BY PATRICK McGANNON, PLA

How many words is that picture worth?

For many of us involved in the design of the built environment, renderings and visual simulations are valuable tools that can transform a mundane, two-dimensional CAD drawing into an appealing, three-dimensional color image which communicates the look and feel of the project much more effectively to clients and stakeholders. These tools become increasingly useful as concern for project aesthetics increases, so projects like buildings and parks tend to receive more attention in the rendering and visualization department.

In the past five years, transportation design has evolved to place a greater emphasis on project aesthetics. Many transportation agencies now encourage or require the use of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) on key projects.

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BY ASHLEY RUST

Motivated by the American Heart Association’s (AHA) goal to reduce death and disability from cardiovascular disease by 20% in 2020, RVi has joined the AHA Heart Walk 2015. The AHA’s mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In 2010 they set a 10-year impact goal which focuses on helping people build stronger health and a better quality of life. What better way to bring this goal to fruition than to host a cardio-intensive event that will bring awareness, raise funds, and encourage a healthy lifestyle for Americans and Austinites alike?

Donations raised through philanthropic events such as the Heart Walk aid in groundbreaking research to find a cure for heart disease, which is the number one disease affecting Americans today. Led by RVi Principal Mark Smith, the RVi team has set a goal to raise $2000 towards this cause. The event will take place the morning of October 17th at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

RVi is passionate about promoting physical activity to build healthier lives and eliminate cardiovascular disease and stroke. To join the RVi team and help us reach our goal please click here to visit our homepage.

For more information about the American Heart Association visit www.heart.org.

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In recognition of his many contributions to RVi, we are pleased to announce that Chip Mills has been promoted to Principal. Chip began his career at RVi in 2003, where he worked for four years as a Project Manager on projects such as Steiner Ranch, Belterra and Cordillera in Boerne. Chip is what we affectionately refer to as a "boomerang employee", having left the firm for a few years to work in real estate and economic development, serving as the Executive Director of Economic Development for the Chamber of Commerce in Zachary, Louisiana. 

Chip returned to Texas and to RVi in 2012, bringing with him a unique understanding of how public and private interests can align through sound planning and economic development efforts. He is actively involved in many community organizations including ULI, RECA, APA, EEF and others. Chip is an AICP certified planner, was recognized by the Baton Rouge Business Report as a 40 under 40 honoree in 2011, and is a graduate of Leadership Austin’s Essential Class of 2015. His current projects include Wolf Ranch in Georgetown, Texas, the upcoming phases at Belterra, and Veramendi in New Braunfels.

Chip has been married to his wife Ann for 10 years and has two girls, Madeleine (8) and Ava (7). At home (when he’s not fishing on the coast or canoeing down a river) he is known for making one “crispy” quesadilla and for tying tight pony tails. He is currently working hard to perfect the elusive art of the French Braid.

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