Small Project Design

I'd like to have a CAD program for my home computer. I'm dismayed by the cost of Autocad and Revit (wish I had stock in Autodesk). At work, I'm a Revit user, but I'm willing to try something else for personal projects at home.
Any comments/suggestions with regard to cost, user interface, and quality?
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Matthew Keller AIA
DesignBuild Solutions
Des Moines IA
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Matthew,
  I am a huge fan of SketchUp.  Its very affordable (it's free) but the professional license is still no where near that of any of Autodesk's offerings.  It is not a 2D CAD program in the traditional sense, but more of a 3D program that has a 2D Layout program to make "CAD" like drawings.  I find it fun, easy to use, and great for small to medium size projects, where a proprietary BIM model is not required. 

For concept design, it's fantastic.  The 2D/3D export to AutoCAD is also seamless (no rework needed).  Its precise and accurate to the level of AutoCAD, and you'll find many similarities in block/xref management, groupings and other 2D element within the program.  It's cross platform, so it runs just fine on both the Mac and PC with file generation and editing being seamless between the platforms. I have been using it since 2001 when it was developed by @Last Software, but even after Google, Inc. bought it has still been getting better over the years. Check it out at Google.com

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Ricardo Ramos Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP, CSI
Alpha Analysis, Inc.
Arcadia CA
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Several of my clients over the years have given me their ideas quite thoroughly worked out in Chief Architect.  I've never used it myself and I don't know any professionals who use it, but I've been fairly impressed with what it can do and costs under $500.  I briefly looked at their website and they offer three levels of capability at different price points.  See what you think.
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Bruce Ward AIA
Proprietor
Hamilton NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2011 00:53
From: Ricardo Ramos
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

Matthew,
  I am a huge fan of SketchUp.  Its very affordable (it's free) but the professional license is still no where near that of any of Autodesk's offerings.  It is not a 2D CAD program in the traditional sense, but more of a 3D program that has a 2D Layout program to make "CAD" like drawings.  I find it fun, easy to use, and great for small to medium size projects, where a proprietary BIM model is not required. 

For concept design, it's fantastic.  The 2D/3D export to AutoCAD is also seamless (no rework needed).  Its precise and accurate to the level of AutoCAD, and you'll find many similarities in block/xref management, groupings and other 2D element within the program.  It's cross platform, so it runs just fine on both the Mac and PC with file generation and editing being seamless between the platforms. I have been using it since 2001 when it was developed by @Last Software, but even after Google, Inc. bought it has still been getting better over the years. Check it out at Google.com

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Ricardo Ramos Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP, CSI
Alpha Analysis, Inc.
Arcadia CA
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If your home computer is a Mac, we have for years been using a program from Engineered Software called Powercadd.  It has a wonderful set of add on tools called Wildtools where the developer said how can I make this program faster, simplier and better and listened to architects who cared about what their drawings look like.  It is no longer as cheap as it once was but it is probably less than a fifth the cost of an the programs you are talking about.  It is only 2-D.  I think Sketchup is a clear winner for 3-D, particularly at home.

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Peter Carlsen AIA
Carlsen & Frank Architects
Saint Paul MN
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-06-2011 06:48
From: Bruce Ward
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs


Several of my clients over the years have given me their ideas quite thoroughly worked out in Chief Architect.  I've never used it myself and I don't know any professionals who use it, but I've been fairly impressed with what it can do and costs under $500.  I briefly looked at their website and they offer three levels of capability at different price points.  See what you think.
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Bruce Ward AIA
Proprietor
Hamilton NY
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Like Peter, I use PowerCADD on a Mac.  It is a great 2d drawing program, very intuitive, and very much like hand drafting (if you happened to do that in the past).  I use PowerCADD for 2d work and SketchUp for 3d work.  My feeling is that you pretty much get what you pay for, and it will be hard to find a reasonably priced CAD program that you'll feel completely satisfied with.  I wish PowerCADD had 3d capabilities, but find the PowerCADD/SketchUp combination to be acceptable, being that both programs are fun to use as well as productive and intuitive.  Although SketchUp has a free version, I really like the "pro" version and the included Layout program, which allows me to have set views of the SketchUp model outputted onto my titleblock for client presentations.

