I use very few tools, but I choose them wisely. The tool will help you do the task better, but there is no tool which make a task for you.
Software:
Autodesk Revit
Im using Revit for everything! AutoCAD become popular in late 20th century and replaced standard drafting tools like pencil and ink. But then it become obvious that it was just replacement of ruler and pen. Nowdays in the begining of 21 century Revit became an industry standard in construction, since it is more versataile and superior to AutoCAD. Revit produces standard 2D drawings as well as 3D models. It can help you to present your project to the client in a 3D form. Most of the clients inderstands 3D drawings but has a hard time understanding 2D drawings. That is why I think this product is so revolutionary! I’m a big fan!
Check for current promotions using this link here.
Autodesk AutoCAD
Have a copy because it was an industry standard for so many years and a lot of people still using this software. So I keep a copy just in case I need it. Now, this software is pretty inexpensive comparing to it’s cost a few years ago. I think it will become obsolete in few years.
Check for current promotions using this link here.
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Autodesk Advanced Steel
I’m using Advanced Steel to produce automatic set of steel structure shop drawings. The automatic drawings require little adjustments like proper positioning of dimension lines, but in few hours you are able to make set of 50 pages or more. Something that before was a task of several days… I love this software!
Check for current promotions using this link here.
Photoshop
Somtimes you need to tweak photos. The Photoshop is my tool. There are some free tools mimicking the Photoshop, but the truth is that Photoshop is The Beast!
You can get your reasonably priced copy here.
Twinmotion
Before Twinmotion there was Lumion for project presentation. I think that in recent years it will be replaced by Twinmotion due to ease of use and superior capabilities and direct connection with Revit. I love it! Very easy to use, produces superior image quality. In 2020 it is free to use, but in upcoming years I suspect it will require some kind of subscription.
Download this program here.
iMovie
For my purposes – best program to use for video presentation editing. Simple and fast. I can download the presentation directly to YouTube and send a customer a link within minutes not hours.
Comes with Apple iMac Pro.
Sketchup Pro
I’m using this program for basic 3d sketches. I love this program for its simplicity. It was a Google program available to everybody for free. Now the Trimble acquired the Sketchup and I thinking that it is shifting towards paid version model. If I were you I would get a free copy of the program before it will be to late. How to get a free copy read my post here.
Unreal Engine
I’m using this free program to make presentations of the projects interiors. I am basically make sort of a game where the user can walk inside of the environment. The user feels more comfortable because he understands better how his project is going to look like.
Download it for free here.
Hardware:
Mac Pro
I have purchased this computer only for the picture quality and Mac’s durability! It is great! I have Windows installed on this machine as a second operating system, but actually it is the Mac system which I use not that often. I know that it sounds crazy, but that’s the truth. Most important architectural programs runs on Windows that is why Apple is rarely used in my studio.
Check the current price on Amazon here.
HP Laptop Inspiron 5570
I am using this laptop for site inspections and for making current condition project surveys. It is fast enough to handle Revit and Laser measure I use (see below). It is light and keep the battery charged for the time required to make field measurements. And it is fairly inexpensive.
Check the current price on Amazon here.
Leica DISTO D2 Laser Distance Measure with Bluetooth
I’m connecting this nice piece of hardware via built in Blootooth to my Dell laptop to take measurements and draw 3D drawings direcly in Revit. I love accuracy of the tool and how it works with the software, making the entire process relatively painless procedure. It certainly eliminate returning to the site, because it is hard to forget a measurements…
Check the current price on Amazon here.
Canon i7
I’m using this camera for everything! It’s a entry pro camera but it has everything I need. The kit I have purchased has even a spare battery! The price is very affordable for such a good camera, and it beats the pictures taken with phone!
Check the current price on Amazon here.
Ricoh Theta SC 360° Video And Still Camera
I’m using this camera for interior pictures during site visit when making project existing condition survey! It is pretty simple to operate and you can control it with your phone. So what do I do? I place a tripod with the camera in the room I want to take a 360 picture, I go to next room to not obstruct a picture and I push the button on my phone to take a picture. Pretty simple, don’t you think?
Check the current price on Amazon here.
The tripod not obstructing a photo I use for this camera you can find here.
DJI Spark Mini Drone
I’m using this cheap drone for aerial pictures and for topography work. I’m not a drone person, so I use it sporadically. But it has all the functions I need to make a 3D model of the terrain for site conditions in Autodesk ReCap Photo.
Check the current price on Amazon here.
Amazon Fire HD 10" Tablet
Sometimes you need to visit a client to go over the detail in a project you working on. Instead of carrying a laptop I prefer to take with me a tablet. This one has a large screen. I use it occasionally, so I didn’t push so much for quality. It serve its purpose well. It is very light and handy, you can connect to internet through your phone. And it is very inexpensive.
Get it on Amazon here.
