92: CEO of TestFit, Clifton Harness: The Future of Real Estate Planning with Generative Design

Clifton Harness is Co-founder and CEO of Testfit Inc., an innovative company revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) spaces with generative design. Clifton's background spans a variety of experiences from working in his family's entrepreneurial real estate business to earning an architecture degree from the University of Texas. He also has experience in high-density residential development through his role at Streetlights Residential, a prominent design-build development firm.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes, co-founder of H+O Structural Engineering, we delve into the world of generative design in the AEC space with Clifton Harness, co-founder and CEO of TestFit. Clifton narrates his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial real estate family to co-founding TestFit, highlighting key experiences that shaped his innovative mindset. This episode is a must-listen for professionals keen on understanding how software can streamline the ideation and development phases in commercial real estate.

Clifton shares his insights on the challenges he faced in architecture and real estate development, leading to the creation of TestFit. The conversation covers the fascinating origin story of TestFit, detailing how Clifton's partnership with his college roommate, Ryan, kick-started this groundbreaking venture. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how TestFit is fundamentally changing the way developers, architects, and contractors approach site planning, unit mix calculation, and cost estimation. Clifton also touches upon the company's roadmap, including future advancements in generative design and the integration of zoning data.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Solutions: Clifton Harness and his partner recognized a significant problem in the architecture and real estate development processes, leading them to develop TestFit, which automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks like unit mix calculation and parking layouts.
• Empowering Users: TestFit's generative design features empower users by providing up to 30,000 risk-adjusted site plan options within seconds, revolutionizing how projects are evaluated and conceptualized.
• Market Integration: TestFit caters primarily to American multifamily and industrial developments, but also offers tools for hotels and office projects, demonstrating its versatility.
• Zoning and Data Integration: The software incorporates invaluable data layers, including FEMA floodplain data and comprehensive zoning information through a partnership with Zoneomics.

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