K4 TAKES FLIGHT – PT 1. SETTING THE FOUNDATION

Unmanned Aerial Systems or more commonly known as drones are just about everywhere. From micro quadcopters to 8 rotor monsters designed for heavy lifting, drones are making waves in industries across the board. But what does it take to get a drone program off the ground and successfully integrated into your companies work flow? What are the benefits to production, clients, and project? Where do you even start? Join us as we answer these questions and more in this multipart blog post.

Pilot Certificate Process & Requirements

To legally fly companies must have a Licensed Remote Pilot conducting operations. This person must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA approved testing center. There is a $150 fee for the examination and a study guide can be obtained from the FAA’s website.

At the end of the study guide additional study references are listed, and potential pilots should be knowledgeable about the information in each of the references. A significant portion of the test includes reading aeronautical charts where the FAA Aeronautical Chart User’s guide comes in handy. Passing the test gives you a certificate valid for 2 years, after which you are required to take a recurrent knowledge test. Ones the pilot has passed the test he or she is required to apply to the FAA for a remote pilot certification and pass a TSA background check.

Operating Requirements

The flowing list of operating requirements should be learned by everyone in the company who wishes to incorporate UAV operations into their project so everything runs smoothly. The remote pilot in command should be consulted to verify that there are no additional requirements to get a drone in the sky, such as filing for a waiver or obtaining permission to operate in ATC controlled airspace.

Determine Airspace of project locations & obtain necessary permission
Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace are allowed with the required Air Traffic Controller (ATC) permission
Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without ATC permission
Must weigh less than 55 lbs.
Must undergo pre-flight check by remote pilot in command
Pilot and spotter are recommended
Must fly under 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or, if flying at an altitude higher than 400 feet AGL, stay within 400 feet of a structure
Must keep the UAS in sight (i.e. visual line of sight), either by the remote pilot in command or a visual observer
Must register UAV with FAA ($5) and display registration number on the vehicle
Must fly during daylight hours or civil twilight hours (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) with appropriate anti-collision lighting
Must fly at or below 100 mph
Must yield right of way to manned aircraft
Must not fly over people
Must not fly from a moving vehicle unless you are in a sparsely populated area
If operation outside of rules, a certificate of waiver is required to be filed.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance requirements will vary from company to company and it is recommended to discuss with your insurance provider prior to operating your drone. As the law currently stand there are no current insurance requirements.

Selecting a Drone

That was a lot but now we are to the fun stuff; Researching and purchasing a UAV! Before selecting a drone you should have a rough idea of what you want your capabilities to be as well as any additional features that are important for you to have. The whole gamut of drones have a variety of options and configurations. Aircrafts with 4 blades are common, but for additional safety and lifting power models with 6, 8 or more blades exist. Luckily there are budget options for just about everyone out there so lets start determining a budget and research are key for this step, full setup can run anywhere from $1,500 to well into the tens of thousands of dollars. In addition to drone it is advisable to have a few spare batteries and a hard case to protect your investment.

Image Source

What does our setup look like? We went with a Phantom 4 Pro, 3 batteries, a case club hard case, and a slew of additional items. In all we are capable of an hour and a half of flight time, with storage to capture full 4k video the entire time.

Software

Design firms operating in the Autodesk environment with the AEC collection have access to all the software required to process images captured from UAV operations and images from the ground into a 3 model to be used with design software such as Revit or Autocad. Recap pro, Remake pro, and a just announced Recap Photo all offer the ability to process via the cloud for Autodesk credits. This process can take up to 48 hours but projects can are often completed in less than a day.

Additionally products from companies such as 3DR with their Sire Scan software offer further automation and control processing options with products from DJI as well as their proprietary Site Scan Drone.

Join us again for our next installment as we take to the sky, explore some advanced functions of the DJI Phantom 4, and apply drone captured data to real world design problems.

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PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024 IN CORPORATE OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN

By Jeff Klump • 20 Dec, 2023

In the dynamic world of corporate office interiors, staying ahead of design trends is crucial to creating spaces that not only inspire productivity but also reflect the latest aesthetic sensibilities. As a firm specializing in corporate office design, K4 embraces Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 - Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue offers a fresh perspective on creating contemporary workspaces that balance sophistication and comfort and an opportunity to infuse sophistication, and a touch of modernity into the corporate design landscape. Peach Fuzz, a delicate and nuanced shade blending peach and blush, brings a sense of tranquility and optimism to any space. When incorporated into corporate office interiors, this color has the power to redefine the atmosphere, promoting a positive and collaborative environment. K4 is committed to enhancing the workplace experience, and we recognize the significance of color in influencing mood and productivity.

