Product Videos
Resources
Career Center
Features
Get Real
Bring your designs to life
By
Sallie Moffat
July 10, 2009
It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of the kitchen and bath designer, truer words may never be spoken. For many clients, the hardest aspect of a project is trying to visualize a designer's plans. That's where design software comes in. With photorealistic renderings and 3D walk-throughs, there will be absolutely no surprises.
But with so many options to choose from, selecting the right software can be overwhelming. That's why K+BB has selected a handful of programs to give you an idea of what's out there and what they can do.
AUTOKITCHEN
A stand-alone, true 3D design application that caters to the kitchen and bath professional, autokitchen by Microcad Software includes the AutoCAD engine, a feature of convenience for those already working on (or with an architect or builder using) the platform. "This makes the communication of projects and ideas among professionals easy, convenient and fast," explained Miguel Merida, partner at Microcad Software. Also, "In addition to a common and widespread file format [DWG], the software has the power, design flexibility and accuracy that are typical of AutoCAD applications." Designers can access the software's three universal catalogs, which contain more than 5,000 cabinets and 150 door styles, as well as hundreds of appliances and accessories (manufacturer catalogs are also available). Other helpful features include quote and project list generation; a video clip feature that allows for "walk-through" presentations; and the ability to create instant 3D perspectives, black and white and color renderings, and photorealistic images. "We believe the appearance and the presentation of a kitchen or bath project should not be overlooked or watered down. The use of a computer should enhance a project, not take away from it," said Merida. autokitchen is also one of the software packages that the National Kitchen & Bath certification exam applicants can use when sitting the exam.
OS: Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista 32bit
Price: $2,795 (autokitchen PRO version 8.5)
Demo: Click here to request a live demo (by appointment)
Image courtesy of autokitchen
CHIEF ARCHITECT INTERIORS
A brand new program for interior designers that's specific to kitchen and bath design, Chief Architect Interiors is based on the full-featured version of Chief Architect X2, Chief Architect's top-selling software. In addition to 2D and 3D automated building and design tools and automated materials lists and schedules for pricing and cost estimating, the program offers access to catalogs containing thousands of name-brand and generic products (including 1,000 cabinet styles), all of which can be completely customized. Designers can also upload and save items in a variety of 3D formats to personal libraries, eliminating the need to start each design from scratch. Additional features include Material Painter and Color Chooser tools that can set exact colors, materials and textures in a design, and users can toggle between monochromatic, vector and glass-house views (so you can see inside the cabinets, etc.), as well as 3D renderings in photorealistic and artistic views, including watercolor and line drawing. "Customers have told us that the renderings look too realistic, so we've implemented these filters so designers can use the style that works for them," explained Scott Harris, VP of sales and marketing at Chief Architect. The software also includes 3D camera tools for walk-throughs, can create blueprints per NKBA standards and is, according to Harris, fast and flexible. He said, "The whole concept is to help designers sell the job and get the project started."
OS: Vista 64, Vista 32 or Windows XP (PC); Leopard with Vista 64 or XP Service Pack 2 running on Boot Camp (Mac)
Price: $1,495
Download: Click here for a free trial
Image courtesy of Chief Architect
GOOGLE SKETCHUP
Available in basic and professional versions, Google SketchUp is "a 3D modeling and visualization program that has roots in the traditional architectural, engineering and construction world," said John Bacus, product manager for Google SketchUp. In addition to its ease of use—"Most people are able to sit down and over the course of a day become pretty proficient," noted Bacus—the program allows designers to quickly create, modify and share 3D models, switch from 2D to 3D environments and work in true scale. Not to be forgotten is SketchUp's companion product, the 3D Warehouse, an enormous web-based repository of shared 3D models that includes generic products as well as professionally built content direct from product manufacturers, all searchable by manufacturer name, product type or even, as was recently added, by shape. Other noteworthy features include a real-time Shadow Engine for accurate shade studies; the ability to create and configure custom Dynamic Components; Style Builder, which allows designers to create their own custom drawing styles; interactive Sections that let users cut away parts of their models to look inside; navigation tools designed to give a first-person view whether walking through a kitchen or up and down the stairs; and the capability to read and write multiple file formats (depending on version), including DXF and DWG for easy transfer of plans, sections, elevations or entire models into a CAD program. The Pro version also includes a series of straightforward documentation and presentation tools. As Bacus said, "The more you can iterate through the design, the better. The speed and facility of the modeler lets designers quickly try many variations of their design idea and rapidly zero in on the one that's going to be the best."
