We sat down with our new Head of Graphics, Dr Sebastian Friston, to chat about why he joined 3D Repo, and what he’s most looking forward to doing in his new role. Dr Friston has contracted with 3D Repo for a number of years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. We’re really excited to have him on board! Reach out to Dr Friston at support@3drepo.com
What is your background and where did you work previously?
My background is in Electrical Engineering, but I’ve spent time in roles from Quality Assurance to IT management. My career really started though in the Virtual Environments and Computer Graphics group at UCL, where I worked on rendering, and then networking, immersive virtual worlds.
Why did you join 3D Repo?
I’ve followed 3D Repo since its inception. Over the past few years, I’ve done some development of the web client as a contractor. I worked on many of its features and am glad to see its success. With 3D Repo’s plans for new and challenging projects, Jozef’s offer of a permanent position came at an ideal time, where I can continue to develop the client while having the opportunity to build something from the ground up.
What do you think can be achieved at 3D Repo?
Computer graphics has enormous potential for communication and process design. 3D models not only enable more effective interaction between specialities but make it economical to widen participation too. Especially with a web-based platform such as 3D Repo’s, there is an opportunity to have a real impact on areas such as public dissemination.
What are you most looking forward to doing at 3D Repo?
The democratisation of computer graphics is important to me. The benefits of open and accessible graphics tools are being felt in many fields. Making different tools work together is something I have experience with, and I know can form something greater than the sum of its parts. I look forward to pushing what computer graphics techniques can do, to make novel and useful tools for the platform – and from my background in rendering, making models look nice too.
What gets you excited about the future of this industry?
My interest in computer graphics is not just in visualisation, but all aspects of virtual worlds, including interaction and simulation. For this reason, I am most excited by the concept of digital twins. A sufficiently detailed and flexible digital representation can not only inform construction, but evolve with the finished building, and support applications we haven’t even thought of yet.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I enjoy model making – I like to design on the computer, then find ways to use the computer to help make parts with ever finer precision. I also enjoy hiking and programming games & tools for game development. Finally, my week isn’t complete without at least one trip to the cinema!
