Paramount

Here is the response I received from Simlab, as I said it is just a matter of short time before 2D drawings are gone and I figured many are already all over this since it just makes sense. Perhaps I can offer Simlab some real world experience and develop this option so that it is more applicable to the building industry it will revolutionize. I'm half tempted to get an international call plan, call them to communicate better. That was my first thought when I seen the software since it looks very close to what is needed. It is great the you're bringing this up at this point, Next release of SimLab Composer 7.2 (to be available in September) will include many components to make MBD (Model based definition) available for mechanical, architectural and interior designers, and you are validating the need. Soon we will share tutorials about MBD functionality, showing the new features in SimLab Composer 7.2. I believe most of what you are asking for will be available in SimLab Composer 7.2, though it will help if you can clarify the last two points with an example or more details. * Can the tree be exported to 3D PDF? As a numbered text format would be best or as a 3D image? * Does Simlab come with 3D PDF software for the price shown or is that a separate Adobe Acrobat Pro purchase ? http://simlabforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10018

I engineer my own hygrothermal internal mass so I'm interested in how any of this effort will help me spec that out?

Here is a link to the SImlab forum I posted questions: http://simlabforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10018 Thanks again to Kevin for the heads up.

Joe, I have a concrete floor I put a 1/4" material region on to depict a high density top coat that volume top coat has around five materials that make up its composition that gets sanded with 800, 1200, and 1500. Not knowing any better or I did know how I think it was too much hassle to mate it under sole plates. I did it for aesthetics and the high gloss looks sweet! My question is how would a ML entry help me in this case do a take-off? Wall regions, I'm not sure I even trust the drywall estimates mine have been very large but it could be accurate. The drywall guys have some program I forgot the name they say is accurate but only for the big commercial jobs, residential guys don't have do it by hand and they said my ML looked to big.

I tired a cheaper labtop X8 no issues opening cameras oi the monitor window. Try it on my better one and I get the spinning wheel of death crash. I got no idea why, guess I'll call Asus. Thanks again for the help bud

Thanks for looking at this with me. Yes, happens with any plan @ default render settings. I'm running an ASUS gaming labtop as my main window setting in displays with two monitors that I can have three separate windows on. When I try and move my main window to a monitor it gets worse. If I open a DBX to a monitor it crashes. Another issue I have had is I can't let the monitors sleep or they won't fire back up without a unplug and sometimes reboot. I bet it's some setting on my GeForce GTX 965M? Both it and W10 have the labtop as main. Perhaps I need to reopen my ticket since I have a better understanding on whats going on. I did not have these issues on X7 and beta X8.

Facer_03 has alot of in site what I have been discussing is a variation of BIMS and there are many being used in this industry extensively and growing. Any experience or comments with regard to it and life cycle management would be on topic. Here is one definition of BIMS, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.[19] Also referred to as VDC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_design_and_construction Aero/auto terms are IPT (Integrated Product Team) DBT Design Build Team.....exact same just different terms, lots of similarities. The MBD is the design cornerstone for this integration as I described above using CA.

I'm going to repost the OP hopefully we can get back on topic. I was clear here I don't have all the answers thats why I put the thread up looking for software experience or anyone else wishing to look at this? You can also PM me.

Jeff, I can tell by your last post you have no idea what I'm talking about so lets just leave it at it will never work. I'm good with that now you have no reason to look at this thread anymore.since as you say it does not work for you. BIMS pretty much describes what I have in more depth above, anyone that has advanced experience in it should understand this. I have explained it over and over to a point I have no idea how to be more redundant. You seem to have all your own answers and proven methods stick with them, so be it, I'm definitely not here to convince you otherwise nor waste anymore of my time. Good luck to you. I'll check out Octane soon, and when I get some post up on Simlab or call them. Will keep the rest posted. Combined PDFs are interesting to modify, I learned some tricks today to do it fast from a coworker. Lots of power features in the them for 3D model management. These kids are pretty sharp! I need to finish an MBD and ML, camera views, then I'll create a 3D PDF and combine them all and attach a sample soon. Describe how I did it and modify it fast and easy. I use cache files to create the 3D PDF

