How Scaffold Studio is Transforming Workflows with Trimble Technology

As innovative leaders in the Australian scaffolding landscape, Scaffold Studio understands the importance of harnessing cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding design solutions for a diverse range of clients, from small family-owned businesses to multinational corporations.

With a portfolio that spans complex, high-risk worksites and tight project timelines, Scaffold Studio faces a range of on-site challenges. To overcome these and maintain their high standards, the team prioritises smart software and hardware that support efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.

At the core of their consulting services is ScaffPlan, a scaffolding design and engineering platform powered by Tekla Structures, which allows the team to generate highly detailed, constructible 3D models. Combined with a broader suite of Trimble technology, this platform enables Scaffold Studio to streamline digital workflows and deliver precise, tailored outcomes for every client.

We were eager to sit down with Founder and CEO, Mark Corkery, to discuss how Scaffold Studio integrates a powerful mix of technologies, including ScaffPlan, Tekla and a suite of Trimble solutions, to transform the way they design, collaborate, and deliver across some of Australia’s most complex scaffolding projects.

The Solution: A Fully Integrated Trimble Ecosystem

To meet the demands of complex projects and overcome on-site challenges, Scaffold Studio has adopted these Trimble technologies:

Trimble X-Series 3D Laser Scanner – Delivers highly accurate 3D scans of site conditions, significantly reducing the need for repeat visits and ensuring reliable data collection from the outset.
SketchUp – Enables clear and effective visualisation of design intent, helping both clients and internal teams better understand the scope and detail of each project.
Tekla – Powers engineering analysis and structural validation to ensure scaffolding designed in ScaffPlan meets all relevant safety and compliance standards.
Trimble Connect – A cloud-based collaboration platform that keeps teams and stakeholders connected with real-time access to up-to-date project information, wherever they are.

To demonstrate a real-world scenario of Scaffold Studio overcoming complex design tasks, we’re taken through a project they completed of the premier medical building at ANU in Canberra, which underwent major construction works to replace combustible cladding.

“This was a major undertaking,” Mark explains, “The entire structure originally had combustible cladding that needed to be replaced. Complicating matters further, the building’s façade wasn’t a simple flat surface – there were protruding and recessed glass sections that made traditional scaffolding design difficult.”

One of the biggest challenges was working from the original 2D plans. “They were quite basic, which made it difficult to design scaffolding accurately. Another major issue was the site itself – there was only one disabled access ramp, which was to remain open at all times. The building also housed cafes, 28 different medical practices, research facilities, and other essential services, so minimising disruption was critical.”

Overcoming Communication Barriers with 3D Scanning and SketchUp

The initial scaffold design was produced using traditional 2D elevation drawings, but these proved challenging for stakeholders to interpret. “At the time, it was the most effective way we had to communicate the design,” Mark explained. “However, for many, particularly the contracted construction team and those unfamiliar with scaffolding, it was difficult to visualise. The typical response was, ‘I can’t picture what you’re planning,’ or ‘This looks like it could create issues.’”

To improve clarity, Scaffold Studio turned to digital modelling. “We scanned the building with the Trimble X Series Scanner, and generated a point cloud,” they said. “From there, we converted it into a SketchUp 3D model”.

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One of the most critical aspects was demonstrating that disabled access would remain safe and uninterrupted. “Being able to visually prove this was essential for securing approval. Using 3D models in SketchUp allowed our client to clearly understand how access would be maintained throughout the project. The job finished 3.5 weeks ahead of schedule with just six workers, delivering major labour savings. The ROI from scanning and modelling alone was clear.”

This is just one example of how Scaffold Studio use Trimble’s tools from start to finish.

“While accuracy is essential, the real value is in stakeholder engagement. We’re often brought in when projects become challenging, and this technology helps us bring clarity and alignment.”
Mark Corkery, CEO and Founder, Scaffold Studio

Modelling Scaffold in Tekla

To demonstrate Scaffold Studio’s need for constructible BIM software, we’re taken to a recent project on the Gold Coast. The task involved accessing a high-rise glass structure experiencing major leakage issues. Trades were required to reach a section approximately 45 metres up in the air, where they would strip out and replace the existing glass panels and steel framework. With limited access from the ground and significant material requirements, the team explored the option of cantilevering off the building’s balconies to simplify installation and reduce on-site disruption.

Bringing It All Together in Tekla

Scaffold Studio began by scanning both buildings using the Trimble X Series Scanners, completing the site capture in a single day. Approximately 75 individual scans were produced, capturing everything from ground-level detail to the roofline. Thanks to access through the penthouses, the team was also able to scan from the balconies to ensure complete coverage of the upper levels.

