Sketch Up is proved out on it's abiity to work with designers and architects....most especially in additions. A side angle shot (some front...some side) on the area for the proposed additions, bump out, roof extension, etc. to an existing structure...there's a function of the drawing page that allows you to slide boxes, etc. at the same foreground angle of the structure on all axis; find a matching exterior material and proposed openings; add on the ceiling joist depth at the plate and using a new square in 2D; draw in the gable ridge or hips & ridge....use the Pull tool on the ridge and elevate that roof to the pitch that works with this model (not necessarily the existing pitch)....push or pull the ridge in 3D until happy with the view; dress it up in ortho view to "fit" the photo...and you've got a concept to share with your client in a matter of minutes.
It really is a great program for manipulating the model from all angles. There's a bit of artsy trade-offs that make life a little more difficult in trying to make the 3D addition blend into the photo. Color, lighting and shading is something to be learned...and I kinda find myself busy enough on the design to worry about a pretty picture at that stage.
I came off of AutoCad 20 years ago when it became obvious that I didn't need that monster....or wanted to spend time learning it. I was ready to sharpen up my leads for my table when I found a write up for SoftPlan. Cursed that software many times over the years...but pleasantly surprised to find SP techs on hand to walk me through a work-around or procedure.
Your CA drawings are great!! You've got the process for CA down to the point where what you draw is what you'll see going up. A lot of that comes with the carpentry and general construction experience in your career. I've seen some pretty tough build jobs based on drawings that didn't give enough info or sections to illustrate to the framing crew and lead man. The homeowner was banking on his framing contractor; the framing contractor was banking on the working drawing....and the designer was banking on a static drawing for the elevation views rather than the the "meat and potatoes" of how to make that framing work to the elevation. I would think if your framers were having difficulty with anything....hand drawing a detail or section on a scrap of decking (along with flying over in your profile's Warthog) the work would bump up a few notches.
Which is another topic for another day dealing with the lack of qualified trades and crafts people....and even worse on available labor to come to work. I spend a LOT of time on stick roof details....everything from the top of plate to top of rafter or fascia; depth of birdsmouth cuts; cheek cuts; top plates on kneewalls as partition or roof loaded....anything that might be confusing on the job. Plus my contact information if they need me to come out.
It's pretty rough framing work anymore. Again....a blaring warthog would help in getting their attention.<G
I get the impression that CA and SP have been in competition to stay ahead of each other. I can recall a CA rebate if I proved ownership of the SP license (and license key) that I would be giving up in order to concentrate on the CA product purchase and learning curve. But just now...I'd say your work in Chief Architect shows that you've got it worked through and bridled to your control.
Design build guys have it tough. I'm nearly retired after 47 years...but I'm taking that experience to design work to help educate the next breed of construction upstarts. Best career anyone could ever want but the least advertised or pushed for too long.
We missed an entire generation of constructors that didn't have a chance to get weekend or Summer jobs to see what they wanted to try. The Great Recession kept them idle and not thinking long term about how they planned to make a life for themselves.
Good to meet you. If you have any questions about SoftPlan...don't hesitate to contact me and I'll be happy to pass along my experiences.
Dan Turner, CPBD
Conyers, Ga