Ok guys, I'll try and cut down on the acronyms, I thought I had been. I remember when I first started here about a year ago I had to find out what they were and made a list I have somewhere. BIMS will be mandatory soon check it out it is in many locations now: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_information_modeling Our AHJ has never heard of it, go figure! Yes, you are getting this the most so far. I am, a more affordable variation of it. I use a similar model info collector called Enovia, there are others like Team Center, been around and a critical part of the MBD integration since it started 15 years ago. The MBD should be the non-recurring cost R&D design part of BIMS, test and FAI (see definition above) another, recurring maintenance records another, BIMS is just now doing the same from what I understand of it's current state since it realizes the importance of the MBD and life cycle management. I'll be capturing similar data and storing it to prove concepts at my FAI, tracking sustainability, on a small scale to start as it should be. There is no other way to determine if a design is good or bad or it's cost impact to sustain. There are many, many, many more of the same concepts used in aero/auto as the building industry. I have alot of experience in both to know what the differences are. Thanks for your support. BTW: We're all gearing up for the B3 Bomber in Melborne soon I helped design_build the B2 back in 1984-1990. See ya soon! Hope to get this spec on the ground first.

I had a ticked now closed on this since I figured out it was not a render setting or outdated video card. Its been a while since I been on CA but I was able to generate a x x8 camera view on any monitor then move it over to another. Now if I try it on any monitor but my W10 main CA crashes on the clock and I have to manually shut it down. The only work around is doing it all intact on my main, undocking on my main, then redocking on another monitor. If that makes sense? Did I miss something, a CA or W10 update, setting I need now or something? Kind of a pain.

Jeff, the 787 was the biggest disaster in Boeing history. It was at least three times over budget and behind schedule to it's initial plan. The reason is they really did not understand the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) technology since they had not developed it on previous small scale fuselages like the business jet industry had. Beechcraft Starship was the first to develop it as fiber placement on small shell. I helped develop it further on the Premier and Hawker Horizon I managed design teams. The Dreamliner a 20’ diameter shell semi-mono the biggest in history. The production break interfaces mates were a disaster in SC and WA production lines. Add that to eliminating 2D drawings, the largest in history global supply chains much of could not even speak the same language, quality differences, etc... I forgot the unit number they recoup cost, its way out in the future still. Just talking today with some recent 787/777 coworkers from Seattle, and I was recently at the PA division two months ago, and things are quite a mess, have gotten worse, everyone knows it. Airbus will prevail and is with a larger market share (~55%) last I heard, A-350. A-350 competitor to the 787 program did CFRP and MBD on a smaller scale, not the entire bird. Lessons learned here are don’t take on more than you can chew, especially if you don’t understand it. I’m a terrible politician, you have to have direct experience with MBDs to know what I’m talking about, to do and what not to do. I have seen many that are not comfortable with change in my career or new technologies “If it ain’t broken don’t fix it” Not broken YET! We could say that about aluminum vs carbon, it was fine carbon resist corrosion better but a real pain to design/produce and can be expensive depending on Boeing. The nahers are either put in a corner with no staff, or fired. Anyone can believe what they want, the MBD will move to this industry just as much of aircraft technologies have and the building industry boast about in their sales hypes. Last I heard the average house in America has a high carbon foot print and last 30 years. Lots of mold and indoor air quality issues being found in structure, our restoration co sees often. For the price paid I don’t see that as great. CA does not provide the software to do this, so I’ll need some supplement. I cannot answer further questions until I figure out some work around. Put the thread up to see if anyone is interested in developing it with me, not to debate over the proven. Much of what I wrote above is real I’m doing it now, helps me understand how to apply it to this industry better as I write, and you never know who may get it. I already answered a lot of your questions btw. The point of bringing Boeing up was not to provide an opportunity to boast about family members credibility, rather to show how the MBD can apply to buildings and I’m sure it is already under way. Going home tonight to start a new 1200 SF residential design I’ll probably need some help with since I been off CA a while and a short time. Hopefully soon I’ll have an idea if I’m purchasing adobe pro or simlab or? I’ll generate some live PDFs for my trades send it out for quotes; my framers/MEPS do their own drawings. I’ll send the 3D PDF to my bank/appraiser for a construction loan, to a city AC I am buying the lots (I don’t see how any of this affects that purchase contract it is zoned as I need it SFH). My HERs rater can go off the 3D PDF. Insurance agent will get a 3D PDF. The Realtor can too and will appreciate 3Ds not drawings that can go in the MLS while being built. PDF can also combine video for clients. I can also do this on the cloud. If I’m sounding like a “politician” again, well I don’t see how. The point of the thread is not to spend a ton of time trying to convince the biggest industry builders or anyone to do MBDs. Not my concern at all! Could care less. Let’s please stay on topic, if you are interested in MBDs please post. I’ll keep those interested on my progress. Thanks to those that showed me some software to consider.

