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Welcome to the space of SketchUp-ur-space. Make your own intro to our readers.
I am so glad that you are still connected with us and continuing the world of sketchUp alive. Graduated in 1999 as an architect, I am the founder and the owner of Archi-Com 21. I am working in France and I am providing SketchUp training, 3D modelisation and visualization services. In 2011 and 2012, I wrote 2 books related to SketchUp free and pro version (ENI publisher). Since then I was asked to teach SketchUp Pro at the University of Strasbourg (Visual Art Department).
When did you first get hooked with SketchUp and How?
I discovered SketchUp in 2001, I kept the fire burning. I had been through the thick and thin moments of my life until it became a real passion in 2004 that I began to use it professionnaly. At that times, I had to model a whole 5 storeys building. I did the job with SketchUp and I'd got the virus!
You teach SketchUp Pro Version at the University of Strasbourg. Please share your experience as a teacher with our readers.
As a teacher, I am happy to share and propagate the things I love to do with my students. With conviction, I do believe that this could help them to be more creative. We focus especially on acquiring the good modeling and organizing tips.The goal is not modeling for modeling, it's the way of learning how the volumes and the forms are organised in architecture and design. Thru SketchUp we have a high purpose : inviting students to discover their own way of expressing their ideas and communicate them with efficiency.
You are a professional writer and which books do you recommend for SketchUp users who are trying to improve their skills?
Most of your readers are english speakers so I would recommend english written books: Daniel Tal's "SketchUp for Site Design" and "Rendering in SketchUp" help to begin with the right method. I also recommend Alexander C. Schreyer "Architectural Design with SketchUp" for those who would like to go deeper in creating components or plugins. For french readers, I recommend my books of course :) By the way I would like to thank my publisher ENI for an amazing work.
You work with Archi-Com 21. Please tell something about your company and the nature of your work. How do you utilize SketchUp in your day-to-day work?
SketchUp is our daily tool. Most of the time, the clients are sending us DWG files and we model their project in 3D. After applying texture comes the rendering time. We are also providing SketchUp training in the entire France.
You have completed your graduation in architecture and have so many years of professional experience. As an architect how do you evaluate SketchUp?
SketchUp allows me to work with pleasure. More pleasure means working more and better ! When you transmit the pleasure you have through your work to your clients, giving answers to their problems, guess what happen ? You please the clients and got even more.
You have expertise in rendering work. How SketchUp can be useful for creating various types of rendering styles?
Even without any renderer, the rendering qualities of SketchUp are great. For example take a look at Daniel Tal's "SketchUp for Site Design" cover. Using both SketchUp and LayOut increase the possibility of expression.
What set SketchUp apart from other 3d modeling and rendering software’s?
First is the price. SketchUp is very affordable. Plus, SketchUp helps us to win clients, it is more than a software, we consider it as a marketing tool. Another advantage : even the clients don't know how to manipulate SketchUp they are able to turn around and zoom in the model. SketchUp is simple but not as easy as we think. For it to be simple and easy, training is highly recommended.
Do you like to use any supportive software with SketchUp for rendering & architectural modeling?
I use Kerkythea, Render[IN], DoubleCAD, DraftSight, Gimp, Photoshop. I started to go deeper with Thea Render.
What other software’s, tools and techniques do you prefer to apply in your project?
The best technique is to work hard and to update myself all the time.
How would you like to observe SketchUp develop in near future?
I would like that SketchUp be more BIM oriented.
Focus on some major projects in which you applied SketchUp successfully. Which project gave your complete satisfaction and which was most challenging?
I remember a project which we had to model, texture, render and post process 25 houses in a very short period of time for an affordable price for the client. We organised a workflow and when it came to choose the points of view, SketchUp did the work perfectly. On the other hand I would say that each project is challenging because the client and the budget are always changing.
What suggestions do you want to provide for newbie designers to enhance their workflow?
Don't forget the basics: study, read, travel, meet people, get in touch with other cultures. Be attentive of the laws of perspective, composition and colors. Educate yours eyes and your mind. Then SketchUp (and your favourite renderer) will allow you to express your personnality and your own style.
Provide your valuable suggestions or feedback for the team of SketchUp-ur-space.
Thank you so much for this interview. We hope to have soon the forum and have more folks be enlightend through this initiative.
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