Sketchup UR Space

Q. Hello James! Please tell us something about yourself

A. My name is James Ogston of Seeit3d a company created to help everyone realise their capabilities in 3D. My work history includes working in Architecture for 14 years prior to moving into the design software market for BIMCAD and 3D Design communication and presentation. I worked as a Trainer and Support Engineer in the Autodesk arena for 6 years before realizing a more rewarding avenue of interest, due to the 3D I supported was difficult, costly and cumbersome to support and train, I then discovered a whole new focus on fun, affordability, intuitive and powerful 3D called SketchUp, and that is how i am proudly positioned today using and teaching great 3D. I was heavily involved in Architectural detail construction design whilst spending my time in Architecture. I have been training many designers in 2D, 3D CAD software for 14 years, with standard, but more extensively in bespoke training and support consultancy. With Seeit3d we offer competitive software sales, support and training using major design applications to UK - European and worldwide markets.

Q. How did you find SketchUp?

A. I first discovered SketchUp whilst running an Autodesk Architectural Desktop (AutoCAD Architecture) Training Course in Lerwick, Shetland Islands for a design firm. After 3 days of painstaking training an attendee named Mark Fuller mentioned how complex and time intensive, plus how costly AA was and offered me a look at his new discovery software application called SketchUp. After class he presented to me 10 house designs all sitting in place on top of a site survey plan - using version 4 SketchUp. He displayed an onscreen animation of the project using pages, now known as scenes. I really loved the sketchy edge effects he had applied but as a trainer of 3D CAD software I asked him a very important question. How long did it take to create the work and he mentioned? – ONE DAY! Straight away I calculated that to recreate similar definition and detail 3D work with the Autodesk applications I knew very well was impossible for me as an expert trainer. At that point Mark Fuller mentioned it is called SketchUp you should look into this application. I will return the favour to this gentleman one day for this lead. So Lerwick, and Marks office was the golden blessed ground to start my SketchUp journey. My next goal was to contact the original creators of SketchUp - @Last Software. To find out if I could participate in spreading the word of SketchUp to the world, I was to learn that at that time operations were planning to set up a SketchUp presence in UK and Ireland, Europe and beyond. And the opportunity for me to prove my capabilities and become an accredited SketchUp trainer and reseller could be looking good.

Q. When was seeit3d founded?

A. My earlier company - Ria Solutions was founded in August 2004 and since then we decided to change many things, especially the business name which it more appropriate to the 3D market –hence Seeit3d was born. I had started up the company at that time and @Last Software requested that i meet up via conference call interview. Then we met up in London to go through training requirements etc. So we were introduced to the training manager and co-founder Mark Carvalho. I do miss him on the scene - thoughts shared by many. He ran the training department at @Last Software and is as far as I see - the voice of SketchUp. So I had the privilege to be trained by the training manager and co-founder to carry the SketchUp Bible and preach the words of 3D!

Q. Tell us something about your ATC

A. Since the Google acquisition, seeit3d received Google SketchUp ATC status, as the first in UK and Europe. Having been involved with SketchUp pre Google and now to see it grow into an ever increasing giant, I love watching this 3D design and communication tool’s simple message spread across the world. It is amazing to know that when I was first involved with SketchUp training and sales, it was a possible dream to maybe realize that if only SketchUp could get further out there just how it would change many minds and ideas so that 3D can be more intuitive and not a tough struggle and also to burn a big hole in your pocket!. SketchUp is now talked about by millions of people and how it integrates with Google Earth, Google Maps and Street View really places it as an all-around full virtual, communication tool that reaches out to each and every one out there. It easily does this in the most intuitive and interesting manner for not just designers but for hobbyists, kids and everyone alike. SketchUp not only just looks to general sectors of business in which many design software supports, but with the SketchUp brand - it encapsulates a new and growing 3D trend of powerful tools for all. Google Earth, Google Maps and Street View really provide an all-around a full virtual, communication experience.