Jeff, ET all, The level of benefit will depend on the level of understanding and integration. Firms with in house design_build or Engineering_GC (recurring building production) will see it fast and the highest initial saving’s. Trades and Design only firms that source drawings to builders/trades last. This is a design_build software process in its finest. Separating it can be a challenge and won’t see max saving’s. I have seen this mistake before we are not just talking about a design tool. MBD forces integration of design_trades (downstream users). There is no choice here, it’s just a matter of time before competition streamlines their processes with MBDs. Those that don’t get on the band wagon will be left behind. We’ve seen how computer tech leaves some behind before, the sooner you start the better. Those that do can act as very profitable consultants to show others how save money by not creating drawings. Drafter jobs are not going away, they are being redefined with a higher skillset or integration of the design_build process as technology moves towards state of the art CAD/CAM assemble, higher quality/precision, lean designs and production, rapid prototype, auto fastening, laser locating and inspection driven from MBDs. This has already been proven in aero/auto. I’m not familiar with building corporate but would be shocked if they are not already all over this. The MBD has been in development for over 15 years now. The home building industry is just way outdated. Boeing in aero was the first I believe, the 787 Dreamliner back in 2000. I worked MBD design and build engineering where at the time trades were interrogating the 3D model taking camera views that were not stored as engineering released cameras/captures, adding annotations/dims, and it was a mess since the trades are not design engineers. We also used 3D dimensions and tolerance (GD&T) which gets complicated. It was a mess and some companies still are. We see this often in the home building industry now, a mess, lots of cost. Mechanics/trades were complaining about the lack of drawings, trades (suppliers) did not have the software/understanding that today is required to be part of MBD supply chains. The best benefits come from getting the right team on board. In this industry that includes realtors, agents, banks, inspectors, appraisers, raters, manufactures, etc…I’m not sure if BIMS, AutoCAD, Rivet, is on this or not. AutoCAD I use is not tree based but, it may have other ways it has developed. Two colors of design_build money/saving’s, recurring R&D (RC) and Non-Recurring Cost (NRC, Production). RC the cost savings is NO MORE DRAWINGs. Quality increases since trades and other downstream users are not trying to project orthogonal views in their minds, the “Sole Authority (SA)” MBD does that well. Sustaining drawings is gone, so is sending paper around and reading paper at job sites. Trades interrogate the MBD electronically, measure; create dimensions as they see fit, not some designers that has no build experience in that trade. The level of communicating with trades to get the right drawing definition is reduced by far or eliminated. These days many trades have their own ability to create drawings from a sole authority MBD the designer’s shares ore releases, or cloud based interfacing, and their drawing(s) can be inspected to the MBD. That is all accomplished in the field or site on tablets, phones, and computers. We keep the 3D model updated at all times since it is SP and there is nothing else, no attached documents like Engineering Orders, etc…. We manage the rev level of the 3D model(s) not a series of paper drawings or documents by rev blocks. The amount of time saved by not creating and maintaining drawings on a cost basis is huge, do the math. When you’re able to provide a higher quality “design and/or build” product to industry you better your place in the competitive market. Your customer satisfaction ratings can only increase. One can take the profits and/or pass them on to clients to be more competitive. It won’t happen overnight, the first step is to get started before your competition beats you to it. The critical tool needed is knowledge and experience. Bare minimum software is Adobe Acrobat Pro I posted in the OP. It takes some getting use to. I need to get on Simlabs forums and ask questions or call, it looks the best so far. They claim their software is written for “Engineers”, just not sure if it is to latest MBD standards. Sketchfab is not going to cut it, I’ll look at Octane, and rendering is a bonus not all that is needed. Rod is on the right tract, I recall seeing a live framing PDF. You would want to have separate MBDs for framing, MEP, sales/client initially. If you are a production builder the first article inspection (FAI) or prototype will prove the 3D MBD Design_Build process. Once it’s established you’re on your way to more cost reductions and lean builds. Modifications are a breeze. Any other CA supplemental software I can look at please inform….I’m working on a small spec design to be built soon, thinking of developing this with no drawing’s. 3D model(s), combined live PDFs, computers, phone apps, all electronic, that’s it Chiefs