FACILITY DESIGN FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of community banking, where the strength of relationships is paramount, the role of design extends beyond aesthetics—it becomes a strategic catalyst for talent acquisition and retention. In an era where attracting and retaining top talent is pivotal for organizational success, the significance of an intentionally designed workspace cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into how strategic design decisions can not only enhance the physical environment but also foster a culture of engagement, innovation, and long-term commitment among employees, contributing to relationship building and the overall prosperity of community banks. Join K4 on this journey through the intersection of design and community banking, where the blueprint for success lies in the spaces we create for those who make our banks the heart of the community.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: PART II UNIFYING PHYSICAL & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSETS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

By Nicole DeRogatis • 07 Nov, 2023

In the previously published Journey to Brand Consistency: Part I, K4 addressed Facilities, Marketing & People as the three pieces that comprise the Financial Success Puzzle for community banks. This article examines one level deeper in unifying physical and digital marketing assets within the Financial Success Puzzle, and the importance of creating a harmonious and powerful brand identity across all platforms. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving community banking industry, maintaining a strong and recognizable brand presence is vital for success. As a full-service design and branding firm working closely with community banks, we have witnessed the transformative power of consistent marketing assets in bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. By solidifying the customer experience across all touchpoints, banking institutions can establish a stronger emotional connection with their customers and create a lasting impact on their success. Investing in brand consistency is not only a strategic move but also a reflection of a bank's commitment to their own stability and future growth.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: HOW FACILITIES, MARKETING & PEOPLE CREATE THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS PUZZLE

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

Now more than ever, brand consistency is of utmost importance to financial institutions. Creating brand consistency goes a long way in building brand trust, increasing customer/employee/community loyalty, and impacting your bottom line. Why is there so much brand inconsistency in the community banking landscape? Because being brand consistent requires change and commitment, and it can be tedious and expensive. Taking the first step is often overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you update first? These are excellent questions, but there are other important questions to consider. What is the cost of NOT getting brand consistent or what is the cost or potential loss of creating brand confusion? Inconsistencies are costing your bank time and money. Not practicing brand consistency will cost you significant consequences to customer experience, brand reputation, and overall loss of trust – all of which can impact your bottom line. Conflicting brand usage accounts for a damage to brand credibility, making it harder to compete in the market. As K4 gets ready to hit the road in 2023, presenting at various community banking conferences on this topic, we thought it was important to preamble this timely subject of the Financial Success Puzzle. At K4, we define the Financial Success Puzzle as a 3-piece formula to creating and maintaining brand consistency for community banks. This formula is simply the act of connecting people to place and connecting brand identity to place. Many retailers have capitalized on this concept for years. Your branch facilities, marketing & people MUST work together to create stability and not only that…they must be triplets, not just siblings. They can’t just resemble one another; they need to be nearly identical in their delivery.

MAKING ROOM FOR THE COMMUNITY

By Jeff Klump • 08 Dec, 2022

For decades, small town business districts across America have featured a strong physical presence from a local bank perspective. Near the courthouse or city hall, these buildings are often identified by their traditional columns and prominent facades of brick or stone. Not only do these structures help establish the fabric of the streetscape; they often contribute to defining the social framework of the residing individuals and neighborhoods, supporting the hopes and dreams of generations. Community banks need to continue to reinforce their presence and values to those individuals and businesses in the geographic areas they serve. Making your bank’s physical appearance memorable, builds brand awareness and offers an opportunity to reinforce the benefits of banking locally which includes working with trusted friends and neighbors. Many community banks are exploring ways to create community space by revitalizing main offices and branch experiences while positioning themselves as a valuable and integral local resource.

SAME RETAIL BRANCH, DIFFERENT CUP OF JOE? THINK AGAIN!

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2022

Let’s first explore how the definition of the coffee shop has evolved…from simply being a beverage offered at a restaurant to an actual stand-alone destination, service and experience that provides and encourages co-working space, meeting opportunities, and community gathering.