Q. What are the services and courses seeit3d provided?

A. We offer ATC training on full certified SketchUp courses, essentials 1 and 2, advanced skills, advanced landscape, geomodelling and Layout 3, SketchUp and presentation for non SketchUp users and Google Earth. Tailored classes too! Our ATC and tailored courses are aimed at all designers and technical specialists and marketing and executives. Our advanced power user training courses always offers clients the highest 3D SketchUp knowledge levels at this time. Our bespoke company training supports anything 3D that clients want to solely work on to actual contract or presentation deadlines. We are certifying our skills to our clientele who learn what they really need without referring and guessing from any other online or written training resources that will take them away from the most efficient learning process. We offer a modelling, cgi rendering and animation service to companies and we also train, sell and support other complimentary applications around SketchUp. We offer a fast and professional service to clients so that they see how time can be Used efficiently, working up great models and visuals to the best economic value that produces better professional working and presentation documents.Our Main objective is that our clients enjoy and learn every time when working together to deliver the best results. We also offer live venue training across the UK, onsite or online web training services. Every client is important and anyone can learn and enjoy this 3D experience too.

Q. What is the aim to start an ATC like seeit3d?

A. I have been so lucky to have a long standing relationship with the SketchUp Team throughout the years and with so many years of expertise, to see SketchUp grow in its infancy is remarkable and a great story to tell.

Alternative 3D and CAD was originally aimed at the computer geek. SketchUp in its simple form completely avoids that initial daunting feeling for any new user who wishes to jump in. We always demonstrate the power and fun that our ATC training delivers to anyone, even if they are not coming from a design background, they will learn, develop and join SketchUp’s 3D modeler community experience and that is why with the Make and PRO versions, anyone can make the choice exactly how much they want out of 3D and not the other way round – with this" I want more out of this but can’t " feeling.

Don’t forget, there is a simple and a complex side when modelling in SketchUp, so anyone wishing to participate in ATC certification should have a good review on SketchUp’s online basic introductory YouTube training videos before attending.

The videos really helps you to get more from our courses, and helps us to express the true meaning of SketchUp and its benefits to all. The best understanding of what SketchUp is about and how it should be utilized is to watch how industry experts use the application and ask all the questions, so we are here for you. Our ATC Services are built around 10 years of expertise, the uses and the work flows. SketchUp is a problem solver for design and construction. Its further powers are shown when introducing Ruby script extensions to help you work much quicker and more efficiently. Our very interesting addition to SketchUp is of course LayOut – SketchUp’s Paper space! We get great reactions from designers whom for the first time learn that PRO and LayOut are just what SketchUp was missing. We see many Design Professional presentations and CAD like documents being churned out. Whether it is to simply communicate an idea, planning purposes or to work up marketing brochures web and graphics artwork, we see this new presentation tool as SketchUp’s parent.

Our ATC and consultancy services offer SketchUp certified training methods that provide each and every attendee with a unique understanding and solid skill base we believe by using our legendary SketchUp hands on approach which has been handed down from its creators. It is great to see the ATC channel growing with SketchUp’s support and we often look back to our initial engagement with SketchUp and admire the 3D evolution spread to others. We do enjoy that.

Q. How do you utilize SketchUp in seeit3d?

A. We use SketchUp for our clients, for our own business and to train others together with special bundle SketchUp Pro sales and training deals. This unique offer plays a very important role in the business. Especially as costs are tight these days and deadlines that are even tighter and its best that we can deliver using SketchUp. Many of our client project models are varied in their style and scale and show great in quality whether they are presented in SketchUp, LayOut or if supported in a rendering engine. The SketchUp file format is accepted more and more these days; company copyright with SketchUp models is as important as DWG.

Almost like magic the .skp and .layout file format has found its way into many offices and businesses, amazing!

