Why 3D Modeling is Such a Helpful Tool for Designers
It’s pretty safe to say that most people these days are very visual. We live in a very visual world right now. Which is why 3d modeling truly is one of the most helpful tools a designer can use to get their point across to their clients. A designer may easily understand the line drawings of a floor plan or an elevation of a wall of kitchen cabinets. However, most clients are going to understand a 3-dimensional representation better.
Showing a client a flat line drawing of a wall of new kitchen cabinets is not going to have the same impact as visually placing your client in the room before it’s even built. It’s easily to visualize what their new kitchen will be like if they can “stand” in front of their new kitchen sink and have a look around.
My favorite 3D modeling program is SketchUp. You can make simple models or put a ton of detail into a really complex model. Maybe you’re working on a simple model of a custom piece of furniture to get your point across to the person making it. It’s great if you need a small floor plan of your client’s master bedroom so you can work out a furniture plan. You can even go into the detail of designing a full two-story home from top to bottom. Pretty much whatever the scale of your design, you can model it in SketchUp.
Let’s take a look at examples…
Both of the images above where created using SketchUp. This kitchen was modeled in SketchUp and documented in Layout – which comes with the Pro version of SketchUp. These programs work hand-in-hand to allow you to design in 3D and then turn that model into document form to be implemented. You can also build a model from a 2d plan imported from CAD. It all depends on how you want to work and what type of project you’re doing.
This example is from a project I worked on with Bynum Design for a custom spec home. We designed the entire home from top to bottom. Floor plans were documented in AutoCAD. The entire home was built in 3D in SketchUp. That model was then imported into Layout to create a full set of construction documents with exterior elevations, building sections, interior elevations, and details drawings.
So is SketchUp right for you?
SketchUp is a great way to help your clients visualize the project you’re designing for them. No matter the scale of the project, the program can handle it. The amount of detail put into your models is all up to you. You can even build up your own library of model components to use over and over again.
Need help figuring out SketchUp?
I have a series of online training courses in the works specifically geared towards interior designers and design students. Stop by my “Training” page HERE to sign up for notifications and updates about my upcoming programs. For in-person training, send me a message to set something up. Don’t forget to stop by and subscribe to my new YouTube Channel for free tutorials each week. There’s a new one coming up later this week.
Let me know if there’s a particular SketchUp, Layout, or CAD issue you want me to help with.
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