Pinkard Frameworks, a division of Lakewood-based Pinkard Construction Co., has promoted longtime employee Russell Hardcastle to the newly created position of framing engineer. This role was established to leverage Hardcastle’s extensive field construction experience in building information modeling (BIM) and clash detection.
In his new role, Hardcastle will manage virtual construction and clash detection on all Frameworks projects, focusing on analyzing constructability details. His responsibilities include creating 2D and 3D framing layouts that ensure alignment with architectural and structural intent, as well as designing custom framing packages comparable to those produced by a wall panel supplier.
Additionally, Hardcastle’s role allows Pinkard Frameworks to design custom framing packages that incorporate wall panelization, offering the flexibility to either self-construct wall panels or outsource the work to a panel fabricator. His tasks also involve checking dimensions, compiling procurement quantities and identifying gaps, omissions, duplicates and clashes, all aimed at optimizing the construction process.
Wood Framing Manager Dan Harris said, “A lot of guys can understand framing when they are seeing it right in front of them, but Russ can sit in front of his computer and switch between three dimensions and two dimensions without losing a beat. He can visualize complexities within the structure, put them into context, and display them in a way that design teams and framing crews can understand. Russ’ skillset is truly the Holy Grail of construction.”
While providing BIM services and clash detection is common for major mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, it is less common in wood framing. Hardcastle has over 20 years of experience in construction, with a focus on multi-family wood framing, custom woodworking, and hospitality construction. He joined Pinkard in 2015 and quickly established himself as a leading employee, completing his apprenticeship program ahead of schedule. He transitioned to Frameworks in the summer of 2023, first serving as Framing Superintendent before his latest promotion.
Pinkard Frameworks was established in 2023 to address preconstruction challenges in wood framing, focusing on best practices to reduce waste and delays in construction.
