McKim & Creed Inc. demonstrated unmanned aerial systems (UAS, also known as drones) and robotic total stations to nearly 50 guests at its Oct. 27 open house in Houston. McKim & Creed has a Section 333 exemption and universal certificate of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration that allows the company to deploy more than 1,200 different airframes into FAA-controlled airspace up to 400 ft above ground. The guests represented Houston-area engineering firms, municipalities, real estate firms, energy companies and transportation providers.

Christian Stallings (center), McKim & Creed’s research and development manager, shows guests the data collected through its UAS airframe.

Jim Furr,  managing principal at Gensler, was honored on Oct. 27 following his retirement after 48 years of architectural practice. He spent 22 of those years in the leadership at Gensler’s Houston office. Andy Cohen, Gensler co-CEO, spoke at the event, held in the lobby of Pennzoil Place. Furr (far left) addresses employees, clients and friends at the retirement celebration.