total novice - which program to choose for interior design

Hi guys ,

I am a total novice to CAD, although have been in very strong and senior design positions (interior architecture) for over 20 years.

It is now very apparant I need to get going in A Cad programme of some description.

Most tell me this is relatively simple, however as someone who has always hand drawn layers, planning, details, sections, perspectives and so on; I need to get at least a basic grasp of some form of computer aided design in order to compete in the market.I have talked with many colleagues and contemporaries and the there is a lot of disagreement depending upon who i have asked.

I need advice, do I learn basic sketch up, archicad, Auto cad or Revit?? So confusing and do not wish to spend valuable time and finance on a programme which is either obsolete or overly complicated for my needs.What are my needs? Well, layers, planning, and elevations, details and basic drawing package of design.I can always beef up design with hand drawings(something I can do at high speed and with accuracy). I would use this also for mainly presentations backed with my hand drawings.I basically need a basic knowledge upon which I can build as I can always use a draufghtsman technician and red line those drawings.

Summary, Which programme best suits interior design in 2012 and do I teach myself via these online courses, or is it prudent to take a course somewhere?

Many thanks in advance

DEL

If you pick one of the programs offered by AutoDesk you are aware there is a very high initial cost aren't you? Plain AutoCAD runs about $3995 (U.S.). Verticals, like Revit, can run higher.

Hi DEL and welcome to the forums.

I changed the title of your thread to something more descriptive.

As ReMark said, take a look at the costs of the different programs first. If that is something you have to pay for out of your own pocket, it could limit what program you can use. If it's a budget option that you are looking for, then there are plenty of 2D-programs (autocad-clones) out there.

If money is not an issue, then one of the things you need to decide is: 2D or 3D.

3D is the future for certain (in my book anyway) but if that is not something that you will use right away, it's just going to be a lot of training wasted.

Whatever you choose, I would recommend taking a class of some sort. There are those that are self-taught but my opinion is with a program like AutoCAD that is so complex and frankly strange if you have never seen it, a class with a teacher will get you started much much faster. After a basics course, then there are oodles and oodles of resources (this forum for example) for you to ask for help and to further educate yourself.

Good luck!

thanks Tiger, thats a grerat help, however, an additional or knock on question arises.

Which computer aided design programme out there is the best for the forseeable future programme to get on baord with? I would say 3D is the absolutely the way to go as it is a presentation tool as wll as a building/spec tool.

Agian interior design is very specific in that it requires less architecture demands/criteria when it comes to amount of information which needs to be draughted.

PS the cost is not an issue RE mark and Tiger , but time is:)

Asking what CAD-program is best to get onboard with is in my opinion like asking Should I go for Windows or Mac. You'll get the really vocal and loud defenders of all programs, and you'll get the more Meh, they're all good-users as well.

That said, I am not in the field of interior design so I can't say if there perhaps is one top dog in that particular field.

You could take a look at the Showcase section of this forum. There are plenty of images of interior design there, and most list what software they use in the posts. That could give you some idea of what kind of programs you should look for.

Aren't there programs specifically targeted at interior design? And I am not talking about AutoCAD.

Example: http://www.2020technologies.com/en-us/interior-design/?gclid=CJ_4qr7h8K8CFYeo4AodehfvXA

Or this freebie from AutoDesk called HomeStyler...http://www.homestyler.com/

Hi Designer

If I was you I would be looking at Autodesk Revit, I really think this is the way of the future. I started with AutoCad about 5 - 6 years back. It's a great program but I really wish I had gone with Revit.

I do mostly Interior design work and have tried various programs, I now use Autocad for the 2D stuff along with Google sketchup for perspectives etc. The great thing with Revit is it will generate those perspective views for you

as you draw, I will certainly be slowly changing over to Revit over the next year or so.

Just my 2 bobs worth.

Dodge

Dodge is correct, go Revit. It will open up the most doors for opportunity. Which is the best? That's all opinion. What's the foreseeable market heading towards when it comes to CAD design applications for interior designers? Revit would be best bet.

On a side note, it's better to get used to more than one application. If you know "only" one app, you're out of the game. Autodesk products are being pushed with "suites" nowadays. Programs like AutoCAD are being paired with Revit, Navisworks, 3DS Max, structural/MEP/architectural suites, etc. These programs aren't an extension of the drawing board anymore. They're virtual tools to build virtual buildings. I, for one, like the new shift. Some "oldtimer's" at my company just hate it, haha.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help, I shall look heavily at Revit, which is what my gut feeling told me. ..

I am one of those old timers, at 45yrs old ,I missed the introduction of CAD WHILST STUDYING...it just did not exist or if it did it was way too expensive and non effective.

I draw by hand and can easily draught up a concept, plan, details, elevations, axonometric ,perspectives, renders all by hand way way faster than the new guys can create digitally. Fact.., digi only comes into play on layers and as a basic draughting tool. 3d renderings are another thing altogether and should be approached only by designers and visualizers.

I just need a basic knowledge and understanding of a good programme (or several), in order to open drawings, adjust existing drawings, red line and comment really, then, should i get into it I will certainly improve.

i DONT WISH TO HAVE A POP AT DIGITAL PROGRAMMES HERE ..BUT..

Im not alone in worrying that the ART of what designers do is rapidly disappearing in this profession, not one of the juniors here can visualize without a programme doing it for em, nor can they hand draw or sketch, which was a fundemental requirement to be accepted onto a degree course and si definately a requirement in the industry, any design industry really.... just a thought;) so we oldies do have something

Have a great day,

Del

thnaks dodge, good info:)

thanks Remark,

this is a little basic for my line of work I think, I design hotels and cruise ships which maybe i should have mentioned,

(Large commenrcial and high end design rather than homes). but many many thanks for your time my friend