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Sales & Marketing Materials That Make a Difference: Iowa’s First Urbanism Development
Download the Project Spotlight PDF version HERE for more information and pictures.
Project Spotlight: Site Maps, Exterior Renderings, Fly Through Video, Floor Plans, and Future Capabilities
QA Graphics recently was granted the opportunity to work with another local company, D.R.A. Properties L.C. from Ankeny, Iowa.
D.R.A. Properties L.C. is an Ankeny, Iowa-based real estate development company founded by Ankeny native, Dennis Albaugh. Albaugh took his first steps into real estate in 1992, with the goal of wanting to create a positive impact on his hometown of Ankeny, Iowa. Mr. Albaugh is also CEO and owner of the globally known agriculture chemical company, Albaugh, LLC which is recognized as the largest wholly-owned formulator and packager of crop protection products in the industry.
The first steps for the Prairie Trail project in Ankeny was awarded to D.R.A. in 2005. Prairie Trail is the first community in the state of Iowa to embrace the concept of New Urbanism development which cultivates with diverse and distinctive homes, neighborhood stores, offices, schools, and parks. This walkable development boasts more sidewalks and trails to connect the entire development to the City of Ankeny. At 1,031 acres, this planned urbanism community is built on the tradition of Iowa’s great neighborhoods. With the metro city as one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Prairie Trail is in the center of it all.
“We (QA Graphics) typically do most of our work nationally and saw this opportunity to work locally, wanting to showcase our complete commercial building skills, start to finish, to the surrounding area,” said Dan McCarty, Owner of QA Graphics an Ankeny native.
QA Graphics provided a full design solution for D.R.A., enhancing the visibility of The District. Utilizing their award-winning 3D design team and state of the art 3D technology, QA Graphics provided a versatile design tool which will be used for multiple marketing and presentation opportunities.
Using 3D design will enable potential tenants to view the property with photo-realistic views to aid in the decision-making process and on-site selection for the potential build site. QA Graphics used many existing assets from the development process including Revit files, ariel maps, and civil design topography. The final product will allow anyone wanting to see The District in an accurate 3D perspective including business and potential growth of the development.
This leads to the following services that QA Graphics provides:
Site Map
QA Graphics worked with D.R.A. to provide a full 3D rendering of an overall view of the targeted area The District. This overall view will be used to show potential clients and builders the possibilities for site selection. Several different types of sitemaps were created, depending on the various marketing needs. The one pictured above consist of The District as it stands today with three potential buildings added in. This particular sitemap also contains “ghost” images of mock buildings to represent potential site locations. D.R.A. can use images like this for a variety of areas such as: showcasing to potential clients the area, helping the residents view the potential district for public voting on a bond referendum for future public facilities, or marketing and sales materials to name a few.
QA Graphics also provided 3D exterior perspectives of the existing buildings in photo-realistic 3D, providing D.R.A. with multiple angle or view of those buildings.
Exterior Renderings
QA Graphics worked with D.R.A. and their architectural firm to provide photo-realistic 3D exterior perspective renderings of over 120,000 square feet of the prime retail/office space. The local architecture firms provided Revit wireframe models which allowed QA Graphics to model them accurately with a higher amount of detail. Giving the sitemap even more of a dynamic look and feel, just as if you were viewing Prairie Trail in person.
Fly Through Video
Fly through videos are creating a virtual environment. Their purpose of being created is to market a property development to secure future tenants or showing the public future proposed public buildings. A fly-through of The District was a key option that D.R.A. wanted to be developed for these exact purposes. Bringing the development to life to help sell the vision for this first of its kind neighborhood.
These materials can be easily created into a general fly through video of The District or a 360° panoramic view to use in presentations as the graphics are already in place. Graphics enhancements like these will truly aid customers who are unable to visit the physical site to have an excellent experience of the site and feel of the area.
Floor Plans
D.R.A. also wanted accurate 3D renderings of specific building floor plans based on the tenants need. This provides a realistic look at what their building and space might look like. The client provided the construction document of the buildings to create the detailed information for the project, as this is a quick process for QA Graphics to complete.
Future Capabilities
QA Graphics has become a one-stop graphics shop for commercial buildings over the last ten years. This provides opportunities for our clients to continue to take the assets we have already created for them and allow us to provide even more deliverables for marketing materials. A future option QA Graphics can provide for projects like DRA includes a digital kiosk. This is a highly customizable option that can work with the sitemap and assets already created. The kiosk can host interior fly through to showcase tenant’s use of space, acting as stopping points along the sitemap.
HVAC graphics such as floor plans and site maps can even be created to assist Facility Managers with utility locations such as storm sewer, lighting, ductwork, etc. These graphics will allow the relationship between the site and building automation software controlling those buildings. Creating a holistic view that ensures all items associated with your facility are cohesive and well maintained. These are several options that numerous clients are taking to bring their materials to the next step and just a few of QA Graphics capabilities and areas of expertise. For an area like The District and many commercial building locations, options like mentioned above can bring life to the site and market the neighborhood as a whole. The process of creating a 3D image is complex and requires a lot of skills and decisions to be made. Many details need to be adjusted in making The process of creating a 3D image is complex and requires a lot of skills and decisions to be made. Many details need to be adjusted in making
These are several options that numerous clients are taking to bring their materials to the next step and just a few of QA Graphics capabilities and areas of expertise. For an area like The District and many commercial building locations, options like mentioned above can bring life to the site and market the neighborhood as a whole. The process of creating a 3D image is complex and requires a lot of skills and decisions to be made. Many details need to be adjusted in making an object appear realistic. D.R.A. was able to quickly see the power of 3D, along with the timeliness and quality of service QA Graphics can provide to their potential customers.
To learn more about our 3D process click HERE.
Download the Project Spotlight PDF version HERE for more information and pictures.
QA Graphics
QA Graphics is a leader in the building automation and green building industries. The company specializes in HVAC graphic development services, system graphics, floor plan graphics, and Energy Efficiency Education Dashboards™ (EEEDs). Since 2006, QA Graphics has served as an expert design resource for the building controls industry and is able to provide BAS graphics for any type of building automation. The company also provides marketing solutions such as interactive applications, 3D design and animation, UX design, videos, and more. Visit www.qagraphics.com to learn more.
D.R.A. Properties
D.R.A. Properties L.C. is an Ankeny, Iowa-based real estate development company founded by Ankeny native, Dennis Albaugh. Albaugh took his first steps into real estate in 1992, with the goal of wanting to create a positive impact on his hometown of Ankeny, Iowa. Mr. Albaugh is also CEO and owner of the globally known agriculture chemical company, Albaugh, LLC which is recognized as the largest wholly-owned formulator and packager of crop protection products in the industry. Visit www.prairietrailankeny.com/dra-properties/ to learn more.
Read the press release located here: www.prweb.com/releases/2017/05/prweb14318345.htm
QA Graphics Wins Golden Hermes Creative Award
QA Graphics, a full-service digital design company, is a recipient of a Gold Hermes Award in the Marketing Product category for their Dual Tank Whiskey Flask video. To view the video visit: https://youtu.be/sEmiaf2yj94. The Hermes Creative Awards recognizes outstanding work in the marketing and design industry, with winners selected from over 6,000 entries worldwide.
QA Graphics has over a decade of experience in 3D design and animation. By working with QA Graphics, Discommon Goods gained a video to be used as a tool in their marketing efforts that showcases their unique product design. Demonstrating the complexity and every detail of the flask, down to the exploding view of it’s156-components. This project allowed QA Graphics 3D Design team to demonstrate their vast talents and values in quality.
The Hermes is an international competition, recognizing outstanding achievements by creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design, of traditional materials, programs, and emerging technologies. Winners are selected from 195 categories grouped under advertising, publications, marketing/branding, integrated marketing, public relations/communications, electronic media and pro bono. AMCP judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.
To view the video visit: https://youtu.be/sEmiaf2yj94
A list of Platinum and Gold Winners can be found on the MarCom Awards website at: http://enter.hermesawards.com/winners/.
The Rules Are Changing When It Comes To Building Green
Provide Interactive Education
The rules are changing when it comes to building green. Gone are the days of arguing if it is technically feasible or not. It is becoming more and more of a no-brainer to go with conservation as you can see from the results listed below:

The next step in this journey is capitalizing on educating and engaging occupants on your green practices – this ensures successful execution of your energy reduction goals. Incorporating an interactive tool to teach students and other occupants about the green building features and energy efficiency practices bring transparency to the table and is a great educational factor.
Contact us to see how QA Graphics can help you bring your energy features to an interactive dashboard.
NEW – Happy Boards
We are excited to announce a partnership with Happy Medium to bring you, Happy Boards. This customizable communication hub will be installed for you and functional, ensuring your kiosk to be operating and functional while we finalize work on your energy dashboard. Featuring green tips, social media, your LEED score, and more – talk to us to learn more about how the Happy Board will work for you and your Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard®.
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Free Specification Writing
An Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard® (EEED) is included in your building specification writing process. When writing a specification for a custom project such as QA Graphics’ EEED you need clear, concise specifications containing the information contractors need to meet LEED® requirements for your energy dashboard.
Let our experienced sales team help you in writing a FREE customized energy dashboard specification to meet the needs of your project.
Figuring Your Dashboard ROI
When you implement an Energy Dashboard you can physically see the savings. Comparing the energy usage from floor to floor or even different buildings on campus.
Some studies have found a potential savings of around 12% can be obtained by involving occupants with your sustainability efforts.
Contact us to get an estimate an estimated ROI calculation.
ROI = ((Energy Cost * .12) – Dashboard Cost)/Dashboard Cost
Zero Energy Schools

Net zero energy status is part of a growing trend for schools. Generally, a building meets the definition of net zero if, through a combination of efficiency and on-site renewable energy, it produces as much energy over the course of a year as it uses.
Placing an Energy Dashboard where students can interact with and learn what initiatives the school is taking. Making the building’s systems transparent and putting sustainability front and center.
Graphics For Your Data Center – It’s About Quality
Troubleshooting should be easier in a heavily virtualized environment with clear, easy, and cohesive graphics. Aligning your graphics controls should become the norm, not the exception.
Floor Plans
- A variety of tailored options to meet your specifications, budget, & timeline.
- Turnaround in less than 7 days.
- Technical expertise, including detailed layouts.
- Richer & more dynamic visuals.
Site Maps
Bring your project to the next level – for planning, sales, navigation, & other purposes.
- Fraction of the cost compared to traditional options.
- Detailed designs that make your site map stand out.
Equipment Graphics
We have added over 70 symbols to our Equipment & Stock Images – if we don’t have it, we can build it!
- Detailed cutaways for better insights.
- Animations for enhanced visual appeal.
- Cohesive look across all equipment visuals.
Ready to transform your data center with dynamic and detailed graphics? Contact us today to discuss your project needs and see how our tailored solutions can help you!

Floor Plan Layout/Fit
Site or Navigation Maps
Interior & Exterior Renderings
Customization


