Bringing Designs to Life

A Metallic authorized builder turned an ambitious design idea into a finished project using exclusive access to myPortal’s 3D Model export tool.

When Jorge Simonelli of SMGC Construction first sat down with his client to discuss the Rolling Oaks Business Park in Austin, Texas, the scope was clear: four sizable buildings intended for retail and office-warehouse tenants, each with its own distinct appearance.

But shortly after that initial conversation, the client shifted direction. They wanted the two buildings facing the main road to have a more elevated, retail-driven aesthetic that would stand out in the rapidly developing area. That meant SMGC had to reimagine the façade without touching the existing structural design. Simonelli proposed Mac Metal’s Norwood Mini wood-look panels from the MBCI product line, offering a warm, modern visual upgrade.

Visualizing the Design Before Construction

To avoid delaying the project, SMGC opted not to wait for physical samples of the Mac Metal panels. Instead, they relied on Metallic’s myPortal, an advanced design and project management platform available exclusively to Metallic authorized builders. Beyond simplifying workflows, myPortal allows builders like Simonelli to show clients highly accurate visuals long before construction begins.

By accessing myPortal’s 3D modeling tools, Simonelli pulled the structural model directly from the platform and generated realistic renderings that made the proposed design easy for the client to understand and approve without needing a sample.

“myPortal gives us the structure instantly,” Simonelli said. “Then we model the details such as the trims, panels and colors so our clients can see exactly what the building will look like. It helps them make design decisions with confidence. The design review process is streamlined and finalized in matter of days.”

The client trusted what they saw on screen and moved forward. “They said yes based on the digital renderings,” Simonelli said. “And it was absolutely the right call.”

Turning Digital Models into a Finished Build

Once construction kicked off, everything progressed smoothly. The SMGC crew followed Metallic’s design, installing the Mac Metal panels over the existing PBU system with minimal adjustments. The full installation took only a week.

“The installation was straightforward,” Simonelli said. “We didn’t have to change the structure, just the trim to fit the new panels, which Metallic modified specifically for this application. Everything was tight, efficient and the final look was amazing.”

When the client saw the completed buildings, their response made the process worthwhile. “They told me, ‘Oh my God, they look amazing. We’re so happy,’” Simonelli said. “Their real estate broker loved it, too.”

Setting the Stage for SMGC’s Next Design Innovations

The Rolling Oaks project has already inspired upcoming SMGC builds. “We’re using the wood-look panels again,” Simonelli shared. “And next time, we’re planning to combine different panel profiles to create an even more dynamic façade.”

For Simonelli, myPortal continues to be a vital creative tool that helps clients visualize their project before construction begins. “It’s one of the reasons people choose us,” he said. “They can see their building long before we start. It builds trust.”

In this case, that trust transformed a digital rendering into a standout real-world project and became proof of what’s possible when innovation and partnership come together.