OS: Windows XP or Vista (PC); OS X 10.4+ (Mac)
Price: Free (basic); $495 (Pro)
Download: Click here to download the basic version
PUNCH SOFTWARE
Newly released with the company's nexGen technology, Punch Software's home and landscape design software is available for both PC and Mac platforms. Designed to allow users to lay out projects in 2D and conduct walk- or fly-throughs in 3D, "It's a tool to visualize the design both aesthetically and structurally," said Stuart Cohen, director of partner programs for Punch Software. "The typical homeowner doesn't see in 3D." In addition to access to a wide range of branded and generic objects and materials (that include a variety of sustainable options), designers can import their own items and use the 3D Furniture Workshop, a 3D CAD plugin tool (embedded in select versions of the software) to change objects and design their own. Custom cabinet tools make for simplified personalization for each client's needs, ClearView functionality renders designs with transparent walls so users can maximize design space and the drag-and-drop Decorator Palette, which lets designers create and save numerous color groupings each with up to 15 swatches, "allows users to experiment with ideas more easily than having to reapply everything each time," explained Cohen. The software also provides control over each individual light source, including its brightness, beam spread and cut-off, for accurate light and shadow representation. Each and every change is reflected in the LiveView window, which continually updates designs in real-time 3D.
OS: Windows XP or Vista (PC); OS X 10.4+ (Mac)
Price: $99.99 (PC); $149.99 (Mac, does not include 3D Furniture Workshop)
20-20 DESIGN
Developed specifically for kitchen and bath design, 20-20 Design from 20-20 Technologies includes NKBA design guidelines so each and every kitchen and bath created with the software conforms to industry standards. A catalog-driven program, it contains generic catalogs (for items such as accessories and appliances) that allow users to add finishing decorative and functional touches, as well as manufacturer catalogs, which include built-in rules for modification and standards from each company. This, said Christian Dubuc, VP of product management for 20-20 Technologies, "allows dealers and designers to generate accurate orders that they can then submit electronically to the manufacturers for processing and use to provide clients with a project cost estimate." Designers can also create their own catalogs to save them from redesigning, say, a popular kitchen island configuration. They can also design from scratch or opt to work from templates within the software and, once the design is complete, can prepare photorealistic 3D renderings and generate items such as contracts and itemized product lists. In addition to the ability to import AutoCAD files, the software also links with other 20-20 sales and space-planning software like 20-20 Virtual Showroom, which allows designers to display their designs virtually on their desktop or website. As Dubuc said, "Being able to provide clients with accurate, photorealistic renderings of their dream kitchen or bath can be the difference between winning and losing a project."
OS: Windows XP Professional 32 bit or Windows Vista 32 bit
Price: $4,787 (for first license)
MYVIRTUALHOME
Road tested in Australia and recently launched globally, MyVirtualHome from MyVirtualHome International, Ltd., was created to provide a more effective way for businesses to interact with their clients. In order to simplify the design process, the 2D/3D software runs on a gaming platform, which, said Paul Condon, CEO of MyVirtualHome, "strips the complexity away and makes it really easy to use." In addition, the company is currently setting up partnerships with manufacturers to establish a world catalog of 3D products, which, coupled with the software's HTML-based front end, means users will be able to flip back and forth between front ends for projects in different countries. For instance, say you're working with a client who has a primary home in the US and a holiday home in Italy. You can flip to the Italian version of the software to find local products and work using the metric system. As Condon noted, the product is "yellow pages meets design software." While the company plans to develop features including report and quote generation, a 3D building platform so individuals can make their own products and a flow system so designers can see specific layers of a project (pipes, wiring, etc.), the software currently offers accurate shadow rendering, animation of design elements such as cabinet and appliance doors, the ability to import floor plans and automatic placement of windows and doors. What's more, designers can provide their clients with a link to download the software and the project (for free) and interact with it by swapping out products or testing new materials. By seeing exactly what their new room will look like, "It takes all the apprehension out of it," said Condon.
OS: Microsoft XP with Service Pack 2 or Vista
Price: Monthly charge dependant on how much area a user wants to cover. For example, for a designer at a small firm that works locally, the monthly fee would be approximately $90.
Demo: Click here for a video demo
Download: Click here to download the software
Images courtesy of MyVirtualHome
THE INSIDE SCOOP
We asked the K+BB Designers Network on LinkedIn: What design software do you use? Is there a particular brand that you find works best for you? Here's a sampling of what they had to say.
