RobDesLLC

I use Teams for video conferencing and have had no issues with multiple participants. I think the most I've had is 6. I like using Teams because 1) it's included in my Office 365 subscriptions, 2) it records meetings, and 3) it integrates perfectly with my Outlook scheduling. I also like to use Teams because it automatically creates a site in Sharepoint, which I use to make project-related files (excluding working files) accessible to everyone on the team. I have folders for legal documents, financial documents, work product, surveys, geotech reports, etc. Other app add-ins allow me to manage project tasks and calendars, manage document e-signing through Adobe Sign, etc. I like the chat feature because it keeps all project-related messaging in one place, instead of having compartmentalized conversations through text that might cause conflicts. I have not used it with VOIP so I can't speak to that. I have Dialpad on my computer and my cell phone, which I set up through T-Mobile. Dialpad allows me to use my computer's microphone and speakers for hands free conversations and text messaging while I work, and I can switch between devices while on calls without issue. It also has a built-in AI that will automatically record transcripts of my calls, which it then scans (along with text messages) for action items from which it creates tasks for task lists.

I created seamless textures for taped green and red ZIP System sheathing Photoshop, and then created materials in my user library. I have substituted these for the standard OSB sheathing in the Wall Type DBX when needed, and adjusted the layer thickness appropriately. It populates correctly on my material lists, but doesn't calculate tape (and there's no need for that). I took a similar approach to Advantech subfloor sheathing.

I have an HTC Vive Pro 2 that I bought specifically for arch viz work. As much as I love the Vive Pro 2, I would agree with what Rene said, however I would qualify my statement by saying that you should research the pros and cons of each device you consider to determine which is best suited to your particular needs. There are trade-offs between weight and portability v. graphics performance and comfort, the hassles of cables v. the limitations of batteries, etc.

Make a sloped polyline in elevation view, then convert to a 3D solid, change material to your floor tile, and adjust the depth in plan view so it snaps to each wall.

You're welcome! Yes, I'm a one man show.

I start my Pre-Design phase by looking up tax records and zoning information for the property before I meet the client. Once we have established a scope of work, I request from them any original construction documents for further review. I then determine a range of hours estimated to complete the design, and expected subconsultant fees. I verbally inform them of the total fee range to anticipate, and, if they wish to move forward, I draft a design retainer agreement and send it out for e-signing via Adobe Sign. Upon execution of the retainer agreement, I send an invoice for the retainer through Quickbooks, which includes a payment link. The client makes an ACH payment that is deposited into a sweep account, which then automatically transfers to the operating account. I then create 2 project folders - one in my company files, which goes into Sharepoint and contains all legal, financial, permitting documents, and work product, and a second in my working files, which is stored locally and not shared. I create a team in MS Teams, which includes the project folder in my company files. This allows my clients full access to all documents for total transparency. We also use the chat, task, and whiteboard apps, and the video conferencing capability built into Teams. If they have a contractor, I invite them to the Team, but I don’t give them access to the legal and financial documents folders. I typically order a survey, and if it’s a renovation/addition, I usually request a flood certificate, and schedule a time to take as-built photos and do a Lidar scan using Canvas app. I then send the scan out for processing, and receive an as-built model as a Chief Architect plan. I start the Conceptual Design phase with a survey in PDF and DWG, and (for renovations) a flood certificate, and an as-built model. I clean up the as-built model, convert the DWG into a terrain model, and generate an as-built layout. I save a copy of this plan and layout, rename it, and revise it into a conceptual model. For new construction, I obviously just start drawing a new plan. When I have a conceptual design ready to present, I schedule a Teams meeting and share my screen to show it in plan view and 3D. I mark it up with notes for changes (if necessary), and put that into a list that I email to the clients. We do another meeting to review the design, and if they approve, I generate a layout for them to approve. With their approval, I submit to the ARB for conceptual review. Based on that review, we either make further revisions and resubmit, or continue into Design Development. The Design Development phase is similar, adding more details and exterior selections as required for preliminary approval by the ARB. Selections are specified on the plans and ARB application. With this phase complete, we move into the Final Design phase. At the beginning of the Final Design phase, I send a PDF and DWG’s of the plans to the civil engineer, landscape designer, and structural engineer. The civil engineer sends back a grading & drainage plan, and I give that to the landscape designer, who sends back a landscape plan and irrigation plan. Both of those are required for final approval by the ARB. The structural engineering is required for a municipal building permit, so I start now to save time. I finish the various details required. I then prepare a physical sample board, and with the clients approval, send the submittal to the ARB for final approval. With final approval, I create the Construction Documents. I combine the final plans with the engineering sheets, generate a ResCheck report, and share the complete package with the clients for permitting. I get client approvals documented by either Teams chat or email. I am going to switch to the Approvals app within Teams to better document approvals. Throughout this process, I log my billable hours and mileage in Quickbooks Time, and I send monthly statements to the clients. When the retainer dwindles down to a minimum threshold specified in the design retainer agreement, I invoice the clients again. I pay all of my project expenses by ACH through Quickbooks, eliminating the burden of handling checks and the security issues related to them. All vendors and subconsultants are instructed to submit their invoices by email to a dedicated ar-ap email account, which is scanned by automation to retrieve PDF’s and copy them to a Sharepoint folder for review and approval for payment. I make a lien waiver for each vendor payment and send it for e-signing prior to payment. The invoice is dragged and dropped into Quickbooks to be paid upon receipt of the e-signed lien waiver. I keep the Team active throughout construction so that file access is maintained and communication continues in the chat app. I deactivate the Team upon final inspection or CO. This system works for me because it documents everything well, it minimizes time to complete financial transactions, it nearly eliminates the use of paper, it can be accessed and managed through desktop pc’s, tablets, or smart phones, and it fosters effective communication and collaboration between myself, my clients, and their contractors.

