What makes a great Architect or Designer?

The ability to visualise a flat 2 dimensional image and comprehend how the corresponding elevations will work in conjunction. That is usually not a big problem for architects, designers or builders as they are creative and experienced individuals with spatial ability, but when it comes to communicating and presenting their ideas and creations to clients, the process usually happens on a 2D sheet of paper or images on the screen, in fact 99.9% of designs are represented in the traditional way.

Why?

The answer comes from the resources that has been available to us in the past. Communicating by etching in stone, drawing mud maps on timber or paper were our ways of collaborating with each other for thousands of years and now 2D plans and drawings, printed on a piece of paper is our way of communication.

On the other hand computers have been affordable and accessible for around 30 years and many computer aided design (CAD) software has been released and used since. Technology has come a long way, yet still Architects and Designers are using the old fashion way to communicate with their clients and their team. Yes it works fine but what if there is something better out there to present your work? What if you could save time and money? What if making changes and transferring your 2d drawings was a lot easier?

3D modelling and BIM tools have been available to us for years, yet we fail to use them more regularly, they are used more regularly in most bigger firms but most of the smaller or older firms are using 2D solutions for their projects, I’ve even seen some firms that still use hand drawn plans, yes it is fun to draw your plans and illustrations by hand but is it efficient for your business?

On average it takes people about 3 months to be efficient enough with a software to be able to use it in their day to day based work. In most cases people know how to use a 2D CAD software and don’t know how to use 3D software, or they know how to use CAD and use a simpler 3D modelling software like Sketchup to redraw their project in 3D, this is not the worst solution but to draw the same thing twice (once for 2D purposes and once for 3D) is time-consuming. A BIM software that does both 2D and 3D at once has a long learning curve that will just keep you distracted from your main work for months and can be costly.

Easier to Make Adjustments to a Design

Using 3D modelling and 3D rendering together make it easier to experiment with different design ideas by reducing the amount of time spent on making each revision. The architectural plan is created in a highly-flexible virtual world, so there is no reason to toss out a first draft and start from scratch. Design changes are simple in 3D, because every component can be quickly adjusted electronically.

3D modelling or virtual building allows an architect to present the building in a realistic way prior to construction. This will allow them to test out various design options including décor, landscaping, and structural shaping. A professional 3D model can be incredibly precise and take into considerations all aspects of the final project. This would include things that used to be considered trivial like the way a tree’s shadow may interfere with a home owner’s enjoyment of their swimming pool.

Identify Problems Earlier

Another way 3D design and modelling work together is by helping architects to identify and resolve possible design flaws that could occur during the development and construction process. For example, using 3D modelling allow the architect to accurately test spacing and lighting elements in a “real” life-like environment. If a problem is found, a 3D model can be used to quickly point out a larger scale version of the problem area along with a few design changes that may help resolve it. Once a solution is found, the 2d representation can be automatically updated.

Makes it Easier to Sell a Concept

A 3D model combined with a 3D rendering help architects in selling and promoting their concept. Clients are presented with a more holistic view of both the interior and exterior of a project. To have 3D models for clients to inspect, and then look at the 3D rendering to see how it would look in real life is something that not a lot of architects are doing right now. There’s a wow factor to it at a time when the wow factor is needed most.

And because a CAD model is used to create both the rendering and 3D model, the developer, builder or client benefits due to fact they can create marketing and sales materials earlier in the process. Meaning they can go to market sooner. Using 3D can improve communication among architects, engineers, contractors, and buyers by creating a realistic proposal within a virtual environment. In model visual clash detection, 3D modelling and rendering helps architects save valuable time and money by identifying problems earlier, allowing for easier revisions, and helping them sell and promote a concept prior to its completion

Our Solution

For the past 4 years at RubySketch we have been developing an easy to use all-in-one (2D, 3D, BIM and estimating) software plugin for Sketchup that not only it will take you a week to be proficient at but it is extremely fast and fun to use. The models are light enough to be emailed around to your clients (no more time wasting, travelling from meetings to meetings). Just meet online and go through the 3D model with them on the fly or even better get them to download the free version of Sketchup and email them the model so they can go through it make notes and changes on the software.

This solution is not only good for communication between you and your clients but you can also go through the same solution with your design and construction team. Flat, 2d- designs are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, since they do not offer the details and functionality consumers require to make a sound decision.

Now is the time to get involved in the 3D world and PlusSpec is a cost effective way to make this happen.

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What makes a great Architect or Designer?

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