Architect Programs

[Lord of the Poles]

This new job I have at the moment for the summer is wanting me to work on computers to be his "in-house" guy for architectual programs, something in which I can design and draw an accurate representation of the mill for him. Money is NOT an issue according to him, and I basically will need a program that I can design the building inside the computer (to the specs that already exist), and get a 3-D outlook of the building.

In other words, I need a program in which I can create a to-scale version of this building (a mill). He has architects working for him, but he believes it's best if he has an inhouse computer guy, that can also do this quicker than him trying to communicate with them whenever he can manage to.

I was thinking a 3D program...but can the 3D program let me put the specifics in (as in a 10x12 room, for example) in feet, rather than in pixels or whatever those programs typically have it in?

My friend gave me a link to Broderbund's 3D Home Architect. while I think that would fit the purpose, but would it be wise to use such a program for an industrial/commercial case, considering the program is for residential purposes?

[OAKPV2004]

You should use the program AutoCADD or Autodesk Architechture desktop. I use these programs for school to design houses and other students have built hotels and churchs in my class. The possibilites are limitless and you can view the buildings any way you want to, in 3D or 2D. Yes this program will allow you to make a 10x12 room and you can allow for it to show the dimensions.

[Lord of the Poles]

Yea, but there's the thing...I thought I heard AutoCAD is really hard to learn...I really don't want to have to buy a program and then struggle for a long while trying to figure out how to use it correctly...

[OAKPV2004]

Yeah, It is a little hard to learn if you don't have someone telling you the commands but what program isnt? I think it is the best program and you can learn, it is pretty easy. I have been in an architecht class for only one school year and I built a 8000 sq. ft. pole vaulting mansion.

[VTechVaulter]

autocadd is really quite simple actually. Its just like any other tool. The more you use it, the easier it becomes. But the interface is simple, the commands are easy. If you want to go 3d, it is about as easy as anything. I have used a few other programs here at school and really get frustrated tryin to learn them (although they also were made to show movement, which is whats killing me). but bottem line, autocad is the way to go.

[Lord of the Poles]

Ok, then, I'll look more into the AutoCAD programs.

[oldguy]

I taught myself how to use autocad with a book I got at a compuserve store. It took about a month of nights after work. Autocad programs are extremely expensive probably over a thousand for 3d model. There is a similar program called Turbocad version 7.0 that I use with the autocad book that I have seen for as little as $30. Both programs will do the same thing. But to send drawings back and forth to architects you'll probably need the autocad program. It also come in 2d at a less expensive price. Good luck.