Custom Residential Architects Network

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Custom Residential Architects Network and Small Project Practitioners .
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I recently posted a similar inquiry in a BIM thread, and now realize I am not looking for full-blown BIM, but rather software that can simply coordinate 2D & 3D. 

I am currently using AutoCad & Sketchup to develop plans/elevations and a model in parallel.  Obviously it is frustrating & labor intensive to keep two files current with each other.  There must be a better way witout resorting to BIM, which is more than my small projects require.

Vectorworks seems to do this; is anyone familiar with it?

Rhino has been recommended, but seems to be more appropriate for complicated modeling tasks, and its not clear if it is optimized for simple 2D drafting tasks when it is time to produce CDs.

Anyone have any insights?
Thanks

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Scott Rappe AIA, LEED AP
Kuklinski + Rappe Architects
Chicago IL
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I have been using Vectorworks since 1997 for small, residential projects and find it very user-friendly and a good fit for small projects. It allows you to draw in 2 and 3-D simultaneously. It is an object-based software with BIM capabilities. The hybrid tools give you the luxury of drawing in 2-D and, later on, if you decide you want to create a model, entering the Z-axis info afterwards. You should try out a demo copy, it's quite simple to get started on it.

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A. Atkinson
A. Gordon Atkinson, Architect
San Francisco CA
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