SCADpro Fund Invests in Computational Design Pioneer, Parafin
SCADpro fund has partnered with architecture alumnus Brian Ahmes on his new pioneering venture, Parafin, Inc. “We are excited to be part of Parafin’s growth and success,” says SCADpro fund managing director Ray Crowell.
Parafin, a software service, helps real estate developers understand the economic benefits and earning potential of current sites on the market. Users click on an available parcel of land and Parafin runs thousands of possible hotel layouts. Developers can see in real time how many floors, rooms, conference amenities, and parking spaces the ideal project will need, quickly guiding client decisions.
“The process of parcel evaluation can take months and cost between thirty and fifty thousand dollars per project,” explains founder Ahmes (B.F.A., architecture, 2007; M.F.A. architecture, 2008). “Architects and financial analysts go back and forth, wasting time and resources before a developer is able to understand if the investment is financially feasible. Parafin will shorten the discovery process from months to minutes.”
Ahmes and business partner Adam Hengels launched Parafin in March of 2020. Their partnership allows future Courtyard by Marriott franchisees the ability to evaluate land parcels nationwide at any time without putting a strain on their teams.
“It’s all about value generation for developers,” Ahmes says. “Every time a developer evaluates a parcel, they have to pull team members off of existing projects and spend limited capital on the initial feasibility study. We have given them a tool that removes those barriers.”
Ahmes emphasizes that the software is easy to use: “Parafin gives a detailed understanding of a project’s cost, from the stone finishes to the amount of plywood needed, to the amount of gypsum wall board that will be hung. We provide a tremendous amount of value to our customers.”
While a student in the innovative SCAD architecture program, Ahmes blended his love of graphic design with his programming background: “I was doing everything software based. While some schools were still teaching the old hand model techniques, I worked with my professors Scott Dietz, Ryan Bacha, and Hsu-Jen Huang, who were all ahead of their time in terms of industry trends.”
After graduation, Ahmes made a name for himself in the architecture industry. He worked as a designer for firms including Leo A Daly, Gonzalez Architects, and HKS. He then founded H.ME Inc. with fellow SCAD alumnus Scott Blew (B.F.A., architecture, 2007; M.F.A. architecture, 2008). That venture, backed by Hyatt, focused on developing hotel and housing products globally.
Ahmes remains deeply connected to SCAD. “Along with our partnership with SCADpro, we were fortunate to have two amazing interns from SCAD in 2020. Jazmyne Knox (B.F.A., architecture) joined us for the summer and helped on the drawing/modeling of some hotel brands. Currently, Preethi Chitharanjan (M.F.A., architecture) is working to understand the intersection of generative design and real estate development through architecture.”
Ahmes envisions Parafin’s software eventually being used internationally for every conceivable type of building use: “From home builders to commercial real estate developers to hoteliers, Parafin will help our industry leaders make more informed decisions, help stimulate development, and save money along the way.”
“Brian joins an amazing group of creative leaders in business we’re investing in through SCADpro Fund,” says SCADpro’s Crowell. “He’s one of the creative leaders challenging the status quo, pioneering new market models, and manifesting what’s next.”
SCADpro fund was established in November 2017 to provide a means for SCAD to support alumni-created enterprises in launching commercially-feasible products, while obtaining an equity interest in the respective businesses. SCADpro fund invests in early-stage alumni-led startups solving problems through innovation by design.
Crowell: “We believe that our creative entrepreneurs have the power to give rise to valuable businesses that compete on a global scale. We’re integrating entrepreneurial talent and the global communities they call home to expand economic opportunities.”
SCADpro fund’s investments directly contribute to SCAD’s mission to prepare talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning in a positively oriented university environment. The university’s support will help Parafin reach their market goals.