We break SketchUp into 3 categories - Geomodeling, conceptual, and detailed. We have always known that SketchUp can be used for detailed construction and technical modelling for working drawing outputs and we know and have proof that at this time it is best that you keep this process toward small to medium sized projects at this time – unless you have a trained expert or experts to design it and drive it.

We see our clients use SketchUp to fully model AEC and (M&E) Services, also to sign off in 3D with the design team, stake holders and clients too. The production of 2D CAD like drawings using PRO LayOut 3. CONCEPT TO FULL DETAIL.... can be achieved again with expert training and we help here to get everyone working up proposals cleanly and fast.

Q. Why do you prefer SketchUp?

A. SketchUp pays for itself the first time you create a model. The new user experience is remarkable to watch. They have accomplished more in SketchUp than they could with any other software and without the same struggle. Also the affordability of SketchUp with the added option to dabble with the free (Make) version first makes it an attractive option. It is hugely extendable – using thousands of Ruby scripts. Anyone can relate to real 3D by touching and handling the SketchUp model by themselves rather than the software dictating this. Its really encouraging that decisions can be made early on and during design team and onsite meetings.The Speed of use is a huge advantage and easy to change models live .Simple interface dialog boxes offer less clicking and gets any 3D task done. The visual appearance and design of the SketchUp and LayOut toolset and interface style is attractive and favourable for anyone such as kids to elderly, saying elderly - I trained a retired 75 year old Architect who was scared of computers and CAD for many years. He was enlightened and quite emotional when he completed the ATC essentials 1 and 2 one day course with us. This proves that SketchUp and LayOut versatility along with many companion products shows that businesses and individuals wish to learn and embrace it helps to extend the ever growing SketchUp community. So why not start with a better 3D solution and understand the needs of everyone. After all we all enjoy the real world – so why should complexity and terminology control that.

Q. You are with SketchUp since @LastSoftware. Till date how do you see the evolution of SketchUp?

A. I see the evolution of SketchUp’s 3D trend continue to grow but at a louder frequency with its interesting welcome knock at everyones door – and why should it not be really expected as nature’s own way of reshaping 3D design.

The market just needs to see its power and personally experience with SketchUp will confirm this. Why work with an application that is well marketed and branded but takes weeks to work up something you can’t touch and share? Too much money and time is wasted out there. Referring back to my first experience with SketchUp at TAYCAD in Lerwick 10 houses in one day against 10 houses in many more weeks using other software, does that add up?. Mark Fuller said to me – I’m not sure if the houses are accurately modelled but look at the detail. He was convinced at the outset. I see and hear SketchUp awareness becoming stronger all the time. The word SketchUp is whispered and recognized by many now. I am seeing many who looked at SketchUp a few years back and really didn’t appreciate it or think it would not evolve; they are now revisiting SketchUp where they last left it. We do strongly feel the message and marketing of SketchUp now needs to be pushed further and Trimble can do this. All other industry software apps are steering their way to realize SketchUp’s integration and toolsets more now than ever. Many discussion forums are being set up by folks who may or may not have seen it years ago but realize now what it’s all about, and we see other softwares try to mimic SketchUps cool features and speed.

Q. How do you like to see SketchUp develop in future day?

A. Further development in LayOut to provide annotation links to the group or component models that would save typing time would be great for a more direct tagging feature when annotating drawings.

More 2D drawing tools, hatches and dimensioning will be well received by all. Offering a better understanding and integration of ruby scripts to avoid timely searching across the internet would be invaluable. Better management controls to extend SketchUps functionality in offices and to enable IT to monitor and control it along with the help of Mondel Managers with better Model management controls in an office for IT and design team management. Further integration of current third party free form and scheduling tools, BIM integration to SketchUp and improved rendering and stylizing. Support to multi core processing and improved compression on file size especially with textures and complex models. In general terms I see SketchUp being the primary 3D tool for kids and educational establishments, small businesses to large commercial design firms alike. I see it as a new working trend and I think the penny could drop. It is like fashion. It is all about time and fashion. 25 Years of 2D and 3D CAD and we all still struggle. SketchUp takes you where you want to be straight away and with no catches.

