On the custom-design side of the business, Alan Mascord Design Associates works closely with clients to produce designs for specific needs and tastes. Architects typically work in the context of modest budgets, and must therefore create designs as efficiently as possible. They also must ensure that there are no flaws in their designs. To add to the challenge, they must help clients visualize the design of their homes accurately. "Most of our clients have difficulty understanding two-dimensional drawings," explains President Alan Mascord. "We needed to help clients better understand how their homes will look when they are finished, and even let them take a hands-on role in designing their own homes." IT Specialist Kevin Banton agrees. "As architects and designers, we are accustomed to intuitively understanding a two-dimensional plan of a given structure. Among customers, this is a rare ability," he says.

During the design process, architects at Alan Mascord Design Associates typically start with a design concept and work out a floor plan, first as a freehand sketch and then as a simple plan in 2D CAD software. The floor plan is then imported into Google SketchUp, where a 3D model is quickly created. During the process, any flaws in the initial concept are brought to light, allowing the team to avoid making expensive mistakes that, according to Mascord, are easy to overlook in a two-dimensional drawing. Oftentimes, a review of the SketchUp model results in changes being made to the floor plans once architects see how the overall project looks from every angle.

Mascord first began using SketchUp several years ago, once he realized how easy it was to quickly generate an exterior model. Since then, he and his team have been using SketchUp for most of the firm's custom design projects. It is common for the firm's architects to work with customers remotely via email, and send a PDF of the preliminary floor plans along with a copy of the SketchUp model for client review. The client can then download a free copy of SketchUp to use.

Designers and architects at the firm can also import 3D civil engineering models into SketchUp to be used as a starting point for designs. Taking this one step further, architects export the models into Google Earth, so that clients can view projects within their actual surroundings. "For an architect or designer, this can instantly serve as the all-important context on which to base a design," explains Banton. "For the client, this immediately makes the project more personal. After all, instead of designing for some abstract lot, you are suddenly working on their specific property."

Google SketchUp was also used in creating the designs for Mascord Efficient Living. The team used SketchUp's two-dimensional image export capability to create high-resolution photos of the models to be used in the print media. At the same time, designers embedded the full three-dimensional models in an accompanying multimedia CD-ROM so that potential customers could explore, and even modify, the spaces themselves. The models make extensive use of appliances and other components available for download through Google's 3D Warehouse service integrated into SketchUp. This makes it easy for a potential client to swap out appliances-or any other component-for something more to their liking. "The fact that Google SketchUp is available in a fully functional, free version makes it uniquely suited to sharing models with those who have no other need for costly CAD software," notes Banton.

Result

Google SketchUp gives the Alan Mascord Design Associates team an easy-to-use 3D option that accelerates design and architecture tasks, making it easier to work under tight budgets while maintaining high quality. "We usually don't have very large design budgets, so most of our SketchUp models are of the exterior only," says Mascord. "These can be whipped up fairly quickly and efficiently in SketchUp, usually within eight to 10 hours for most projects."

Google solutions also enable clients to visualize the design of their own homes and take a hands-on role in the design. According to Mascord, clients love the ability to plug in their specific locations and do accurate shadow studies of their home at different times of the day. Some also like the ability to play with different colors and finishes with the model, helping them to instantly gauge the effects of making various changes. "All in all, SketchUp is a great timesaver and a good way to ensure that our clients are really comfortable with their proposed project and understand it properly," says Mascord.

Google solutions even help boost sales for the firm. "If clients are able to actually picture themselves living in one of our designs, they are much more likely to want to work with us to achieve what they see," says Banton. "Google SketchUp allows us to cut through the fog of misunderstanding, and even enables our clients to explore their future homes before they are ever built. Considering all of the powerful ways we use it, I would have to say Google SketchUp is the most versatile tool we have."

About Google SketchUp

Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create, share and present 3D models. Whether you want to design a new deck for your house, build models for Google Earth, or teach geometry to your fifth-graders, you can use SketchUp to see your ideas in 3D. From simple to complex, conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp enables you to build and modify 3D models quickly and easily. For more information, visit sketchup.google.com.

About Google Earth

Google Earth combines the power of Google Search with satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. Beyond mapping software, Google Earth is a powerful tool for viewing, creating and sharing interactive and highly visual location-specific information. For more information, visit earth.google.com.