From the point cloud, they built a 3D model of the building in SketchUp. As this project was focused on temporary works, the model didn’t require architectural-level detail – but it needed to be accurate enough to give stakeholders, including residents and the owners’ corporation, a clear visual representation of the proposed scaffold solution.

Once the base model was finalised, the team moved into ScaffPlan to develop the scaffold design, using Tekla Structures for structural analysis and validation. This included both internal and external scaffold elements, along with all structural interfaces, such as how the scaffold would be anchored to slab edges and supported via cantilevers.

The power of Tekla allowed the team to:

Precisely model load bearing and support scaffolds
Identify bolt-on locations and structural tie-ins
Create detailed construction drawings directly from the model
Provide fabrication-ready outputs to the scaffolders
Ensure full coordination between site conditions and scaffold design

This end-to-end digital workflow, from scanning, to modelling in SketchUp, to detailing in Tekla, and sharing models through Trimble Connect, enabled a seamless design-to-delivery process that supported both technical accuracy and stakeholder engagement.

Leveraging Visual Communication for High-Stakes Projects

The success of the Gold Coast residential high-rise project highlighted just how powerful 3D visualisation and constructible modelling can be, not only for design accuracy but also for building trust and alignment with stakeholders.

This approach became even more critical in one of Scaffold Studio’s most complex jobs to date: a large-scale ceiling replacement at Newcastle Airport.

“We had to work around the normal airport operations, which included 47 stakeholders. This ranged from local café owners to military personnel. Newcastle Airport shares a runway with the RAAF and hosts F-35A aircraft, requiring a high level of coordination and security at the location.”

To navigate this complexity, Scaffold Studio leveraged Trimble’s ecosystem, turning IFC models created in Tekla into accessible visualisations. These were then shared with stakeholders via SketchUp and Trimble Connect.

“The ability to transfer these detailed models into a format stakeholders could easily understand was key,” Mark explained. “We’d take the Tekla models and turn them into photos or SketchUp models, so everyone could see exactly how the scaffold would impact their area.”

The visualisation proved invaluable. “Stakeholder engagement was incredibly quick,” said Mark. “Our clients were able to meet with everyone, walk them through the impacts on their specific areas, and adjust as needed. After just three consultations, everyone had signed off.”

Thanks to this approach, the approval process that could have taken months was completed in just three weeks. “It was a game changer for us,” Mark concluded. “The ability to show stakeholders exactly what was happening and how it would affect them helped to build confidence and trust, accelerating the process to approval.”

Scaffold Studio’s rapid portfolio growth is a testament to the power of visual communication in building client trust. One such example was a project for a commercial building in the Sydney CBD.

“The building management had been in discussions with the commercial tenants for over two years to arrange a compulsory replacement of flammable cladding” Mark Recalls. “The Tenants were provided rudimentary plans that created uncertainty and fear leading to delays in the project.” By presenting the information in an interactive and easy to understand 3D model, all tenants were clear on the impact the project would have on them. Sign-off for the project was obtained quickly, with no further designs required.

Sustainability Through Digital Data Capture

This level of efficiency doesn’t just benefit project timelines, it also supports broader sustainability goals, both environmentally and operationally. Mark highlighted this when discussing the benefits of digital data capture, noting that these days, a single site visit is often all that’s needed.

“Take a recent job on the Gold Coast,” he explained. “I flew up, scanned the site once, and flew back. The scaffold design changed nine times due to engineering controls and other factors, but I never had to go back. Meanwhile, other specialist consultants had to keep flying back and forth to Brisbane.”

From a sustainability perspective, the benefits are clear. “Just on CO₂ emissions or time savings alone, capturing accurate data in a single visit makes a huge difference. Once you’ve done that initial scan, you’ve got everything you need for the entire project – no matter what changes. That’s where design-to-build technology really proves its value.”

Streamlining Processes and Driving Growth with Trimble Technology

Since partnering with BuildingPoint in mid-2023, the integration of Trimble’s technology has transformed Scaffold Studio’s approach to design and delivery. By combining the accuracy of the X-Series 3D Laser Scanner, the flexibility of SketchUp, the precision of Tekla with ScaffPlan, and the collaboration of Trimble Connect, the team has modernised its workflows and improved project efficiency.

The real game-changer has been the ability to communicate complex designs visually. With 3D scans and digital models, stakeholders can easily grasp design intent, helping accelerate approvals and reduce delays on site.

This commitment to clear communication, innovation, and modern workflows speaks to Scaffold Studio’s professional ethos. By embracing forward-thinking technology, they’re not only enhancing project delivery, they’re also contributing to a more collaborative and efficient future for scaffolding design.

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