I spent the last month seriously debating Softplan, and I almost bought it... While browsing the internet for what I consider the most professional looking rendering (as per my taste) I have decided to stay with SketchUP and AutoCAD with a plugin. This is a good time to throw in the fact that all of these programs run on Mac and PC, with Mac being a leap I plan to make here soon.In my eTravels searching for the "look" I admire most, I found Shaderlight. This is plugin for SketchUP. It is so easy to take a floor plan or elevation from AutoCAD ( $900.00 for LT) throw it into SketchUP (FREE) and run Shaderlight in SketchUP (FREE) Take a look at the examples of the renderings shared from everyone in posts above and then look at what shaderlight can do with a sketchUP drawing. I was floored, and even more amused when I tried it on one of my previous SketchUP projects. http://www.flickr.com/photos/shaderlight/show/
My main reason was this, Google and AutoCAD are innovative market leaders. They have the money and customer base for development. SketchUP also offers free access to 3d warehouse which saves a ton of time and new ideas roll in everyday. http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/
My final reason is this, we need to stay competitive in today's rough economy. I feel we need our work to stand out from the thousands and thousands of home plan renderings offered on websites like www.coolhouseplans.com. They all look the same, and I find that quite boring. I am in this profession to have fun, and just maybe, make a little money as well.
My final comment, I love to invent, draw my ideas, furniture and other crazy ideas I dream up daily. I do not want to be tied down to an expensive program that only draws house plans. ($3185.00 )
The only flaw in my plan is not being able to kick out a detailed material list. This was a major factor I considered. If anyone knows of an alternative, I would appreciate your input.
4 comments:
Have your home design is such a way that there is a sunlight comming to your home. It will not only save energy cost but it will also make your house a lot brighter
Absolutely! Two key factors are southern exposure and properly sized overhangs. The idea is to capture heat from the sun during the day and release it at night. Trombe walls and various flooring choices help as well.
Very interesting post Wade. I currently run AutoCAD and am looking for some way to do the 3D design for my clients. I have read many different views and tried out several different programs (ArchiCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, Sketch Up Pro). I was looking at Softplan as the next option to try. So far I was leaning as you have done to stay with AutoCAD and Sketch Up. I am glad to hear that it works well for you.
Thank you for your reply Dan. Check out Shaderlite's gallery at http://www.artvps.com/index.php/gallery
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