About 10 years ago I had a hard drive failure that cost me 3 weeks of productivity. By maintaining redundant storage across multiple platforms, I can mitigate the shortcomings of each and ensure the preservation of my data. It's a bit of work to set up initially, but it runs smooth and requires little maintenance to keep going. I have had no issues with OneDrive. I only access my folders through File Explorer on my desktop, or in Teams when using my Surface Pro tablet. All else just operates in the background. This approach is only for business documents. All of my working files for design are kept on a local drive, and then backed up to a second storage drive on my computer and a separate NAS. I only use SSD's for reliability and read/write speed. I appreciate the video. It's interesting to see how others approach the same problem and come up with different solutions, as I never stop learning. Thanks Rene.

I use SharePoint as my primary repository for company files, with all design working files and assets (Chief Architect, Lumion, Adobe Creative apps, etc) on a local drive. I manage financials with Quickbooks Online. I use Microsoft Office 365 Business apps, including the use of Teams for project management and collaborating with clients. I sync SharePoint with OneDrive, and keep copies of all company files on a local drive synced to OneDrive. I also back up the company files to a NAS, and I back up the entirety of my Office 365 data (including all SharePoint files) to a cloud backup service. Design working files are backed up to a second local drive and another NAS. I also use Dialpad through my T-Mobile business account, allowing Ai to identify action items in my calls and messaging for adding to my task lists. I have a folder for each project in my working files, and another in my company files. As I generate product to share with clients and trade partners, I save a copy from the working files project folder to the company files project folder, and the project folder is accessible through a tab in Teams for the project team. I use Adobe Sign for distributing and tracking contracts for e-signing. I both collect and make payments by ACH, with a handful of recurring expenses paid by debit card. I use a sweep account at my bank to receive payments (for more account security). It may sound like a lot, but it's actually very easy to use my system. I have redundant and accessible data storage, effective and easily searchable communications, efficient and easily auditable legal and financial transactions, and the ability to manage my business entirely from a Surface Pro tablet when I'm in the field or traveling - without any loss of functionality. I also use almost no paper, other than printing hard copies of layouts.

That is insane. In my opinion, you should talk to the building official about it. If your plans went through the plan reviewer and a permit was issued, it isn't the inspector's role to make that demand. They have the authority to demand a revision for a code compliance issue, but not a minor graphic issue such as this. They're way out of line. A design alternative I use regularly that could solve the problem in a less confrontational way would be to specify a flat garage slab with a 1.5" x 11.25" recess at the overhead door opening. The recess would have a chamfered edge. I then use a standard recess detail for this section of the slab, show a dashed polyline on the foundation plan and call out the recess detail, and make no corresponding change to the model itself.