Here a PIC worth 1000 words. The tree shown has notes a lot of which define tolerances vs drawing's I can modify in a DBX...not that buildings are +/-.010

This is probably confusing to most unless you have worked in 3D design_build. It’s not about rendering RT’s, although high definition 3D models are a bonus. It’s not about “build to print”, it’s about build to “3D Model Based Definition (MBD)”. Where this ultimately ends up is eliminating the 2D drawing and LOTS of drafting hours rendering CA “Lay-Out” useless. CA does not have the stand alone capability to do this, supplemental software is needed. 3D PDFs are one tool needed, and other modeling techniques. Let me try and break this down better. 1. Look at Simlabs “Specification Tree” where operations are stored in a 3D model “tree”. What I am looking for here is the ability to modify the text in the tree since this is where MBD general and flag notes typically go instead of the 2D drawing. More advanced software can output these tree based notes to EBOM/EML (Electronic Bill of Materials) Material List, along with components. Another option here is to create the notes and ML in separate PDFs to be combined with 3D PDF and camera views as required. Adobe Acrobat Pro has a “Combined PDF” function. Video definition can also be combined. 2. The other I mentioned above is interactive Flag Notes that are linked to 3D space geometry or “Associated”. “Locator Tags” or bubbles for Inspection are also linked. That reduces or eliminates the need for section-cuts, some build planning. I gave an example of a sealant application. This is a nice MBD feature for visualizations of say sealants but not necessary. Video or 3D camera views can also be used and added to the combined PDF. If a section-cut is needed use the 3D slider, capture an image, send it to combined PDF.

Do you own a license? If so does it have any of the features I described above to reduce or eliminate the need for 2D drawing's? If so which ones?

