SCI_Design

3D model done in Chief, then rendered with affects in Lumion.  The combination of Chief and Lumion is incredible.   All the lanscaping was done in Lumion - adding plans, rocks, mulch beds is a breeze.  Time to get all this done in Lumion was about an hour.

Just another fun day of design work.

Adjust the Field of View setting.  Version X8 had a default setting of 60 degrees and makes everything look stretched out.  I usually view everything with it set at 40 - 45 degrees.  Double click on the Full Camera icon and you should be able to set the camera defaults.

Buzzsaw,

  Yes, I suppose you are right - making this big of a shift in the standards of industry will take time.  Then again, it was not so long ago that we drew everything by hand.  In the progression of drafting/ design industry standards, what I'm envisioning seems like a natural transition.  

Richard,

   Yes!  BIMx Pro is getting closer!  I suppose over time more of these platforms will be available with even more functions.

  Thanks for the suggestion.

    With the way technology is going these days, it would seem we would be able to interface with our designs in a much more interactive way than using 2D blueprints.  One of my bigger frustrations with using high powered 3D software is how much detail is lost when I have to "covert" all the information to a 2D Blueprint and hand it off to a builder.  Of all of the people who need the detail gained from 3D design, the builders would really benefit from having a much more visual way to access a designs information.  I know we can always give them pictures and renderings and even sit down and walk through a 3D model, but still the main thing that guides them and their subcontractors during construction is the trusty, coffee stained, tattered, rolled up paper blueprints - which have about 30% of the information that could otherwise be available to them via a more advanced interface.  The old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" rings true here.  A 2D blueprint is sort of a picture, but a 3D model is so, so much more.

  I guess I imagine a highly glorified 3D viewer that could upload a 3D model and have every bit of information available with a few clicks.  Maybe its holographic, most likely its on a ipad, computer, or similar screen.   Some features could be:

• The ability to set layers, so instantly a framing plan is converted to 3D and all framing members are easily seen and quantifiable.  Hardware connections are seen and identified. Maybe there are layers to isolate trusses, windows, doors, structural elements etc.
•  Maybe a foundation wall can be clicked on and up pops a CAD section.  A slab could be selected and instantly measured for rebar and concrete quantity.  Foundation walls could be measured and quantified.
• An interface that allows a measurement to be pulled with a finger from any part of the design.  Imagine a walk through feature where a builder could pull a dimension on any part of the design -with his finger.
• The ability to select any entity of the design (windows, doors, appliances, millwork, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical components) and access or modify its information.  Schedules could be created and e-mailed or texted to suppliers and vendors.  Costs could be assigned and accurate cost estimates could develop.
• Ability to select a material (siding, roof, sheathing, flooring, etc) and it instantly gives a quantity take off.  Again, unit cost could be applied and accurate estimates easily developed.
• Engineering information would be visible - shearwalls, beams, connections, and nailing patterns all view-able.
• Code compliance and current applicable codes could be embedded and easily accessible for site inspections or code clarifications.

  I guess it really boils down to making it possible to share a super detailed and accurate 3D model in a way that allows the information to be accessible.  It would take all the information typically found on a blueprint and puts it into a 3D, electronic format and then adds so much more information and clarity.  When we build our designs in 3D we would have the ability to input all the information much like we do now with CA.  So all the information is being amassed, its just finding a easier way to get it in front of the people who need it.

  Anyone know of a system like this currently available?  

ChiefCzar,

   I'm not necessarily looking to change gears with my work situation at this point, but one never knows the extent of an opportunity until it is explored.  

  I am an experienced Chief user.  In the last 12 years I have designed hundreds of custom homes in the Pacific Northwest - everything from small entry homes to the million(s) dollar dream homes.  I have coordinated all phases of design from site feasibility, client interaction, cost analysis, preliminary design, blueprint drafting, engineering, permitting, and on site construction support.  I am currently a Certified Professional Building Designer and have held that certification for 9 years now.  I have worked for several custom builders in the past and managed their in house design departments.  I currently work for a custom builder and work out of my home office as self employed.

  I have used Chief for every phase of design.  The power of its 3D capabilities works well in capturing the imagination of the client and solidifying their dreams.  I also have some experience with Lumion, which can further supplement the visualization aspect of 3D design.  I have trained others to use Chief and I feel very comfortable with the software.

  Again, I do not know if there are any mutually beneficial opportunities until details are discussed.  If you are interested, please contact me at jim@sykorahomedesign.com.

Average hours on a custom plan varies - that is the definition of custom.  BUT, if I were to shoot for an average, I'd say anywhere from 80-100 hours for a 3,500 sq.ft. home.  I agree with what has already been said about the level of detail- this can have a huge impact.  My typical blueprint is anywhere from 12-18 Arch. D pages.  

