Technology in Architectural Practice

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Small Project Practitioners .
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Malcolm Hodnett AIA
Architect
Thibodaux LA
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I use Sketchup and find it to be very good at 3d design, it is free, and Google is always updating. There is a Pro version for $495. Lots of free tutorials on Youtube and the Sketchup site. You should check out Google Sketchup Warehouse, it is amazing what is being created.
Another program that I recommend getting is DoubleCad XT. It is also free, operates virtually identically to Autocad LT, imports gobs of files. I use it convert various vintages of Autocad files. It is a great program and has better features than Autocad. There is a Pro version and right now is $295.

The question, as posted, is meaningless. While there is free "CAD" software out there, what does it mean? What does it do? Is it truly CAD, or just an electronic pencil?

One should first assess one's needs, then establish priorities, and then investigate available products. Then, there are other questions: Can the software run on computers in hand? How is the software supported? What is the end product?

Only after thorough investigation should pricing become an issue. At least then, an intelligent decision can be made.

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Charles Graham AIA
Architect
O'Neal, Inc.
Greenville SC
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Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-07-2011 15:39
From: Malcolm Hodnett
Subject: Low Cost CAD programs

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Small Project Practitioners .
-------------------------------------------


-------------------------------------------
Malcolm Hodnett AIA
Architect
Thibodaux LA
-------------------------------------------
I use Sketchup and find it to be very good at 3d design, it is free, and Google is always updating. There is a Pro version for $495. Lots of free tutorials on Youtube and the Sketchup site. You should check out Google Sketchup Warehouse, it is amazing what is being created.
Another program that I recommend getting is DoubleCad XT. It is also free, operates virtually identically to Autocad LT, imports gobs of files. I use it convert various vintages of Autocad files. It is a great program and has better features than Autocad. There is a Pro version and right now is $295.