Kevin, awesome software.I like the baking and ability to create high def live 3D models to export to 3D PDFs and downstream users. Would you say the rendering is easier than CA? Looks that way. Who needs RTs when you can have it in live 3D? Who needs Lumina? I see CA has its own 3D viewer app that can take sections but not in the software and store cameras? Add annotations? I also work for manufacturing big corporate with very expensive software and teams of pros most can’t afford in small residential design_build. CATIA has no need to import/export to another software and much higher capabilities than CA, there are several license types available for purchase that can be well over $10K and large maintenance fees. The other use for software like Simlab would be for builds and to reduce or eliminate 2D drawings depending on company or 3D PDF only. There are other 3D based modeling techniques used for assemblies or installations on shop floors that could apply to site construction/mass production. Below is a machined beam assembly I just release to many of the same downstream users in construction. These 3D details datasets go to numeric controlled machining, auto-drilling & fastening to attach other details, 3D inspection, we don’t find in residential design_build yet but, it is coming with 3D rapid prototype & perhaps fastening soon. This model is set up a certain way to do that. This is a pic of my live 3D PDF. Also not shown is a combined PDF with the materials list, 2D camera shots as required if at all. Flag Notes: Annotations are defined in the specification tree or in 3D PDF associated by toolbar function? You see when I select flag note (FN19) in the live PDF the track geometry liner highlights to magenta. This is a stored CATIA camera view that was imported to 3D PDF automatically. Can Simlab do this? FN19 calls for a fay and edge sealant to keep moisture out and prevent corrosion. The same could be used to specify calk for a window or door. FN19 is “Associated” to geometry by a link toolbar. That should reduce the need for section cuts, since there is a visual of applications there is no need to define where FN19 starts or end. Any cuts that are needed can be imported into the combined PDF. Can Simlab store 3D cross sections that annotations can be applied to? Inspection: The oval bubbles are “Locator Tags”. They can be associated to geometry or FNs to denote inspection requirements. General Notes: Defined in the specification tree. Does Simlab have the ability to copy/paste into the spec tree then modify the text to general or FNs? ? Dimensions: I see lots of unnecessary redundancy on condocs that clutters drawings, one rule of thumb is don’t do that. Provide only what is required. Each trade can interrogate the model easy. Is this true? Ruler or ability to dimension in 3D? Some MEPs can do their own drawing’s. Many trades have done it for decades and don’t need to be hand held. We’re not defining the space shuttle. Schedules: Be nice to auto-export to live 3DPDF otherwise combined PDF. Room Labels: Should be obvious others wise use associated FN. File Formats: Windows CA export/Simlab import: DWG 2015 AutoCAD only? DXF, STL (3D print), 3DS, DAE. Any issues importing? WebGL? Which Product? USA Phone Support? Red highlights are my questions and notes if anyone knows an answer or other software. I see they are in Jordan and I don't see a USA phone contact. I see a forum I'll get on and ask. Not good, I'd rather talk on the phone. Perhaps time to upgrade my cell plan to international if I can handle the time zones diffs. This is a different way of thinking. It did not happen overnight at corporate I work for. You have to work with your downstream users. It may be little bits at a time. Eventually, you will reduce or eliminate paper. Clients - that's your realtor, your, or your sales team job.

Just wondering if anyone is using 3D models for drawing definition or 3D PDFs? 3D PDF: http://www.tetra4d.com/

"I personally spend almost as much time designing a home today as I would have 30-40 years ago. It's a little less because Chief provides excellent 3D visualization, but even so the design time hasn't changed much because it ultimately requires my brain and experience. The analysis and decision making process isn't something that computers are capable of yet. Maybe someday they will be but so far it's pretty well accepted that computers do not yet have the ability to be "creative". Joe, yes most industry software has the same "What You See Is What You Get" 3D/2D bleed that is now obsolete about a decade ago that eliminates paper processing and errors. What I'm saying computer auto-design is well underway in aero/auto, it started by eliminating the drawing and moving production and inspection to 3D integration with the design, and everything follows it. It makes perfect sense especially when you look at several different cost aspects. This is probably not the forum to be the messenger that gets shot, I'm trying to let you all know whats coming your way so you can get prepared. Theres little room for creativity I see little of it out here or plans on the internet, same with aero, auto, powersports. Most if not copying space layouts are bad building practices in the field. Today, for example, aircraft clients are able to covey performance desires to companies that have a computer automated design process needing no one to drive it, and it can be creative. CA would be wise to look at this. I'm not on that development team but know of it. For detailed example, take a hot HVAC duct one would typically do a design cost trade study to determine the best material based on current cost, heat, flow, pressures, corrosion, etc... Given parameter inputs like connection points it chooses the best design and route based on the latest decades of empirical data. You may be shocked how often I hire into companies only to see the same trade study get a different answer and error by a different person that cost the company a ton. This one I work at now has so many places in its design process for human error. They are still using the 3D PDF on their way to eliminating it. The auto-design program could also be programmed to look at the latest innovations and see if they satisfy loads, and at what cost and life cycles. Most out here and in corporate do not stay abrupt of the latest technologies, innovations, and consider them. I try with bookmarks, but like you just said have jobs to get out and limited time. It will start and has in controlled manufacturing, it can be done at the home building industry job site. Most of what is being built has been repetitive for centuries, the trades know it. Try something new or too creative as I am now, they and the whole infrastructure can't handle it. I spend too much time training and losing time and money. Happens in other industries too, they can only handle so much "creativity" even when it comes to optimizing space. Where other industry is stronger than CA is integration of FEM and CFD( Comutational Fluid Dynamics) like WUFI, easy MEP , that I don't see in CA but it cost over 3xs more. Charge more the savings in better for time spent designs would be well worth it. Designs would be better with the proper tools, and yes agree, trash in trash out levels depends on users. I appreciate your input, don't see it as rant. I think it's a real problem when designers are asking whether or how they should do stress analysis or how to satisfy loads and drawing requirements, can be a part of a design process they don't understand. Bigger than that a lack of chemistry/physics knowledge, mold, low IAQ, and how to properly mate materials. Please don't take that wrong anyone. There are ways out of the high cost of building materials, and land...A good forum for real estate investing strategies is Biggerpockets.com Here is thread I started to discuss the MBD more if anyone is interested: https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=new_post&f=7

