based in Delaware.

Four images of people reviewing designs on a home build site about a red and blue gradient line
2 min read

One of my passions is learning new skills. I'm always diving into new tools. And that's really how Tri-State 3D came about.

I started in illustration and then did warehouse work for years. When I got this opportunity to do a 3D model for my brother-in-law’s construction company, I had never done anything like that, but I did a deep dive on YouTube, bought the software, and to my surprise, it came out really nice.

The firm loved it, and shortly after I got a job in architecture. Art and architecture share similar principles, but I had to go back to school to learn the basics of drafting and architectural softwares and technologies. Working in the field, I quickly realized my colleagues were doing things manually, like going into spaces with a tape measure, pencil, and graph paper to measure every window and door. I thought there had to be technology to speed up the process. So, I did another deep dive on YouTube and stumbled on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses laser beams to create highly detailed 3D models. I invested my own money in a light and 360 camera, and took it to the firm. They loved it. That's when I realized there could be a niche in the market.

I jumped out on my own to start Tri-State 3D, and four years later, we're still here. About a year ago, I started experimenting with AI. Like a lot of people, I was initially wary, but I quickly discovered how to work with it as a companion. I started asking Gemini to help with client pitches and tough conversations, improve my business plans, and write sample scripts for my weekly YouTube videos.

Every day working with these tools is a surprise because of their capability. The more time I spend using Gemini, the better I get at communicating with it—actually having a back and forth—and the more it can help me do. I really see it as a strategic partner.

Keith Roper, founder of Tri-State 3D

For instance, I’m working on a prototype of a cost estimation app, where you can take a picture of your floor plan and then get an AI-generated cost estimate. Gemini actually gave me instructions on how to do this with incredible detail, including the workflow and code.

I want to use AI to change the way things get built in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. One of my future bucket list projects is helping to solve the affordable housing crisis. I can imagine using Gemini to analyze building costs and recommend materials to save a huge amount of money.

Keith Roper, founder of Tri-State 3D

That’s all to say, I see so much potential with AI and this industry. I’m excited to keep learning and embracing new technology to see how we can really solve some of these problems in our world today.