Drafting Software

THP

I own a small business in which I draw residential custom home plans for builders, homeowners, etc. I currently use Architectural Desktop 2004 but am planning on upgrading to the newest version (by AutoDesk). I have been using this sofware for several years and consider myself pretty profficient. I have not had a chance to use or test any of the other architectural software programs out there, but wanted to see if anyone out there that uses the other programs could compare them (particularly in the 3k-5k dollar range). In my opinion, architectural desktop is very powerful but sometimes I find myself spending unnecessary time on things that I think could be much simpler and quicker. For example, I think that creating roofs and modifying wall styles could probably be much simpler. I know that the new version of architectural software from AutoDesk is probably much better, but I wasnt sure how it compares to these other programs (chief architect, archiCAD, etc.). And I dont mind spending time learning a new program if it is better and more efficient. Any help, reviews, or opinions would be appreciated.

KentWhitten

Download the free trial of revit and see what you think. I like it and it's what I use exclusively for design now. I know Cole uses ArchiCAD and both programs are similar in that they are the BIM type. Revit, you'll get "wow, look what this can do" real quick, then "gee, I wonder why I can't get Revit to do this like ADT?"

It's a different type of program, you have to erase what you learned with ADT to be able to "get it" quicker.

THP

Do you use Revit primarily for 3d views/walkthroughs or mainly for standard design and construction prints, or both?

Thanks for the input. I'm actually playing with the trial version of Chief Architect 11 and so far have been very impressed with the ease of use and speed. It seems like it is a much simpler program, but I can't really tell yet if it has all of the manual options that I need or if layout view is setup similar to ADT.

I will check out Revit.

KentWhitten

I use it for both. Revit has decent modeling capabilities, but has a rough time with rounded surfaces. You can DO them, it's easy, but it creates a faceted face and has a difficult time with materials applied, like roofing on a turret. So for modeling, the rounded surfaces I have to change it or create it in max if I want a decent looking render. OR you can post process with photoshop, but this all turns into a PITA.

It's great for CD's. If a client changes something in the plans/model, then once you change it, all your sheets in your drawing are updated automatically. Also, things like section views, elevations, callouts are automatically numbered on your sheets. What you do is drag the "view" to your sheet and Revit does the rest for you.

It's quite easy to use and user friendly, but it has some definite drawbacks. UI is not customizable, that's a little irk for me. Keyboard shortcuts are fantastic. Trim command and chamfer work differently than ADT. It takes some getting used to, just as would any program.