Looks like I had a thorn up my arse the other day, I apologize! Everyone has bad days. Hopefully I can write what I intended to covey better this time and if you are considering a job in design hopefully some insight. For one, it’s real disappoint seeing the value of engineers drop over the decades, and from what I understand the numbers of American seeking a degree. I been practicing it around the globe. The days of drafting ink on mylar, doing stress analysis by hand, back in my day far gone. Replaced by CAD/FEM. Corporate turning Engineers into CAD jockeys. I’m one now, do it all day. Despite all my experience I have not had a real Engineering job for three years now like many of my peers. American aero is gone downhill, others are taking it over due to bad management and roles, similar to what I see in building's. . About ten years ago 2D drawings went away in large corporate. Today even I worked on a 3D model that has stored camera views called MBD (Model Based Definition), and I develop 3D PDFs with integrated very accurate materials list to downstream users, very fast. MBD started around 5 years ago as just CAD, a design tool only. Today it has developed, includes the production and inspection planning all in a 3D model. The Designers are doing everyone’s job now. There is no paper at all. It takes some computer skills to do this, but far less people than before, jobs are gone! Some got laid off never returned. Non-degreed drafters have been eliminated. I think some of that has to do with legal liabilities to create a high normal standard practice. The other a marketing tool. Yes, I know some non-degreed designers that are better than degreed. The degrees are more applicable to the unique skills sets like load development, stress, chemistry, etc, we do not put on drawings… In corporate it is critical for designers to have basic knowledge of to communicate with stress engineers, integrate those requirements with others like lean production, inspection, maintenance, etc. That brings me to the flip side of the argument. Most hiring managers believe that by time an Engineer explains it all to a drafter they could have done it themselves. I agree, that is why I am here. I’m not licensed, I missed that ship 30 years ago when I chose aero. Fortunately, this industry left an opening for me as it did many drafters. In others like aero/auto, forget it, no more jobs for even those with the skills from this industry to go to. Now, one may find ones like me sick of corporate or out of job looking to replace the building drafter and in some cases the engineer. Those like me can pick it up fast, the CAD, and already know the engineering well since as I said the principles are the same. In addition to all that, many have taken the engineering to other countries where they can get it for half the American wage or brought it here. They advertise some of that is due to no American Degrees which is BS! I been a designer for a decade or so in the “global design-build” market, what a disaster! Now, a lot is going 3D_FDM Fused Deposition Modeling/Printing. I have designs in full production. No longer a prototype tool. Speaking of Boeing, they are today as I write this, developing an automated computer design process where the loads are developed and sent to FEM, sent to CAD that has been programmed to design, plan, do MLs, etc…..Add that process to FDM, it will do it better, faster, with fewer peeps, once again companies with reap the big profits. It’s just a matter of time before this happens to all industry. Yes, it's sad to see degrees out here some have said they are focused on pics/videos, since they make more money. I’ve only done one 3D CA model. I’ll probably do one set of prints then go to 3D PDFs no drawing’s in an effort to eliminate drafting, and many will follow, why wouldn't they it's proven to drastically reduce cost and produce better products. Yes, I do greatly appreciate the help. If anyone wants to design the next joint strike fighter, rocket race car, let me know I’m pretty good with the building stuff too and would be glad to help.