  I charge hourly for concept and development work since it keeps the client mindful of stretching out the process.  Once we're ready to draft a blueprint it switches to a fixed fee based on sq.ft.

 The best way to produce quickly t is to be proficient with the program, make and use templates, keep a good detail library, and draw an accurate 3D model.

Kevin,

  Here is the screenshot.

Kevin,

   The only setting I have found for the 3D connexion mouse is under Preferences/Render/.  Please see the attached screen shot.

    Unfortunately, I don't think this one setting option solves your problem.

The 3D connexion mouse has been a game changer for navigating camera views.  Takes a little getting used to, but is far better than trying to navigate through a building with the mouse.  The unit is very well built, has the ability to adjust sensitivity / speed, and works along with your normal mouse.  

 Also can be helpful in plan view for zooming in and out and panning across a plan.  For me it has sped up moving around in the plan view when I copy / paste items or when CAD drafting.  No more of the scroll out and scroll back in to change locations in a plan view.

Terry,

   Your "Framing, Wall" Layer is set to a line weight of 25.  Select the view in the layout and go to its "Display Layers" dialog box and reduce the line weight to whatever you desire.  Also, its difficult to add notes and arrows onto the face of a layout... it is far better to take a wall section, convert it to a CAD detail, then add your notes and arrows.  This would also make it easier to modify line weights.

Completely swamped.... around 20 active jobs.  14-16 hours a day.  Mostly new custom homes and a few remodels.

 Two years ago, I was twiddling my thumbs.  Glad to be busy.

Hard to tell what you've got going on there.  I'd guess it was a mis-alignment issue of some sort.  I draw all my roofs manually... far less problems. 

Another Example

I just use thin polyline solids applied in an elevation view.  Most often these siding layouts are installed on some sort of grid that interfaces with the window layout, so its really hard to get a siding pattern to follow exactly.

I use Current CAD layer alot for framing plans too.  My frustration is when the layer won't stay where I put it.  This seems to happen when I have multiple windows open and switch from one to the other.  Then the Current CAD layer seems to jump around.  So I go back to my framing plan and happily draft for 10 minutes only to find that I've been drafting on the wrong layer.  When I change the current layer through the Active Defaults dbx then it seems to stay put better.  Anybody have a solution?

Dell Alienware has been good for me.  Going on three years of almost daily use with high end complicated custom homes and not a single hiccup.  Renders are snappy and working in the plans is quick.  I considered building my own computer, but opted for something ready to roll.  Dell will usually recommend their Precision workstations for architecture / engineering work, but don't get swayed into a system that is set up for AutoCad.  Alienware is great for graphics hungry programs.  Get the most RAM and Video Card you can afford and the i7 chip is great too.

I also use color and line weights to give the plan some definition.

 Alienware has been great for me... going strong for almost three years now with no issues at all.  Go with the biggest RAM and Video card you can afford.  As others have said, a Solid State Drive (SSD) for operating system can speed you up as well.

They might be my neighbors.     

Perry,

  Yup, up here about an hour and a half north of Seattle... and nope, its not raining today.

The advice already shared is golden.  Offering design services has its own ins and outs, but can be rewarding.  A few things I'd consider before diving in...

• A solid design contract.  Be clear on what your responsibilities are and what your work includes and how its billed out.
• Consider E&O insurance.
• Billing - stay ahead of the work with your billing... don't get too deep into a project before payment is received.  Use a design deposit up front to make sure clients are serious.  From my experience you may have a tough time making a profit if all of your work is simply an hourly rate billing.  Consider some fixed fee options.  In my part of the country (West Coast), an hourly rate of $85 - $110 is needed to even make a go of it.
• Schedule the work - set time frames or goal points to keep work moving forward.  Clients can drag things out.
• Be careful with using Chief "live" with your clients.  Once they see how "cool" it is to try different textures, play with design features, and spin the house around in 3D, you may find yourself eating up alot of time that is hard to bill for.  

  All the best!

The Molding Polyline is a good method to get this look, but I've also done it with roof planes.

Dealing with this same issue.  Trying to notice what is going on when it happens to narrow down the possibilities.  Seems pretty random.  I'd been drafting for a few hours on a project and noticed it when trying to move walls, CAD lines, windows, or just about anything that a dimension was snapped to.  Nothing would activate the dimension input box.... until I closed a CAD detail window that I had open along with the plan.  Once I closed that CAD detail, the dimensions immediately started working again.  I can re-open the CAD detail, and the dimensions still work fine.  Weird.