Which design software and why???

[kmapro]

I am currently using AutoCAd Architectural Desktop 2004 for design purposes. I was brought up designing in regular ACAD, so I am still learning the quirks and shortcuts with desktop.

I am considering changing software for residential design business and was curious as to what others might be using.

So far, I have looked at chief Architect, Rev-It and Soft Plan. I have used Solid Builder in the past, but was not very fond of it.

I am looking for software that is geared torward the residential design profession. One that will supply a materials list and produce almost photorealistic 3D renderings as well as computer generated cross sections.

Is it possible to find this all in one software package.

I only need one seat as I am the only employee I have (my boss is a pain in the ass), but price is still a concern.

What are you using or what do you suggest. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[csintexas]

hi kmapro,

I use Softplan. It renders exteriors pretty well. Generates all elevations and cross sections but they do need work to clean up (especialy cross sections).
Material lists are dreadful.

I have been considering other options lately because my needs are becoming more complicated. I looked at chief and have their demo but I have not taken the time to realy explore it much. My initial feeling is that it is probably better than softplan but not enough to be worth my time and money switching over.

I am more interested in Revit and Archicad. I see Archicad is working hard to form file standards and interoporability with third party software and between CAD programs and of course Autocad is the standard.

Here is a rendering I just finished:

[kmapro]

Thanks CS.

I have the demo for softplan and chief as well. My neighbor uses softplan and I may go over there and explore a little with it.

ArchiCAD's website sort of turned me off to their product. It seemed too technical which leads me to believe it would be a hard transition to learn.

I just checked into CADSoft as well. I am hoping to get a demo out of them as well.

[csintexas]

Yes I am only considering archicad because my work is becoming more complex. I would stay away from softplan lite for sure.

[drankin]

I've been looking at at what CAD software to buy as well. I currently work for a builder/remodeler and have noticed that it can be useful to generate a 3D model or small set of plans for small jobs. For a quick view in 3D with as little time for practice as possible, Chief Architect I can see as the best solution. Although, I feel the way they do some things can be a bit quirky and limiting. If I'm going to spend the time to learn something I may as well pick a program that I'm going to be willing to keep and be able to grow and without worrying that I may out grow it.

I feel to put them to the test you have to pick some basic features and compare them. So far I've been looking at the ability to work with roofs, something that Chief Architect 9.5 does a lousy job on. Trying to customize a roof in Chief Architect was a pain. Two other programs I was looking at are Softplan and VectorWorks, both of the roofing tools are very similar in both programs from what I've seen (SP and VW).
I've been recently playing with VectorWorks Architect, which I do like and I believe that it is pretty detailed although you have to dig through the program and learn it. You can't just jump in as in Chief Architect. The nice thing is that it comes in a good price range and is lower than Softplan and Chief Architects pricing. Big bang for the buck, as I've seen people comment on. The feature I like most is the scripting that is build into VectorWorks, which means that people can create plugins. It also comes with the ability to do takeoffs.
I've looked at the demo for Softplan and really like what I saw. It looked like the interface may have been a little simpler than VectorWorks, but yet again VectorWorks is customizable. The only issue with softplan is I don't have the ability to sit down and simply try it, which worries me.
I have looked at ArchiCAD, which is really good and I know an Architect that uses it and loves it. Although the price point is pretty high. They do have a watered down version of the software at an earlier revision. If you draw plans for a living and like to present 3D I'd recommend ArchiCAD but plan putting time in to learning the program.
So far I'd say that my decision would be between VectorWorks and Softplan based off price. I would be curious on other peoples thoughts on the comparison of which is better.

[rltarch]

I've been using Softplan (www.softplan.com) exclusively since 1992. We have 5 people using it at my office including 3 who'd previously used Autocad. The program isn't perfect, but it's intuitive, fast, pretty powerful, and it gets the job done for us.

We use it daily for everything from small addition projects to very large and complex custom homes.

It's very good at getting a project "blocked out" very quickly.

I would recommend it be used with a very fast processor and lots and lots of RAM.

Hope this helps!

[Bfinck]

Your three main residential software titles in the industry are:

- Softplan
- Cadsoft Envisioneer
- Chief Architect

I am a Cadsoft employee so I will try to be as unbiased as possible.

Currently, Softplan is the most mature of the 3 and is still best at working drawings.

Chief Architect is probably the most widely used and is easier for beginners, better for 3D imagery but its working drawing capabilities are not up to snuff.

Envisioneer is the newest of the 3. It is the easiest to use modeling product of the 3 and has the best roofing by far of any product. Currently it has been created more for design and modeling although it does do working drawings.

Get a working copy of all three. That's the only way to really know.

[taoist]

I own and use both SoftPlan (since version 12) and VectorWorks since version 7 (called MiniCad then). I have both the latest versions of each.

Softplan is faster at producing working drawings. Its material list capabilities a powerfull. Material Lists are customizable. 3D is better in V.14 than versuion 12. It utilizes its tools if you will to very high degree. Sometimes you have to think outside the box but SoftPlan is quite capable.