Building Architects - Your degree has failed you if you waste time answering questions like the OP. You should be out practicing engineering where your license is of value, not here on CA.Building Science s/b your primary subject matter and how CA applies as one of your tools. OP, drafters knowledge base, capacity, and scope of work if VERY limited and NO Way includes FEM, not even remotely close, IF you know what you are doing!

Anyway, I'm practicing 3D model based def getting paid more than probably most of you for large corporate with big funds, Just a word or the wise, I know where things will go here, Its just a matter or time. No, you don't want any part of FEM, nor the chem or physics.

Follow code that IS engineering structures design IF you get it and can without legal issues, and then some. I find it interesting degreed licensed pros like Richard are even out here trying for figure out drafting or HD image/video services? In the pest 20 years, in most industries this is next, drafting is gone in the industry I seen it in others this follows, grip yourselves, like it or not, 3D model def takes over, been there done that too, times have changed, for the cost reductions you mention but not the reasons. Forget the designer ever doing or being any part of FEM, that is your ego talking, you for the most part don't get and will get you in trouble, not worth it!

I got not idea what you just posted. Look at my LinkedIn, my designs are globally proven for 30+ years now, since I started in 1984 out of college. I'm just saying, people for liability purposes need to be careful. NO, you want no part of stress analysis I do in any part of your documents, or drawings, make that legally clear, unless you are a willing to take on legal liabilities licensed or not. Parkwest or what ever your real name is and proven credentials are, nothing funny going on here. I think if people want an internet comic they know where to to go, not here! You dodge my questions that apply to the op with your version in your own mind of humor, that says alot about your ability to design.

Just out of curiosity are you doing any stress analysis and defining it on any of your drawings ot have any part in it? Offer any prelim FEM modeling to a PE? Are you a sole proprietary or corporate entity? Do you follow local and IRC code, no PE? Since it does sounds like you know alot here?? Do you think you ever make mistakes or omissions? For example, if I ask you a question about IRC braced shear walls can you answer any question I have? Bending moments, compression, shear, tensile, deflection allowables of materials and how they are developed or reacted by loads, and how every method satisfy loads? Does a designer need to be concerned here? Why, why not? Can you answer the OP, have enough stress and design in background to know the difference? I'd like to see your answer? In any designs you do, do you have anyway of knowing if you are producing a chemical or physical breeding ground for microbials (mold and bactieria, VOCs, etc) that potentially can kill people? Or do you rely on CA to give you that answer? If not, what engineer signs of on that part of design? Cost? What cost approach are you referring to? "Free Market" please define? Do you have an example cost lay out you are referring to, like a design-build cost outlay you recently produced? If you can't understand space shuttles, please help understand buildings? And the drawing's, national or global (IRC) cost? I'm hoping you are a pro that represents CA well, not DIY, otherwise, I have no further other responses nor waste of my time, and can address each and everyone of of my questions & comments professionally? If you can, I think it will help the OP. Please do some good research before you answer and be more careful what you post. I think ppl come here to learn facts. BTW: The latest post about the cost of land applies to CA, not the nation. Cost of land is not the issue driving cost, good designers are the problem, nor should anyone follow the crap the top USA builders are doing. Do not worship the ground they walk on, NHBA included. Sponsored money making BS. Design Guides? Right? One knows they have a good design when the structural margins are .5, not 2 code minimum does not provide and, the design is chemically and physically stable.