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Consumer level architecture design software

Discussion in 'Creative Arts' started by nathandarby67, Jul 27, 2012.

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  1. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    #1 nathandarby67, Jul 27, 2012
    Is there any consumer level architecture design software that is actually worth a crap? I am in the very early stages of planning and building a shop/dream garage/man cave/evil lair and just want to play around with different looks and stuff. Not worried about the details of every stud location and plumbing run.

    The building will be next door to my house so has to confirm to the neighborhood architectural guidelines...in other words I have to make it pretty. Here is a link to the subdivision to give an idea of the architecture; "Southern vernacular cottage" is the overriding theme. http://www.bellegrass.com/architecture/index.htm

    I have been sketching some stuff on graph paper but was thinking some software may be the way to go. Something like this: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com. Would prefer something Mac compatible, but we have PC's too if need be.
     
  2. JeremyJon

    JeremyJon F1 Veteran

    Jul 28, 2010
    7,569
    Calgary, Canada
    #2 JeremyJon, Jul 27, 2012
    could photoshop work for you? we've been talking some in the "car design..." thread about software programs for sketching and design ...but i find in p-shop you can not only draw in free-hand / ruled lines, but on a seperate layer(s) copy & paste from photos online, to build up your drawings, with minimal work
    you could then save multiple copies, and only change your sketch layer, to produce multiple detailed drawings to evaluate!
    :)
     
  3. chp

    chp Formula Junior

    Jul 9, 2005
    372
    #3 chp, Jul 27, 2012
    I use other CAD, but I think Turbo CAD is pretty cheap (compared to professional stuff like CATIA, ProE, etc.):

    http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/TurboCADMac/tabid/556/Default.aspx

    Does anyone use it?

    Bentley MicroStation is pretty easy to use, in my opinion. Don`t know how much it is though. Educational license is not expensive.

    But I think all CAD software will require a considerable amount of time to get used to it.
     
  4. tritone

    tritone F1 Veteran

    Dec 8, 2003
    7,203
    On the Rock
    Full Name:
    James
    #4 tritone, Aug 11, 2012
    Google SKETCH UP. Virtually no learning curve, lots of plug-ins, outputs to pro/sw when/if you want to. Great fun. I use it to show early ideas to clients; they love it 'cause there's a free viewer download for their own computer. Don't bother with anything else........
     

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