For many years I was a practicing viusal artist. Seven years ago I left the University where I was teaching art and started building houses on the Oregon coast. My problem has been that while I can easily visualize the house I want to build I have not been able to find a good residential design program for my computer – Apple. And even in my short building career I have tired of drawing, re-drawing and re-drawing the house to get it ready for clients or the plan review committee.
I’ve tried two programs: Professional Home Design Suite by Punch which I used on a PC and 3D Walkaround made by Abracadata which I used on my Mac. They were in the $50-$70 range, which was fine by me, but the makers of both seemed more interested sofa selection and 3D viewing than in anything that would really be useful to a house builder, much less, his or her crew. I used to use a digital photography program, Adobe Photoshop, which cost upwards of $500. I’m not adverse to paying a premium price for a good house design program, I just can’t find one.
Does anyone out there know of a Mac compatible program that is useful from a builder’s perspective, especially one from which prints could be made that would make sense to a crew used to reading traditionally drawn plans.
As a footnote I should ask if I am the only one who would like to see Fine Homebuilding do a comparative analysis of available computer design programs as it does for cordless drills, table saws, etc.
Replies
>if I am the only one who would like to see Fine Homebuilding do a comparative analysis of available computer design programs
They've done this in the past. I use VectorWorks on the Mac. Serious CAD capabilities, but with pricetag to match.
http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/3e3539a80046d5d1271a401e1d290614/Catalog/1131?read=4307
bobl Volo Non Voleo Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet
VectorWorks here too....with a strong endorsement.
and I almost forgot the URL is:
http://www.nemetschek.net/
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In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Edited 1/27/2003 9:50:35 AM ET by Jerrald Hayes
I need to do visual mock-ups of design possibilities for home construction, remodels, and landscaping. Have you found a user-friendly program yet? All the available ones look like better homes and gardens style stuff. I need something for a contractor, not a homemaker, an architect or an engineer. I was surprized at the minimal response to your inquiry. Thank you.