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Patrick Marr AIA
Patrick Marr, PE, AIA
Santa Barbara CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-07-2011 14:15
From: Peter Carlsen
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

If your home computer is a Mac, we have for years been using a program from Engineered Software called Powercadd.  It has a wonderful set of add on tools called Wildtools where the developer said how can I make this program faster, simplier and better and listened to architects who cared about what their drawings look like.  It is no longer as cheap as it once was but it is probably less than a fifth the cost of an the programs you are talking about.  It is only 2-D.  I think Sketchup is a clear winner for 3-D, particularly at home.

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Peter Carlsen AIA
Carlsen & Frank Architects
Saint Paul MN
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I have used Powercad for 15 years.  I fine it superior in ease of use, teaching others how to use and cost.  The only other option that I would consider would be Sketchup Pro.  I have used autocad with great difficulty and other programs.  The key for me is to get the output that you want with the printer that you have.  This is very intuitive with Powercad.  It is incredibly useful when importing pictures, scans of property surveys, and for graphics-paricularly brochures, cards and signage.
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Chris LaShorne AIA
President
Chris LaShorne Architecture
La Crosse WI
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2011 09:54
From: Patrick Marr
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

Like Peter, I use PowerCADD on a Mac.  It is a great 2d drawing program, very intuitive, and very much like hand drafting (if you happened to do that in the past).  I use PowerCADD for 2d work and SketchUp for 3d work.  My feeling is that you pretty much get what you pay for, and it will be hard to find a reasonably priced CAD program that you'll feel completely satisfied with.  I wish PowerCADD had 3d capabilities, but find the PowerCADD/SketchUp combination to be acceptable, being that both programs are fun to use as well as productive and intuitive.  Although SketchUp has a free version, I really like the "pro" version and the included Layout program, which allows me to have set views of the SketchUp model outputted onto my titleblock for client presentations.

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Patrick Marr AIA
Patrick Marr, PE, AIA
Santa Barbara CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-07-2011 14:15
From: Peter Carlsen
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

If your home computer is a Mac, we have for years been using a program from Engineered Software called Powercadd.  It has a wonderful set of add on tools called Wildtools where the developer said how can I make this program faster, simplier and better and listened to architects who cared about what their drawings look like.  It is no longer as cheap as it once was but it is probably less than a fifth the cost of an the programs you are talking about.  It is only 2-D.  I think Sketchup is a clear winner for 3-D, particularly at home.

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Peter Carlsen AIA
Carlsen & Frank Architects
Saint Paul MN
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DATACAD has been a real joy for me since 1984. It's simple, easy to learn and has the features any architect needs to get quality documents done. Xrefs, 3D modeling and intuitive inputs, better than drafting...
It has a very fast learning curve. We can get interns underway with floor plans and elevations in a few days. It was designed by architects for architects. I did work on AutoCad for 2 years (10 years ago) and felt like I was driving the space shuttle to the grocery store. So many keyboard entries, just to draw a wall or put in a window. DataCad is far superior. 
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Michael Boudreau AIA
Michael T. Boudreau, Architect
San Luis Obispo CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2011 11:27
From: Chris LaShorne
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs


I have used Powercad for 15 years.  I fine it superior in ease of use, teaching others how to use and cost.  The only other option that I would consider would be Sketchup Pro.  I have used autocad with great difficulty and other programs.  The key for me is to get the output that you want with the printer that you have.  This is very intuitive with Powercad.  It is incredibly useful when importing pictures, scans of property surveys, and for graphics-paricularly brochures, cards and signage.
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Chris LaShorne AIA
President
Chris LaShorne Architecture
La Crosse WI
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2011 09:54
From: Patrick Marr
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

Like Peter, I use PowerCADD on a Mac.  It is a great 2d drawing program, very intuitive, and very much like hand drafting (if you happened to do that in the past).  I use PowerCADD for 2d work and SketchUp for 3d work.  My feeling is that you pretty much get what you pay for, and it will be hard to find a reasonably priced CAD program that you'll feel completely satisfied with.  I wish PowerCADD had 3d capabilities, but find the PowerCADD/SketchUp combination to be acceptable, being that both programs are fun to use as well as productive and intuitive.  Although SketchUp has a free version, I really like the "pro" version and the included Layout program, which allows me to have set views of the SketchUp model outputted onto my titleblock for client presentations.

