Small Firm Exchange

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  • 1.  3D Cad Software

    Posted 9 days ago
    I am looking for a little help with 3D software decisions. I have spent the last 35 years only needing just 2D drawings; plans, elevations, details. First just hand drawing then ACAD. 
    I now need to look at some cost effective and easy to learn software. I am just designing part time, so cost is a factor.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 
    Thanks


    Blaine O. Johnston, A.I.A.
    Sent from my iPhone


  • 2.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 8 days ago
    Hi Blaine - 
    I have no hesitation in recommending that you consider a timeline to transition to Revit-LT.  As soon as you're considering a production change, it's time to start climbing this ladder.  For our small firm (9), it meant trusting our younger designers more and learning how to use my fountain pen again. Production in Revit is actually really good vs AutoCAD, once it "clicks". And, you can keep using your standard details in 2D until you decide to improve them. If you don't have staff, you'll be in a hybrid mode for a while, while you learn any new software and figure out what works while you're trying to meet deadlines. Anything else is just rendering software, or AI. Revit (eventually) improves your work and your workflow and lets you see things you might miss when working in 2d.

    Andrew Osterlund, AIA, LEED AP

    President

    Osterlund Architects, PLLC

    o: (919) 591 3171 / m: (919) 889 6823

    5 W Hargett Street, #310   Raleigh, NC 27601

    osterlundarchitects.com

     

     

     

     






  • 3.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 8 days ago

    I've used Vectorworks for 26 years after drawing by hand for over a quarter of a century.  It's powerful, inexpensive, easy to learn with good support.  I wouldn't use anything else.  https://www.nemetschek.com/en/solutions/architecture



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    Samuel Combs AIA
    Combs & Combs, AIA, Architecture, Interiors & Art
    Anchorage AK
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  • 4.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 8 days ago
    Give Chief Architect a trial run. I have been successfully using this software in my practice for about 15 years now. I do residential and light commercial work rehab and new construction.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 5.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 7 days ago

    I tried a hybrid method that works pretty well: modeling with Sketchup and writing out plan section and elevation views as .dwg files, then cleaning up/ading detail in AutoCAD. That way you also have a 3D model that is good enough to share with owners, especially if you want to use rendering software, like Enscape, along with Sketchup.

    This is coming from a guy that knows Revit pretty well - I keep my Revit chops up doing gig work for larger firms, but on my own small commercial, residential and art projects, I use the above. Revit is just too cumbersome to be worthwhile on a project with a small budget. My opinion. 



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    michael höffner
    architect
    höffnerdesignstudio
    oklahoma city, oklahoma
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  • 6.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 7 days ago
    Edited by Jeremy A. Hill AIA 7 days ago

    Hi Blaine,

    I totally understand the challenge of transitioning from 2D to 3D after decades of working primarily in AutoCAD. The learning curve can be a real obstacle, and cost is always a factor, especially when designing part-time.

    Based on your needsâ€"cost-effective, easy to learn, and focused primarily on design rather than complex parametric workflows I’d recommend SketchUp. It’s intuitive, quick to pick up, and works well for creating 3D models without the steep learning curve of more advanced software. While I personally use ArchiCAD, Rhino 3D, and occasionally AutoCAD in my office, and I teach Rhino and SketchUp at the university level, I think SketchUp aligns best with your criteria.

    If you ever want to explore something more powerful with greater flexibility in workflows, Rhino 3D is a fantastic tool, especially when integrating with other digital design platforms. But given your priorities, SketchUp is probably your best bet to get up and running quickly with minimal frustration.

    Happy modeling! Let me know if I can help further.

    Best,

    Jeremy Hill, AIA



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    Jeremy Hill AIA NOMA, LEED AP, NCARB CPHC
    Happy Haus Design llc
    stamford CT
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  • 7.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 7 days ago

    Blaine,

    There are a number of 3D softwares available. Are you looking for just a 3D software that allows you to model and create 2D drawings from it? Or are you looking for a true BIM software to move out of the 2D world?

    If the former, I would recommend SketchUp. I haven't checked cost in a while but it has always generally been fairly economical. 

    If the latter, I recommend Vectorworks Architect or Chief Architect. Vectorworks has a long history, going back to the 80s and is owned by Nemetchek, the same company that owns ArchiCad. 

    I hope this helps. 



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    Jeremiah Russell, AIA, NCARB
    Principal/Architect
    Jeremiah S. Russell, Architect
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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  • 8.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 5 days ago

    Hello Blaine

    We work in a variety of different software packages depending on the application. From what you described, I would recommend Trimble's Sketchup program as others in the group have mentioned. It is easy to use and you can import/export autocad files directly.

    Here is a link: https://www.sketchup.com

    Best of luck.

    --

    DJ McCutcheon,Jr. LS AIA

    McCutcheon Associates, PA

    700 Plaza Drive, Ste 201

    Secaucus, NJ 07094

    201-864-9100 x12


     

     






  • 9.  RE: 3D Cad Software

    Posted 5 days ago

    Blaine,

    We use SketchUp pro for our office a lot.  You can download free version and try it out.  Follow the tutorial.  Free version has all the features you need to start modeling and exploring ways of looking at things in 3D. Many Arch schools don't teach cad anymore.  They expect students to learn on their own.  My thought is, if you can't figure out how to use SketchUp, the other apps may be problematic.  Once you learn SketchUp, picking up some of the other apps is that much easier.   Hope that helps. 



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    Benjamin Horten AIA
    Ben Horten Architecture & Design
    Randolph NJ
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