This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Small Project Practitioners .
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Malcolm Hodnett AIA
Architect
Thibodaux LA
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I use Sketchup and find it to be very good at 3d design, it is free, and Google is always updating. There is a Pro version for $495. Lots of free tutorials on Youtube and the Sketchup site. You should check out Google Sketchup Warehouse, it is amazing what is being created.
Another program that I recommend getting is DoubleCad XT. It is also free, operates virtually identically to Autocad LT, imports gobs of files. I use it convert various vintages of Autocad files. It is a great program and has better features than Autocad. There is a Pro version and right now is $295.