Vectorworks is very powerfull except you still have to draw your elevations in 2D. Paint (SoftPlan) or hatches (VectorWorks) works only in 2D. SoftPlan converts 3D drawings into 2D drawings for you. Faster than VectorWorks for producing working drawings. SoftPlan's material list is way better than VectorWorks. However, VectorWorks cabinet options and window frame options are better than SoftPlan. In VectorWorks you can control the stiles and such for cabinets. No such options in SoftPlan unless you create your own 3D cabinets.

In SoftPlan you can apply any texture (3D) to any surface (3D). In SoftPlan you can apply crown moulding or others to cabinets, walls, etc. You can apply Chair Rail and Baseboad mouldings to walls, etc. You can't do that in VectorWorks without taking a lot of time to do it (read create your own 3D mouldings). This will all show in 3D in SoftPlan.

SoftPlans main strength is in producing working drawings quickly. It will even produce wall framing in sectons that is by wall with layout measurements. Elevation views and plan views. You can tell it how you want to frame your corners (outside) as well as intersections (interior meets exterior). It has header, joist and rafter span tables. You can customize them to meet your building code reqs. It will warn you if your are trying to set a header higher than the wall, joist span being exceeded and such. You can set plumbing drops on your plans for framers to shift joists as needed. You can turn lights on or off per fixture with control over brightness and such, even color of light being emitted. In floor framing plans you can change direction of joists with a mouse click. I could go on for awhile about SoftPlan. Sorry about rambling here.

Hope this helps.

Taosit

[Antisthenes]

Rhinoceros because there are no limits


because if you know autocad you already know it and will realize how much more fast and easy it is to create way more complex stuff with more powerful commands

not to even mention all the great 24 7 tech support , lenient licensing policy and the superb 3rd party tools like Archcut, VisualARQ, Tsplines, Grasshopper, plus many more. Developers that listen to the users and develop around your wishes while being worked owned.

interoperability


see: AEC Magazine from this month. "McNeel's Flying Circus"
http://www.aecmag.com/pdf/dl_pdf/AEC_200806.pdf?file=AEC_200806.pdf

[kmapro]

WOW - talking about posts from the past

I ended up going with Envisioneer - almost 2 years ago. But truth of the matter is - I have yet to use it.

Both fortunately and unfortunately, I have not had the time to try and make a transition lately. When the economy went down, I was able to keep myself busy designing upscale homes in and around the Atlanta area (for those who aren't effected by the economy) plus I had various home improvement projects going on at my personal home.

I do wish I would be able to take some time and try to learn the software, but I just don't see that happening any time in the near future.

The only thing about that I am not fond of is the elementary look of the software - it almost looks cartoony from a design side. I mean no offense to the software, but, coming from AutoCAD, i am used to "all business".

I do think I will check in to rhinocerus though. If it is as close to AutoCad as you say - then that may be what I need...

Thanks

[rendering.asia]

I've tried other software too and always come back to Autocad. I've been using it for 20 years now.

[leglace]

I use ACA 2008 for my full time day job. I have used Autodesk in the past exclusively. I found that overtime, there is a need to change to something that can allow you to build a house efficiently, without sacrificing the construction docs. Autodesk licenses have turned me off. I have tried Chief, Envisioneer (owned a copy). I wound up buying Envisioneer because its so easy to create 3d drawings, and yet it allows you to create construction docs. But I hit a wall on it. So I took a look at Softplan and have been using it for 16 mos. i absolutely love it. It has a learning curve in between Envisioneer and Autocad. I do consider Envisioneer the simplest to learn.

The bottom line is that Softplan creates very professional looking drawings, updates sections and elevations along with all the linework added to it, renders magnificently with all the rendering modes, stable from crashes, and possibly the best material list in the industry. I found no limitations so far. And like most of these "non Autodesk" programs, it writes to dwg about as well as Revit. Even ACA needs to be exported to native cad.

I actually tried Rhino and can not for the life of me see why this would be thrown into the mix with these programs. Sure it could draw solid objects. But its closer to SketchUp, with the ability to create construction documents. But it doesn't build a house, nor does it have the architectural content needed. It is a cool tool to have to create some models though. great renderer.

[Antisthenes]

be creative. you have libraries yes?

[kmapro]

I agree that Envisioneer is the easiest to learn and provides the quickest 3d rendering.

The problem I experience, and the main reason that I haven't broken away from AutoCAD yet, is that these softwares don't seem to allow me the creative freedom I am looking for.

When I design a structure, I mentally frame it section by section. If i can't envision it, or tell you how to build it, i don;t draw it in my plans. Many many times, I will play with section drawings to get the right look I am after and I don't think these softwares will allow me to do that.

I have looked at Softplan and have considered going that route. I bought envinsioneer at a time when I was real busy and never realy took advantage of it..

[Antisthenes]

ya nobody wants to be in a restrictive box.

no limits.