Paulo Canivel: Seeing the world in 3D

When architects and engineers need to know the topography of the land, they take measurements. With the new laser scanner brought in by DigiScript, a beam from the Point Cloud turns what it sees into a 3D model, which is accurate to the millimeter.

“Just beam the scanner and the laser gives complete data, which looks like a picture that can be measured,” says Paulo Canivel, VP of DigiScript. “A big project that would take weeks to measure now can be completed within days. Even complex areas like pipes and architectural flaws can be recorded so that if the owner wants to demolish one part and rebuild on it, we can help him identify how all the parts of the building fit together.”

After taking Management Engineering in Ateneo, our bachelor joined Citibank then moved on to work with the non-profit group of Knowledge Channel. Helping Sky Cable Foundation put TVs in public schools made him realize that he wanted to look into technology.

Four years ago, Paulo decided to be an entrepreneur. He went into a partnership with Conrad Alampay and formed DigiScript. The focus is on helping architects and designers visualize their designs before the project is built. The realistic 3D photos that DigiScript provides is also used by developers, who use the computer drawings as marketing tools. Today, 30-year-old Paulo has 20 employees.

One of my goals this year is to continue expanding DigiScript and introduce the Point Cloud technology to a broader market. This scanner can provide quick and accurate measurements for building projects that need measurements, whether it is unbuilt or under construction.

My personal style signifier is Muji short-sleeved polo shirts.

The last meal that truly impressed me was the foie gras burger I had for lunch at Lusso in Greenbelt 5.

A recent “find” is the Magnart Product. It’s a reusable magnetic display system that is great for photographers and artists.

The last thing I bought and loved was my Macbook Pro 15-inch.

For grooming and style I rely on Men.style.com.

A memorable place I have traveled to in the past year was in Atlanta. I thought I was going to get murdered in the hotel I stayed in. Scary.

The last music I downloaded was Peter Gabriel’s The Book of Love.

The site that inspires me is www.uncrate.com with its random goodies for men. I also love Ngeekhiong.blogspot.com. Makes me want all those toys.

The best gift I have given recently is my girlfriend’s APC Madras bag, which is now her new favorite.

And the best one I’ve received recently are my Revoltech Toys. I placed them at the top of my Christmas list and no one bought them for me. My girlfriend finally gave them to me for Valentine’s. I was overjoyed.

In my fridge you’ll always find apples.

My style icon is The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman. I admire the body of work he’s built around his pictures.

If I wasn’t doing what I do, I’d be a full-time photographer working on my next project.

The grooming basics I am never without are my buzz-cut hair and lip balm.

If a failure of elections is called, my reaction would be, Okay, I’m not surprised … but let me get back to work.

When my friends talk about politics, I listen and share, but I’m not very politically driven. I spend my time focusing on my business and what I need to do.

In school, I learned you’ve got to put the work in if you want to get things done right.

After having my own business, I realized that having a business is a 24/7 endeavor. You keep thinking about it every single minute, but at the same time it’s very liberating to have your own time and there is no value that I can attach to that.

I choose my employees based on character and potential. They may not be the best, but if they show the drive, I know I can work with them.

What helped me to conquer fear was the time when I lost all my support systems. I was transitioning from work to having my own business. I was not employed so I did not have any income. I was cut off from everything I used to rely on. I felt alone trying to figure things out on my own, so I had to keep looking for new sources of information. I went through a year where I had no steady income while I was building on the business. To supplement my income, I learned how to do the stock market and it became my primary source of income.

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E-mail: aurorawilson@gmail.com.