In the past, architects made blueprints of building plans that showed a one dimensional view of their building projects. Today, you can create 3D realistic designs thanks to architecture software programs. There are programs for both residential and commercial projects so that clients can input ideas and you can change them with a simple point and click.

If you haven't already learned how to render drawings using AutoCAD, you should take a course or a class. Here are some additional things to consider about using architecture software:

1. Create 3D blueprints with architecture software programs to show clients residential building plans.

2. Use commercial architectural design programs to create 3D models of commercial projects for your clients.

3. Work with remodeling and home floor plan software to create layouts for offices and homes.

Action Steps
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Create realistic home building plans with architectural software programs

Designing residential structures just got easier thanks to architectural home design software programs. Now you can not only create realistic 3D models of building plans and blueprints, but you can also schedule when certain building activities such as window and floor installation should occur, which will make your building projects more efficient. What's more, you can easily make design changes to meet the needs of your clients.

I recommend: Read about the USA Autodesk commercial and house design software for architects that offers features such as three-dimensional views and instant shadows, which help to give a realistic view of how your residential designs will look when completed. Take the architecture software training program that Avatech Solutions offers so that you can learn how to draw in AutoCAD (advanced computerized drafting program), which you will need to learn in order to use the software.

Plan every aspect of commercial building projects with commercial architectural software programs

Commercial building projects have traditionally been handled by a team of architects. Commercial architecture software programs carry on this tradition by offering capabilities such as team collaboration and coordination of ideas and input. These programs also make it easier for clients to understand design ideas compared to viewing traditional blueprints.

I recommend: Take the ArchiCAD Interactive Training course offered at Graphisoft so that you can learn how to use the program to build realistic 3D designs and collaborate with other architects in creating 3D designs of building projects. Chief Architect helps architects improve communication with clients with the realistic images of commercial building designs.

Use architecture software programs that design floor plans for office and home interiors

The ability to create floor plans for residential and commercial projects or do remodeling is easier than ever because of remodeling floor plan software programs. Now because of structural diagrams and architectural layouts, you can easily decide the placement of electrical and telecommunications floor plans.

I recommend: Check out the free CAD tutorials from My Cad Site to learn how to use any architectural or remodeling software program you wish to create stair layouts, floor framers and a work flow designer. Read about the product features of the floor plan software offered by Concept Draw, which offers office layout for furniture, house, apartment and hotel floor plans. The floor plan software from Edraw Soft also offers electrical and telecommunications floor plan capabilities.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If a website offers an architecture program trial, download it to see if you like the program. Also read commercial and home architecture software reviews to learn about program features and learn what industry experts think about them.

Today's architectural software programs are more sophisticated than ever, some boasting features similar to computer aided design and other commercial architectural design programs used by professional architects.

Whether you're a layperson looking for easy-to-use floor plan software, or an experienced architect seeking the sophistication of commercial architecture software, these programs can help you create vivid, detailed plans for your next project.

With these programs, you can:

1. Create customized 3D floor plans and landscaping using home floor plan software.
2. Add details like wiring, security systems, plumbing and furniture.
3. Save, print and share your plans with others via email, pictures or the Internet.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with an architecture program trial

Some of the commercial architectural design programs are expensive, so explore your options first by using a free trial version.

I recommend: The free version of Plan 3D includes four modes: blueprint, 3D, overhead and elevation, and the option of alternating between them. You can design single- and multi-story buildings, add in light and shadow, and then take a virtual tour of your design, complete with animated windows and doors.

Find an architecture design program that offers support

No matter how design-savvy you are, or how easy-to-use your program is, you may still run into technical difficulties. Choose a program with included technical support, so your design plans are never stalled by technical problems.

I recommend: SmartDraw features free, 24-hour tech support and on online knowledge base. FloorPlanner is another good choice for support. It includes a blog, forums, an interactive manual you can turn to for assistance.

Choose architectural software that takes you beyond design

Some commercial architectural design programs incorporate not only design, but also project management, allowing you to track costs, manage human resources and equipment, and share information with colleagues off-site.

I recommend: A more advanced program is Chief Architect, a commercial architecture software program that includes cost estimating with materials list, a residential code checklist and the Chief Architect Viewer, which allows you to email your design to your clients in 3D.

Check out reviews of home design software

To make the most informed choice about architecture software programs, see what other people have to say by searching the Internet for home architecture software reviews. These reviews, written by fellow remodeling or architecture enthusiasts, usually cover the cost, ease of use and comparisons with other well-known software.

I recommend: You can find reviews of architecture software programs posted at ConsumerSearch and CNET.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you choose a free program, make sure it has the features you really need. Some companies offer a free version with all the tools found in commercial architectural software, while others only offer a scaled-down version for free.

