Why I use SketchUp & LayOut exclusively for Architectural Design Work
Updated June 07, 2021
Why I use SketchUp & LayOut exclusively for Architectural Design Work
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with SketchUp
I use SketchUp Pro and its associated 2D construction documentation software LayOut to build house plans for clients. I do work for clients locally and across the US and Canada. In all cases the SketchUp software is crucial for developing models that can then be used to build plans for printing.
- The 3D modeling capabilities of SketchUp are superb.
- SketchUp has a large community of professionals and enthusiasts that share component models. These can be useful for quickly developing working 3D models.
- Rendering is limited. Photo-realistic images are not possible using SketchUp alone.
- Unlike traditional architectural software SketchUp is not automated. You need to understand code to a high degree in order to be able to draw models correctly.
- More development of the software would be nice.
- SketchUp has allowed me develop a successful online drafting & design firm.
- SketchUp is the core of my business.
I've tried a variety of competing, more commonly used by architects, types of software, including Chief Architect, Archicad, and others. None of them have the 3D hands-on control over modeling. They are automated, which can be handy, but it is not worth losing the creative capacity of SketchUp in exchange. SketchUp is also much less expensive up front and as an annual cost.