We design custom homes for people all over the world. SketchUp and/or SketchFab are vital tools when it comes to showing our clients what we’ve created. Many people have a hard time visualizing a home from just floor plans. The most important part of designing a home is communication. SketchUp helps us communicate.

Many years ago everything was sketched out first by hand. I still like to design by hand, I feel it connects me with the design. In a real way I am crafting a piece of hand-drawn art. It is the best way I know how to get my vision down on paper.

Like many craftsmen I can easily visualize a 3D structure from a flat floor plan. Over the years it has become second nature for me. However I do understand that for many people having a home custom designed and built for them is a unique experience. Therefore they will not have had the opportunity to develop this visualization skill.

SketchUp Helps Us Communicate

Over the years we have found that transforming a flat floor plan into a 3D model is invaluable. SketchUp allows us to show our clients what their dream home will look like from every angle imaginable.

After a floor plan has been approved by the client, the next step is a “Clay Model” of the home. This is a 3D model with very little detail and no color. It shows the basic structure, the size and shape of the home. Eliminating details allows you to focus on the overall structural design.

Moving forward, we then create a more detailed 3D Model. We take the Clay Model and add colors and textures. As a result of adding such detail the design springs to life..

In some cases we have even 3D modeled the interiors. It is one thing to see the exterior of the home, but to give the client the opportunity to walk through the home (virtually) is very powerful.

The transformation of a design from hand drawn, to CAD, then to 3D SketchUp model is very dramatic. It seems like people expect more today, and they should get more. With today’s technology we can show a client their finished home with colors, texture, materials and even landscaping.

Consequently with such an important investment as a custom designed home, it is vitally important to communicate clearly with our clients. We want them to be totally satisfied with what we create for them. Hence, either SketchUp or SketchFab are one of our most important tools for doing so.