-------------------------------------------
Patrick Marr AIA
Patrick Marr, PE, AIA
Santa Barbara CA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 10-07-2011 14:15
From: Peter Carlsen
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

If your home computer is a Mac, we have for years been using a program from Engineered Software called Powercadd.  It has a wonderful set of add on tools called Wildtools where the developer said how can I make this program faster, simplier and better and listened to architects who cared about what their drawings look like.  It is no longer as cheap as it once was but it is probably less than a fifth the cost of an the programs you are talking about.  It is only 2-D.  I think Sketchup is a clear winner for 3-D, particularly at home.

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Peter Carlsen AIA
Carlsen & Frank Architects
Saint Paul MN
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Oops, I obviously didn't spend enough time at the Chief Architect website-  most of their products are well over $1,000.   They do have a consumer version called  HOME DESIGNER which is much less expensive, and I'm sure much less capable.  Good luck.

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Bruce Ward AIA
Proprietor
Hamilton NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2011 00:53
From: Ricardo Ramos
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

Matthew,
  I am a huge fan of SketchUp.  Its very affordable (it's free) but the professional license is still no where near that of any of Autodesk's offerings.  It is not a 2D CAD program in the traditional sense, but more of a 3D program that has a 2D Layout program to make "CAD" like drawings.  I find it fun, easy to use, and great for small to medium size projects, where a proprietary BIM model is not required. 

For concept design, it's fantastic.  The 2D/3D export to AutoCAD is also seamless (no rework needed).  Its precise and accurate to the level of AutoCAD, and you'll find many similarities in block/xref management, groupings and other 2D element within the program.  It's cross platform, so it runs just fine on both the Mac and PC with file generation and editing being seamless between the platforms. I have been using it since 2001 when it was developed by @Last Software, but even after Google, Inc. bought it has still been getting better over the years. Check it out at Google.com

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Ricardo Ramos Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP, CSI
Alpha Analysis, Inc.
Arcadia CA
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I have a seven person firm and I started using DATACAD in 2000 when I was just a one person firm. It is a powerful tool for a fraction of the cost of AUTOCAD. We interface with all AUTOCAD users fairly seamlessly.
The learning curve is fast as I even have a high school senior on an internship program learning in one week and she is now a productive member of our team.

We work on all types of structures from small additions to Franchises and Auto dealerships across the country. The program has been a workhorse here. As we grew the added seats were then at a $350-$400 per added licence.

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Scott Lurie AIA
Scott F. Lurie, Architect
Oradell NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2011 00:53
From: Ricardo Ramos
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

Matthew,
  I am a huge fan of SketchUp.  Its very affordable (it's free) but the professional license is still no where near that of any of Autodesk's offerings.  It is not a 2D CAD program in the traditional sense, but more of a 3D program that has a 2D Layout program to make "CAD" like drawings.  I find it fun, easy to use, and great for small to medium size projects, where a proprietary BIM model is not required. 

For concept design, it's fantastic.  The 2D/3D export to AutoCAD is also seamless (no rework needed).  Its precise and accurate to the level of AutoCAD, and you'll find many similarities in block/xref management, groupings and other 2D element within the program.  It's cross platform, so it runs just fine on both the Mac and PC with file generation and editing being seamless between the platforms. I have been using it since 2001 when it was developed by @Last Software, but even after Google, Inc. bought it has still been getting better over the years. Check it out at Google.com

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Ricardo Ramos Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP, CSI
Alpha Analysis, Inc.
Arcadia CA
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Since I am retired and only do occasional small projects, I found that Chief Architect's 'Home Designer Pro' provides enough capabilities for my needs.  For under $500 it has site development, cad detailing, plans (3 floors), cross sections and elevations, 3d, generous library of objects, tech support, online video training etc.  When I can't find an answer to a problem the tech support was good.  One deficiency is that it will only plot 18x24 sheets.  I would need the next step up to print 24x36 sheets. Otherwise, it has a lot more capabilities than I have.

