Technology Spotlight: An Interview with TestFit

As part of Beaumont Bailey’s mission to connect founders, innovators and key players that make up the fabric of our industry, our latest Technology Spotlight series highlights the successes of our incredible members and wider network. In this instalment, we speak with Laura Paciano, Senior Vice President of Growth at TestFit.

Tell me about TestFit and your role there…

Of course , TestFit was founded back in 2016 by Clifton Harness and Ryan Griege. Coming from a family of developers, Clifton developed a passion for the built world and pursued studies in architecture. However, while working in both architecture and development firms, he encountered the manual and time-consuming nature of the design process. Frustrated by the inefficiencies, he reached out to his college roommate, Ryan, a video game developer, for help in automating parts of his job.

This collaboration led to the birth of TestFit, initially focusing on automating parking design. Over time, we expanded our scope to include multifamily developments, industrial projects, single-family homes, garden apartments and more.

We’ve even been able to release a free product called Urban Planner, aimed at providing essential building blocks for handling all types of development and city planning as a way of giving back to the community that has inspired us so much. Our goal with Urban Planner is to democratise design and early feasibility, making it more accessible to professionals across the industry.

At TestFit, we’re committed to empowering professionals in the built environment to realise the full potential of land through trusted automation. Our journey from addressing parking design challenges to offering a comprehensive urban planning tool reflects our dedication to innovation and making a meaningful impact in the industry.

My role at the company primarily revolves around driving long-term growth. I oversee our marketing, customer success and sales departments, along with managing business development for potential partnerships aimed at developing tools for the future. Ultimately, my focus is on driving revenue for TestFit and ensuring our customers’ continued success as we work together to reinvent the development process.

Looking a little closer at the technology, what problem does TestFit solve?

TestFit serves both architects and developers, each facing distinct challenges in the early feasibility phase. Developers risk significant resources, including time and money, when considering potential projects. They require quick assessments, often referred to as “back of the napkin” calculations, to determine whether a project is worth pursuing or should be discarded promptly to avoid unnecessary expenditures. On the other hand, architects collaborate with developers to assess feasibility, sometimes investing weeks of unpaid effort, with only a fraction of projects ultimately moving forward.

With TestFit, users can make rapid decisions within minutes or hours, evaluating feasibility from both a design and financial standpoint. Our platform enables swift identification of viable projects, helping users avoid wasting time and resources on ventures that may not materialise. Unlike traditional methods that can take weeks to reach a conclusion, TestFit streamlines the process, empowering users to make informed decisions efficiently.

In terms of differentiation from competitors, TestFit’s strength lies in its deep understanding of specific development types and its expertise in internal layout optimisation. This focus allows us to excel in providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of architects and developers alike.

What types of projects or industries benefit most from implementing TestFit into their planning processes?

TestFit benefits a wide range of projects and industries, focusing on what we call “commodity buildings” rather than high-profile architectural designs. These are the essential structures that impact our daily lives, such as apartment buildings, office complexes, retail spaces, and hospitals. TestFit excels in the early feasibility stage, ensuring that designs are as efficient as possible. Our goal is to address the pressing need to accommodate millions of people while maintaining financial viability.

TestFit facilitates the “go-no-go” decision-making process rapidly, helping stakeholders determine project feasibility efficiently. Beyond developers and architects, contractors can utilise TestFit to obtain rough quantity take-offs, estimate materials and costs required for a project. This enables stakeholders to assess feasibility and make informed decisions swiftly. TestFit integrates seamlessly into existing workflows within the architecture and development, providing valuable insights and streamlining the planning process.

Can you share any success stories or case studies of companies that have used TestFit to enhance their project outcomes?

One of our success stories involves a customer, Resia, who specialises in building, developing, and managing multifamily rental communities nationwide. With a focus on serving the working class at an affordable cost, they employ a modular construction approach with typical units.

Thanks to TestFit, Resia has been able to streamline its site planning process, completing tasks four times faster than before. What used to take them two weeks now only requires two hours, resulting in a remarkable 300% increase in productivity. This significant time savings allows them to efficiently deliver tens of thousands of units to address the housing crisis and provide affordable housing options for people in need.

How have you seen this industry change over the years and where do you predict it is heading?

The industry has undergone significant changes over the years. We like to emphasise that it’s not that the industry isn’t ready for technology; rather, technology hasn’t fully embraced this sector. However, it’s promising to witness an increasing number of players entering the space. Across the built world, there’s a growing acceptance of AI, from feasibility, to construction, to facilities management. Over the years, we’ve cultivated trust with our AEC and Real Estate communities, introducing concepts like generative AI. Users have come to recognise the value of working smarter and embracing efficiencies. Manual tasks are being replaced by AI assistance, optimising workflows and enhancing productivity.

At TestFit, our focus has been on co-creation. While AI generates building layouts, users retain control to make informed decisions. This collaborative approach empowers users to customise designs based on specific needs and preferences. I envision this industry leading the way in AI adoption, driven by a recognition of existing inefficiencies and a willingness to embrace technological advancements to drive progress and innovation.

What do you find the most challenging about the talent market right now specific to your industry?

Navigating the talent market in our industry presents its challenges. While AI remains an attractive field, competition for experienced professionals is fierce. We’re fortunate to have access to a strong talent pool, but the demand for tech-savvy individuals continues to grow. As a result, we often seek seasoned professionals who can hit the ground running, given our need for immediate impact. This trend isn’t limited to technical roles; it extends to product development, engineering, and go-to-market functions.

The real challenge lies not in finding talent but in identifying the right fit and crafting enticing compensation packages. We strive to attract top talent by offering competitive benefits and compensation packages, ensuring that we can secure the best individuals for our team.

If you would like to discuss any of the topics raised in this piece or if you need support with your leadership resourcing strategy, please get in touch with Emma Callahan on: emma.callahan@beaumontbailey.com