Architecture has come a long way thanks to technology such as architectural software that allows architects to do their jobs more easily. The field has changed drastically with the acceptance of computer-aided design, which allows for freedom of creativity, easier revisions and ultimately increased customer satisfaction.

Having a thorough understanding of available technology is imperative for any architect to stay competitive. Technology is so pervasive in the field that there is now the job of computer architect, who uses computers primarily to design buildings by taking advantage of computer-aided design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) architecture software programs. Students currently in architecture school no doubt receive training in these courses, but it can be helpful for any architect to stay on top of technology by investing in the latest architecture software education and training.

When considering this investment in your career, think about the following ideas.

1. Read home architecture software reviews before you invest in the technology.

2. Request an architecture program trial so that you can explore the program without committing to it immediately, allowing you to compare.

3. Be open to exploring new architecture software programs as they emerge, helping you stay on top.

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Train to use architecture software to further your career

Current architecture students have the advantage of learning how to use the latest architectural design software in their classrooms. Many large universities offer undergraduate architecture programs as well as masters programs that will incorporate the use of architectural software programs.

I recommend: Learn more about the education and training required in architecture software in order to become a computer architect at Education Portal. The Academy of Art University offers training in architecture software programs as part of their degree program.

Learn the industry standards for architecture software

Training is widely available in AutoCAD, a necessity for architects and a useful tool for anyone involved in the planning stages of construction, from engineers to construction owners. Other commercial architecture software allows you to get your ideas across more easily and sell the project.

I recommend: Check out the various AutoCAD drafting training programs available to architects and drafting professionals. Chief Architect offers training and support in their residential and commercial architecture software that allows clients to see a realistic rendering of residential and small commercial projects before ground is broken.

Rely on the manufacturers of design software to help you learn the ropes

The latest residential and commercial architectural software employs three-dimensional technology to give architects and their clients a realistic look at the project. Most program manufacturers offer training and support in the new technology as part of their customer care program.

I recommend: SoftPlan is one of the most widely used architecture programs in the industry, and offers training classes in Softplan use. Autodesk offers training and support in their building information modeling (BIM) software, which merges engineering, architecture and construction industries with commercial architectural design programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget about learning to use CAD software and other architecture design programs to focus on the interior of homes and businesses. These programs simplify complicated interior projects, such as kitchen cabinet layout and design.

Architecture software is quite wonderful. It allows you to design and visualize a building, both the interior as well as the exterior. Actually—you can use the software to design the landscape surrounding the house as well,.

The architecture software can range in price and capability. For beginners, more basic architecture software can suffice. For those more skilled, the more complex software that offers more options may be more suited. The benefit of such software is that you are able to visualize your house or building even before the ground is broken, as well as determine any structural flaws before a single nail is driven.

Action Steps
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CAD, CADD

CAD is a term that's associated with any architecture software, or any design software for that matter. CADD is an acronym for Computer Aided Design and Drafting.

I recommend: CADD Primer offers a free tutorial as well as information on CADD.

Floor plan

Architecture software can allow you to design the floor plan of the house or building so that you can get a sense of how you wish each room and floor to flow. This is a standard option for architecture software.

I recommend: Smart Draw is one of the architecture software that allows you to draw the floor plan of the building you wish to design on your computer. On the site, you can see examples of floor plans as well as helpful hints.

Landscape design

A feature that is often included in the architecture software is landscape design. Not only will the program allow you to design your house or building, but also you can use the program to design the landscape around it. This can be helpful on more than one level: to help tie the house into the landscape to make both seem like two halves of a whole, and also to use aspects of the landscape to help you plan on reducing energy use, such as taking advantage of southern exposures, employing trees to cast shade, thus lessening the need for air conditioning, and more.

I recommend: IMSI/Design has created a program called IMSI Turbofloorplan Home and Landscape Pro V12 that allows you to design the landscape surrounding your building as well. The site is very informative.

3D

As might be expected, seeing your designs in 3DD helps you to better visualize what your building will look like after it's built. The 3-D aspect of the architecture software will allow you to spot possible design flaws before the building is even built, thus potentially saving you time and money.

I recommend: The CAD Outpost has 3D architecture software. What is helpful is that the company provides not only images but also information to better describe the concept of designing with 3D.

Elevations

Elevations refer to not only the height of the various floors of the buildings, but the land as well. Plotting the elevation can be something that the architecture software makes easy.

I recommend: Autodesk discusses determining elevations with architecture software.

Remodeling software

If remodeling is something your company specializes in, having architecture software that helps you in this endeavor can be a cost savings. With the software's help, you can plot possible remodels and changes on the house and determine if the changes would work.

I recommend: Chief Architect has software or remodelers. The information on the site is very informative.