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Ronald Holst AIA
Owner
State of Missouri Design & Construction
Gravois Mills MO
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2011 00:53
From: Ricardo Ramos
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs

Matthew,
  I am a huge fan of SketchUp.  Its very affordable (it's free) but the professional license is still no where near that of any of Autodesk's offerings.  It is not a 2D CAD program in the traditional sense, but more of a 3D program that has a 2D Layout program to make "CAD" like drawings.  I find it fun, easy to use, and great for small to medium size projects, where a proprietary BIM model is not required. 

For concept design, it's fantastic.  The 2D/3D export to AutoCAD is also seamless (no rework needed).  Its precise and accurate to the level of AutoCAD, and you'll find many similarities in block/xref management, groupings and other 2D element within the program.  It's cross platform, so it runs just fine on both the Mac and PC with file generation and editing being seamless between the platforms. I have been using it since 2001 when it was developed by @Last Software, but even after Google, Inc. bought it has still been getting better over the years. Check it out at Google.com

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Ricardo Ramos Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP, CSI
Alpha Analysis, Inc.
Arcadia CA
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We use Vectorworks, while not cheap, it is more affordable than the Autocad products and is just as capable.
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Jeffrey Horton AIA
Vice President
Herron Horton Architects, Inc.
Little Rock AR
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Matthew,
Neither of these are CAD programs but they are great for three dimensional modeling. Look at Goggle Sketchup and AutoDesSys Bonzai3d. 


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Thad Broom AIA
Architect
Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
Virginia Beach VA
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I'm an ArchiCad user now (yes, $$), but years ago I used PowerCadd (Mac) and liked it--2D only at that time, but it was a good, intuitive drafting tool.  You might also check out how some firms are using SketchUp--I question its use as a "mini-BIM", but some are using it that way, and seem to be loving it. 

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Thomas Bassett-Dilley AIA
Principal
Tom Bassett-Dilley Architect, Ltd.
Oak Park IL
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Take a look at the Vectorworks Design Series as it offers 2+3-d object oriented design, site and landscape package, rendering and BIM functions.
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Vincent Oles AIA
Owner/Architect
Vincent Oles Architect AIA, llc.
Salt Lake City UT
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I have been exploring DraftSight, which is a free (as in beer) 2D CAD program that seems to be very cross-compatible with AutoCAD.  It is available in Windows, Mac, and Linux versions, as well.  It won't give you the 3 dimensional capabilities, but it's a full featured program (parent company also produces Solid Works and other CAD software).

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/

As for your criteria, you can't beat the cost, and I find the user interface easy to work with after having worked with AutoCAD for many years.  And, since it's developed by a commercial software company, and they've produced it for three different operating systems, it seems pretty complete and well done.  I think it's worth checking out.

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Philip Proefrock AIA
Ann Arbor MI
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Original Message:
From: Matthew Keller

I'd like to have a CAD program for my home computer. I'm dismayed by the cost of Autocad and Revit (wish I had stock in Autodesk). At work, I'm a Revit user, but I'm willing to try something else for personal projects at home.
Any comments/suggestions with regard to cost, user interface, and quality?

Hi Matthew
I use Vectorworks, it works like Revit. Very easy learning curve.
Go to there website, there is lots of great information there.
http://www.vectorworks.net/
-Wanda

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Wanda Madrid-Diaz Assoc. AIA
Designer
WMDesign
Arlington VA
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I have been using DataCAD, a cad program written by architects for architects.  I have been very happy with it.  It thinks as we do.  It's my understanding that it is a lot easier to use than AutoCAD.  It has a smaller, but more dedicated following than AutoCAD.  The price for new owners for Version 14 is $1195.  I think that there is/was a lite version for a lot less money.  I don't know if you can purchase older versions.

