Architectural Designs

3D Softwares for Architecture, which one to pursue?

good day! btw, I'm an Architecture student who is looking forward in seeking employment on a design firm. I'd like to seek advice on what architectural related computer programs should I pursue studying. So far, I only have knowledge in AutoCad and Photoshop, and nothing else. If ever I would study on modular courses (like training centers/schools) or somehow self-study, what would you suggest, and I wonder what's the difference among these 2 popular 3d programs (Sketch-up or Studio Max/Viz). Kindly share your personal views and experience, I would highly apreciate any.tnx.

Public Comments

1. There are variations between countries but in general you already have the essentials - AutoCAD and Photoshop. Basically Autodesk (AutoCAD and ADT variants) dominates the field but there are local differences such as Microstation in UK and Allplan in Germany. Check these articles for more details : http://management.cadalyst.com/cadman/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=467483 http://www.eatyourcad.com/dl.php/Evolve-CADSurvey2006.pdf?id=122 The new kid on the block is Sketchup - well worth learning in depth as it is proving a surprisingly invaluable design tool in professional practice. Easy to use, great visuals for presentations and ties in to CAD programs and Google Earth! As a result of the appearance of Sketchup other 3d programs such as 3dStudio Max are now becoming redundant as it is slower to produce results and feedback. If you enjoy 3D then learning Max can be rewarding. Otherwise DONT and thereby avoiding getting sidelined into 3D instead of doing 'real' architecture. I talk from experience. 3D is now going hyper-real with VRay and Maxwell. Experts are many and therefore images are cheap. Leave it to them and pay them for final images for the client. Remember you own presentation graphics don't have t be like photos - they just have to communicate well your great architectural ideas! You will also need knowledge of general office software (word, excel, powerpoint). Depending on the responsibilities of an architect in the country where you will be working engineering calculation or quantity surveying software is useful to now but can be easily picked up on the job. I recommend the following work flow. Sketchup to Powerpoint until the client is happy then Sketchup to AutoCAD to produce working drawings.