I set the floor elevation to the lowest point and let it stay flat. I address the slope in notes and annotations. In my opinion, most of the time the juice isn't worth the squeeze for sloping slabs.

In Scenario #1, I do not redraw the plans without first contacting the original architect or designer to acquire their permission to do so. If they will not allow it, I refuse to do the work for the client. I always advise the client that it would be in their legal and financial interest to attempt to work with them on revisions rather than myself. In Scenario #2, I advise the client that I will use the images only as reference material for style or to incorporate particular design elements, but I will not attempt to recreate someone else's design. In Scenario #3, I ask the builder to state that they own the plans as their intellectual property, and I confirm this with the original architect or designer. I protect my own intellectual property with the following contract clause: I mark all conceptual and preliminary plan sets as "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION" in 1.5", bold, semi-transparent red letters across the entire title block. I also label my plan sets as "CONCEPTUAL SET", "PRELIMINARY SET", "ARB FINAL SET", "PERMIT SET", and, "CONSTRUCTION SET" in the title block, just above the sheet label.

I have default R values set for the different assemblies I use frequently, based on what is required locally under IECC 2009. I set the SHGC and U-factor for windows and doors after I receive the lumber yard's window & door quote from the contractor, and then I run the ResCheck report.

I do not use live views for my sections and details. I use the "CAD detail from view" tool as a starting point when a new detail is required.

I have been building a library of frequently used CAD block details and CAD block elements. My projects here often have unique/project-specific details with frequently used elements, so having labels that automatically populate is useful to me. I like your approach and I will try it out. I appreciate you sharing the code. Thank you.

In the example section, the CADBlockName macro automatically names the label for the Simpson SDWF floor screw just by making the arrow touch the CAD block. The LumberHeight and LumberWidth macros automatically fill in the nominal lumber size in the 2x12 rim joist label. For example, changing the size of the cross box to 1"W and 16"H would change the label to "5/4X16" RIM JOIST".

I use a Surface Pro only for taking a plan to the site for field change documentation and electrical walkthroughs.

I have 4 LG 32” monitors at 3840x2160 resolution, and a 65” 4K TV in the conference room with a wireless mouse and keyboard. I normally use the top monitor for File Explorer, Sharepoint, and Outlook, then the other 3 monitors for plan view, elevation view, and 3D view. The 65” TV mirrors the middle monitor, which I use for presentations in meetings. I use a 30”x60” side table for laying out original plans when working on renovations. I also have a mic and webcam at my desk and in the conference room for virtual meetings.

I have a Surface Pro tablet that I use for field work. It works well for electrical walkthroughs, etc.

I suggest he consult with a local structural engineer

Sorry, I was not. I got tied up. I will send that to you later today/this evening.

I have a small library of these. What's your email address?

I tried doing that, but Chief wouldn’t let me paste the column from Excel.

I make dummy sheets to populate my sheet index with structural engineering, civil engineering, surveys, and landscape plan entries. After I print my layout, I replace the dummy sheets with the real sheets in Acrobat.

I made a few macros that I've found useful and thought I'd share. I have %cadblockname%, which returns the name of the CAD block it references. I also have %lumberheight% and %lumberwidth%, which return the nominal dimensions of the CAD box they reference. I use "%lumberwidth%" X %lumberheight%" (CONT.)" to create a dynamic label for lumber sections (including 1x trim). I then use %description% built into Chief to create labels for polyline objects, which I use for things like plywood, concrete footings, rafters, etc. These have helped me to speed up sections and details for me. I hope they help you as well. CADBlockName.json LumberHeight.json LumberWidth.json

Is there a way to export a material list to Excel, fill in pricing values (pc/SQFT/LFT), and import that pricing back into the master material list? I'd like to have the lumber yard update a spreadsheet of building material pricing monthly, and then import that data into Chief Architect to generate a reasonably accurate buy list and preliminary cost of materials before formal bidding. Am I asking too much?