There is an excellent newsletter (independent of DataCAD) that is published by Evan Shu, an architect for $35/yr.  CheapTricksNews.com

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P. Frantz AIA
P. Richard Frantz, AIA, Architect
Pottstown PA
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AutoCad LT is a  good 2D drafting program and doesn't cost an arm and two legs.  Sicne I cannot afford Revit nor full Autocad and my consultants like .dwg files, I use it for my business.  For 3d I use Sketchup Pro.  So far, so good.

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Mary Holley AIA
President
ma2 architects
Basalt CO
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I use Datacad. It is a very good inexpensive architectural software compared to others. It was developed for architects by architects. You can download a trial version at datacad.com to check it out. The folks at Datacad are great and they constantly upgrade it with free updates.

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Russell THOMPSON
Owner/Draftsman
CADPLANS
Plano TX
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Matthew, I'm currently using Softplan 2012 for small residential projects and the occasional small commercial project (TI, etc.). I like that it was affordable for me, the interface is easy to learn, the automated schedules are robust and the three-dimensional modeling and built-in rendering capabilities are both intuitive and natural-looking. With Softplan, I can design a small home remodel and put out three-dimensional images for the homeowner in a half day and also use it for permit/construction drawings, spending another day or two on the CD's. It also imports and exports dwg's and dxf's, so using it doesn't put you on an island at the edge of the world. Others that I looked into were Chief Architect (not quite as many features, a little more expensive) and AutoCad LT (more expensive and fewer 3-d residential design tasks built in, requiring more time to achieve the same results). I've also used SketchUp to a point and I know that a lot of other designers use it with greater success than I do. The basic version is free, but there are some add-ons that are reasonably priced.

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Sean Catherall, AIA
Herriman, UT
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Matthew,

Depending on what you're planning to do with the CAD software at home, and on who owns the license you use at work, and what kind of license you have at work, you *may* be able to install Revit on your home computer. Here's a quote from the Autodesk site:

5. What if I use more than one computer to do my work? How many activations are permitted per license? I found this information on this page, and have installed my software (AutoCAD Architecture and Revit) on both my PC and my laptop.

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Dawn Zuber AIA
Owner
Studio Z Architecture
Canton MI
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I like Vectorworks, it is affordable and a very complete integrated 3D/2D CAD program, been using it for years. Perfect for all kind of projects.
Check it out
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Christian Fekete
Architect
Advancing Concepts in Architecture of NY, P.C.
Rhinebeck NY
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As a long time user of DataCAD (since 1984), I don't think you will find a better program at any price. Version 14 has just been released and there is a incentive pricing program in place at this time. The program feature, among other things, full Sketchup import and export, very good AutoCAD translators, both in and out, and a great user supported discussion forum, among other things.

The program is published by a very small, privately held company which is very responsive to user requests and input for development of upgrades, etc.

www.datacad.com

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James Goodman AIA
Principal
James Goodman, Architecture
San Clemente CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-06-2011 07:48
From: Christian Fekete
Subject: Other More Affordable CAD Programs


I like Vectorworks, it is affordable and a very complete integrated 3D/2D CAD program, been using it for years. Perfect for all kind of projects.
Check it out
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Christian Fekete
Architect
Advancing Concepts in Architecture of NY, P.C.
Rhinebeck NY
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Mathew,

Try this link "www.progesoft.com/".   ProgeCAD PRO sells for $399 and is a 2D/3D program.  Drawings are in DWG & DXF format and is compatible with AutoCAD.  It is available in a Windows or a MAC version.   Sketchup is also excellent for design and presentation and is reasonably priced for the PRO version and also has a realistic rendering plugin called PODIUM  which is also reasonably priced.  Included with Sketchup is a program called layout which I have used for presentations and which I understand has been used for contract documents on smaller projects.  The programs have trial versions which can be downloaded

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Philip Lembo AIA
Architect/Owner
Philip Lembo Architect
Clearwater FL
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