20-Year Architectural Consultant Clayton Taylor Explains Why He's Ditching SketchUP for ARCHLine

Clayton Taylor worked for many years on DataCAD and Sketchup to combine CAD and 3D modeling in BIM mode. Having started with version 5 of SketchUP, he became an expert on the software!

Dissatisfied with the parametric modeling capabilities and the lack of global possibilities of SketchUP, the architect tested the BIM software ARCHLine.

Seduced by the creation of intelligent 3D models, the ease of making alterations, the creation of parametric objects and by the functionalities... he decided to switch to ARCHLine for his architectural projects.

Clayton Taylor, Trotman Taylor Architectural Consultant, UK:

“In my situation, as an architectural consultant in the UK, I have used DataCAD Professional for many years first for 2D design but also for building plans as the software is designed for the construction market. architecture.

Although DataCAD has 3D modeling tools and some parametric functions, not all construction elements are covered.

I've also used SketchUP Pro since version 5, so I'm a bit of an expert in this program. I mainly use it when DataCAD projects need quick 3D modeling.

Although using SketchUP Pro is fun and a bit addictive, it's a very basic 3D tool that doesn't have parametric capabilities or any architectural tools. There are many extension tools (add-ons) that take care of this lack, but it gets tedious because you end up with a series of extensions for different building elements.

In ARCHLine.xp, the construction part can be created directly, without any extensions. We chose ready-to-use compound walls, defined slabs, openings, furniture fronts…

There are predefined styles for each construction element and we are free to create other styles if needed. The software thinks in tasks, designating targeted tools for specific stages of the design up to the final construction plans.

As changes and retouches are inevitable in the design stages of a project, these changes and retouches can be a waste of time in the 2D CAD workflow and with basic 3D modeling programs.

So, the deeper and more complex a project is, the more time it will take to make changes, such as plans, elevations, sections of a project that are not always dynamically linked.

So the core business ofARCHLine.XP was to design as a fully parametric CAD program, this makes changes and modifications easier even when a project is rendered in the more advanced stages of construction.

ARCHLine.XP also has the ability to make solid 3D objects by hand using 2D tools to be part of any parametrically controlled building element. This allows complete flexibility from this point of view.

Although transitioning from one CAD program to another takes time and requires commitment, one may even end up working with both for a while. However, once you realize how much ARCHLine.XP is comprehensive, with several 2D and 3D tools and nifty parametric tools, the learning process becomes clearer, because ARCHLine.XP can optionally replace 2D and 3D programs.

In addition, ARCHLine.XP Professional also has internal rendering tools to showcase your designs.

For me, the main things I've described, and there are many more I haven't mentioned, plus a reasonable price with easy payment terms if needed and a perpetual license, makes that more is spent on this product in the long term. »