Searching for high quality 3D CAD software

[HowardD]

When we were in another region, we used an architect who used Archicad and we loved it. Now we're in Puerto Rico and haven't been able to find an architect who uses Archicad who can design condo buildings that are 3 to 7 stories high. So we really want to find out if there are other CAD apps that have most of all of these features that we loved in Archicad:

 

A) It is "walkable" 3D meaning you can move the mouse to walk around the building and through the building and view the insides and outsides from every angle and elevation. 

 

The architect can email us a file and we can do the 3D walk-through on our Mac. We often travel for work, so we normally can't go to the architect's office.

 

C) At any time in the process, the architect can convert the 2D plans to 3D in a few seconds. We liked that when we could be there in person, he could make a change and within seconds let us see if it improved the look or not. Also, because he didn't need to spend a half hour converting it to 3D, it meant no cost for us to see plans in 3D any day we wanted. Even if an app can't do it in seconds, being able to do it in less than a half hour would save money compared to an app that requires more time to convert to 3D. 

 

If you know of an app that has a couple of the above, please let me know the name of the app and which features it has. E.g.: "FakeApp has A and B, and can do C with about 30-60 minutes of effort." Of course more detail is welcome, but if you're in a rush, simply name and which of the features it has is good. We can research it more and see if there are architects here who use it and do our kind of project. Thanks.

 

 

[johnny]

I really dont understand.  From the writing it appears you are part of the stakeholder group not the architect.  Why not select an architect and ask them if their software works the way you need? 

 

...or....Is that what this is - are you looking for an actual architect and want to verify they are using software that will work for your needs?

[Northriver]

Probably not the right place to ask about other software programs and ask for a list of what other 'programs' offer. If you are after what chief Architect has to offer go to their website. Otherwise do a search on google for other architectural software programs as it sounds like you are promoting brand X. I do not mean this in a condescending way by no means.

 

PS; Chief Architect  offers free live webinars where you can see the software in action and ask questions. Chiefs Youtube channel has videos also.

[HowardD]

When we were in another region, we used an architect who used Archicad and we loved it. Now we're in a new region, and haven't been able to find an architect who uses Archicad who can design condo buildings that are 3 to 7 stories high. So we really want to find out if Chief Architect has most or all of the following features that we loved in Archicad:

 

A) Does it have "walkable" 3D meaning you can move the mouse to walk around the building and through the building and view the insides and outsides from every angle and elevation?

 

Can the architect email us a file via which we can do the 3D walk-through on our own computer even if we don't own the app. We often travel for work, so we normally can't go to the architect's office.

 

C) At any time in the process, approximately how much of the architect's time is needed to convert the 2D plans to 3D? Or a range of time? E.g. for a 5 story condo building, would it probably take 1-3 minutes of effort to convert to 3D or a half hour to an hour?

 

If it has most or all of the features, we will search to see if there are architects here who use it and do our kind of project. Thanks.

[joey_martin]

There is no conversion. While using Chief Architect we work in 3D...Nothing to convert.

[lbuttery]

why is post #5 a clone of post #1 ???

 

 

is this a valid query ???

 

 

if yes, then download the trial version of Chief and give it a test drive

then contact CA's sales dept to discuss your needs

 

Lew

[michaelgia]

I think this is an Archicad troll...

move along, nothing to see here.

[English]

 

When we were in another region, we used an architect who used Archicad and we loved it. Now we're in a new region, and haven't been able to find an architect who uses Archicad who can design condo buildings that are 3 to 7 stories high. So we really want to find out if Chief Architect has most or all of the following features that we loved in Archicad:

 

A) Does it have "walkable" 3D meaning you can move the mouse to walk around the building and through the building and view the insides and outsides from every angle and elevation?

 

Can the architect email us a file via which we can do the 3D walk-through on our own computer even if we don't own the app. We often travel for work, so we normally can't go to the architect's office.

 

C) At any time in the process, approximately how much of the architect's time is needed to convert the 2D plans to 3D? Or a range of time? E.g. for a 5 story condo building, would it probably take 1-3 minutes of effort to convert to 3D or a half hour to an hour?

 

If it has most or all of the features, we will search to see if there are architects here who use it and do our kind of project. Thanks.

 

 

A.) Yes

B.) Yes .AVI file.

C.) Zero seconds -- as we draw in 2D the program automatically renders a 3D model.

That should answer your questions -- if not then I respectfully suggest you look elsewhere.

Alan