Q. According to you what is the USP of seeit3d?

A. We not only offer professional sales, training and support as a specialist training and reselling provider, we get involved with our clients on projects and work out the best workflows that both we and the client can achieve in the time scales and budgets allowed. With a close understanding of design and presentation, we talk and respond to each and every requirement that is required from us whether it is using SketchUp or other apps; after all we believe that with our multi-faceted business skills come multi-faceted workflows using different apps along with various training options. We often show clients what they can achieve in the shortest of time so that they realize the levels that they could reach themselves over time. We commit out time and are very passionate in what we offer. It’s the use of the software and not the thrills of glossy images that we focus on, but these can be created later on when our clients have truly mastered the 3D modelling skills we have always offered. Many clients we talk to are very clever and know that normally the big demonstration looks good and after sign up they are left with that bad taste in the mouth scenario where the demo looked convincing but I can’t do that, had the training but still not there yet!. When I used to work for the other CAD world! - TOO MUCH EMPHASIS was spent on pre sales, support and training but when you count it all up you still have to invest hugely to get at least 40% from your return. We ARE ALWAYS LEARNING so make it easy and fun and with proper cost effectiveness and receive positive responses direct from clients first time around – e.g. the software delivers a new and exciting way to work. SU offers that VERY CLEVERLY to all. Simple, fun, and powerful and won’t break the bank.

Q. As a trainer how have you seen the potentiality of SketchUp as a designer tool?

A. Search, Learn, Realize and Exploring what you just set out to do in the first place with 3D in mind and SketchUp will be your best friend. No strings attached. It’s branded with Trimble behind it. Focuses on a pleasurable invite to play and learn 3D that has taken other 3D software industries at least 25 years to convince the market to buy into their solution but still struggles to deliver to all. Also watch with hidden costs and disappointments. If any child picks SketchUp up and can create something cool well that says it all. It is full 3D without any hidden agenda. Its cost – it comes in both free(Make) and pro version. I’m sure your intelligence will guide you there? It is easy to use. If you buy it you will get complete satisfaction and many benefits.

Q. How is the popularity of SketchUp among the newbie designer?

A. It is magnetic to designers and they are keen to learn more once the start, they are easily hooked on it. They can achieve much by surprise. SketchUp kindly invites users to create some great stuff very quickly. All newbie designers use it during their academic years and this kind of 3D they would always wish to utilise fully in employment. They are lucky to have SketchUp in helping to express their visions and concepts. Most of the designers will be using or should be using it and I can’t imagine what they would do without it.

Q. Please give some advise to the budding designer

A. Firstly, understand that SketchUp is a designer’s best friend and toolset for 3D that you will find available today; it has no boundaries as to its capabilities. You can be as loose or as accurate as you wish with plenty scope to keep things simple or add more complexity before further embellishing your designs using inbuilt styles, working and construction documents are possible using Layout, inbuilt or external rendering and animation apps can be great companions for you. Try it out and then learn the benefits of the pro version. Take your ideas and concepts and bring them to life and avoid lengthy explanations to client and design team members. Use the model to engage their ideas in a digital form. It works well alongside others with SketchUp at its core. Will be the best 3D experience they could expect for their very own needs and it will help to convey your design creativity.

Q. What is your advice to the team of Sketchup ur Space?

A. I love your new site. It invites new and easy focus and emphasis on SketchUp, its community and what everyone can realize about SketchUp’s Design Software. There are valuable resources for information and takes each and everyone’s own personal SketchUp Space and presents personal experiences and opinions in a slick way to help get the word out there explaining many attributes and its community spirit.

I am very happy to see this new resource available to the world without having to be a member of a hidden group of members before you get noticed. You have shown that

There is great importance and interest for each and every one out there to learn the best SketchUp methods from SEEIT3D SketchUp Authorized Training Centre. Well done!