Oculus Quest First Impressions from 5 Architecture & Construction Pros

We asked 5 architecture and construction professionals what they thought about the Oculus Quest. From Navisworks to Revit to BIM 360 workflows, these pros are excited about the impact the Quest can have on AEC. Read their first impressions and advice on using the Oculus Quest.

Kevin Lesniak — Technology Specialist @ Toll Brothers

“The Quest allows [VR] to be used at the desk of every designer.”

“Being able to rapidly iterate on designs and architectural choices by viewing models in VR helps expedite the design process while producing a better result. The Quest allows that VR experience to be used at the desk of every designer.

The simplicity of setup makes the Quest much more accessible than other VR systems. Being able to take the Quest out of the box practically anywhere and be in VR in no more than a couple of minutes is game-changing.”

Kevin’s advice for using Quest in AEC: “Have a plan for testing the integration of the Quest in your workflow. Having a plan will allow you to jump right into the Quest since it is so easy to get working and use on a regular basis.”

Brian Claxton — Sr. Layout Technician @ SpawGlass

“It’s much easier to take [Quest] to the jobsite and let people try it out and not have to carry any sensors.”

“I love that the Quest is wireless so I can move around the office with the passthrough camera to see your surroundings without taking off the headset.

It’s much easier to take to the jobsite and let people try it out and not have to carry any sensors.”

Brian’s advice for using Quest in AEC: “I like it a lot, but it does go through battery quick. It should last an entire meeting no prob but if you are going to use it a lot and still want to be wireless buy an external battery to plug in your back pocket if needed.”

Jason Halaby — Architect/BIM Manager @ WRNS Studio

“Quest really shines when used for multi-user meetings where participants can all inhabit a model simultaneously, so you really should get more than one!”

“The Quest drastically lowers the barriers to getting into VR. Being wireless and self-contained, it lets us take VR anywhere and get going with less setup time. I think this, in conjunction with InsiteVR’s meeting tools, will allow for more frequent and iterative use of VR in the design process.

We love how the Oculus Quest gives us positional tracking for both hands and headset without any wires! We also love how the cameras show the real-world when you step beyond your boundary providing an added level of safety for clients.”

Jason’s advice for using Quest in AEC: “I highly recommend it. But Quest really shines when used for multi-user meetings where participants can all inhabit a model simultaneously, so you really should get more than one!”

Patrick Sullivan — VDC Specialist @ CRB

“[Quest] means more access and more coordination, while reducing issues and delivering a strong product in less time.”

“Lean Delivery has benefited greatly from cloud-based solutions as access can be granted without requirements to make all stakeholders present for network access/ meetings. The Quest’s 6 DOF extends this freedom to explore and coordinate the space, while expanding the user base due to ease of use and low cost of entry. This means more access and more coordination, while reducing issues and delivering a strong product in less time.”

Patrick’s advice for using Quest in AEC: “Forget what you know about VR. The full system setup of Rift/ Vive required power supply, sensors and a 35lb bag of hardware and wires. The Quest may be less powerful than the support of a computer’s graphics card, but in its place is a $400 cost of entry, cloud-based, wireless device with a wide open future.”

Josh Cheney — Industry Manager, Construction Tech @ Autodesk

“The Quest has potential to impact preconstruction, design, bidding, and coordination.”

“I have tried a couple different VR setups, and while the Quest isn’t the most HD, the 6 degrees of freedom is incredible.

The Quest has potential to impact preconstruction, design, bidding, and coordination.”

Josh’s advice for using Quest in AEC: “Absolutely do it. You won’t be sorry, and it is only going to get better.”

The Oculus Quest’s simplicity is being well received by the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. From design reviews to coordination meetings, we think the Oculus Quest can greatly impact project efficiency without breaking the bank.

If you’re interested in using Oculus Quest with BIM 360, Navisworks, Revit, or Sketchup please visit: https://www.insitevr.com/oculus-quest

Watch our Oculus Quest app in action with BIM 360: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkJ-Zm_swcI

Learn more about InsiteVR at https://www.insitevr.com