HOUSTON, Texas — Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm, recently opened an Innovation Center in Houston. Designed to enhance collaboration and client engagement, the center is equipped with tools including virtual reality (VR) stations, advanced 3D printing capabilities and the world’s first 360 LED video wall room.

“Our Innovation Center enables us to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration,” says Karen Bray, vice president and incoming general manager for the Houston office at Burns & McDonnell. “The immersive cave, in particular, allows our teams and clients to engage with designs in ways that were previously unimaginable. It’s a testament to our commitment to pioneering technology that drives better outcomes for our clients.”

The immersive cave, a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE), allows users to step into a 360-degree, high-definition virtual environment. Unlike traditional VR, which can isolate participants, the immersive cave fosters teamwork by enabling multiple users to interact within the same digital space. With the ability to simulate environments with unparalleled detail and realism, this technology supports enhanced design reviews, virtual prototyping and immersive training experiences.

Beyond the immersive cave, the center’s VR stations and 3D printers help increase the ability of Burns & McDonnell to conceptualize and deliver complex projects. By merging these technologies, the Innovation Center provides a holistic environment for ideation, simulation and problem-solving.

The opening of this center reflects the firm’s focus on innovation and role as a thought leader in the engineering and construction industries. Burns & McDonnell invites clients and collaborators to explore the possibilities this space offers and experience the future of project delivery firsthand.

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies — driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists — delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.