"I recently purchased autokitchen, and as I get familiar with the program, the more I like it. It can provide beautiful renderings or prints—nice black and whites. I love it so far."
"I have been using Chief Architect for four years and I love it. I offer complete home design and renovation planning. I also use 20/20, but strictly for the pricing convenience."
"I just bought Google SketchUp Pro at K/BIS last month. So far it's great!"
"Kudos to Chief Architect. I have been using it, self-taught, for 2 years and I can't move without it. Absolutely every client I've had has needed some presentation work using this program. I am a residential design/build/remodeler and I depend on this program to take me from preliminary to final construction plans."
View the entire discussion here. Not a member? Just log onto www.linkedin.com, create a profile (it's quick, free and easy) and request to join our group (K+BB Designers Network). Please note that right now, it is open to designers only, as we wanted to create a "safe" place to create dialogue, discussion and frank commentary.
But with so many options to choose from, selecting the right software can be overwhelming. That's why K+BB has selected a handful of programs to give you an idea of what's out there and what they can do.
AUTOKITCHEN
A stand-alone, true 3D design application that caters to the kitchen and bath professional, autokitchen by Microcad Software includes the AutoCAD engine, a feature of convenience for those already working on (or with an architect or builder using) the platform. "This makes the communication of projects and ideas among professionals easy, convenient and fast," explained Miguel Merida, partner at Microcad Software. Also, "In addition to a common and widespread file format [DWG], the software has the power, design flexibility and accuracy that are typical of AutoCAD applications." Designers can access the software's three universal catalogs, which contain more than 5,000 cabinets and 150 door styles, as well as hundreds of appliances and accessories (manufacturer catalogs are also available). Other helpful features include quote and project list generation; a video clip feature that allows for "walk-through" presentations; and the ability to create instant 3D perspectives, black and white and color renderings, and photorealistic images. "We believe the appearance and the presentation of a kitchen or bath project should not be overlooked or watered down. The use of a computer should enhance a project, not take away from it," said Merida. autokitchen is also one of the software packages that the National Kitchen & Bath certification exam applicants can use when sitting the exam.
OS: Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista 32bit
Price: $2,795 (autokitchen PRO version 8.5)
Demo: Click here to request a live demo (by appointment)
Image courtesy of autokitchen
CHIEF ARCHITECT INTERIORS
A brand new program for interior designers that's specific to kitchen and bath design, Chief Architect Interiors is based on the full-featured version of Chief Architect X2, Chief Architect's top-selling software. In addition to 2D and 3D automated building and design tools and automated materials lists and schedules for pricing and cost estimating, the program offers access to catalogs containing thousands of name-brand and generic products (including 1,000 cabinet styles), all of which can be completely customized. Designers can also upload and save items in a variety of 3D formats to personal libraries, eliminating the need to start each design from scratch. Additional features include Material Painter and Color Chooser tools that can set exact colors, materials and textures in a design, and users can toggle between monochromatic, vector and glass-house views (so you can see inside the cabinets, etc.), as well as 3D renderings in photorealistic and artistic views, including watercolor and line drawing. "Customers have told us that the renderings look too realistic, so we've implemented these filters so designers can use the style that works for them," explained Scott Harris, VP of sales and marketing at Chief Architect. The software also includes 3D camera tools for walk-throughs, can create blueprints per NKBA standards and is, according to Harris, fast and flexible. He said, "The whole concept is to help designers sell the job and get the project started."
OS: Vista 64, Vista 32 or Windows XP (PC); Leopard with Vista 64 or XP Service Pack 2 running on Boot Camp (Mac)
Price: $1,495
Download: Click here for a free trial
Image courtesy of Chief Architect
GOOGLE SKETCHUP
Available in basic and professional versions, Google SketchUp is "a 3D modeling and visualization program that has roots in the traditional architectural, engineering and construction world," said John Bacus, product manager for Google SketchUp. In addition to its ease of use—"Most people are able to sit down and over the course of a day become pretty proficient," noted Bacus—the program allows designers to quickly create, modify and share 3D models, switch from 2D to 3D environments and work in true scale. Not to be forgotten is SketchUp's companion product, the 3D Warehouse, an enormous web-based repository of shared 3D models that includes generic products as well as professionally built content direct from product manufacturers, all searchable by manufacturer name, product type or even, as was recently added, by shape. Other noteworthy features include a real-time Shadow Engine for accurate shade studies; the ability to create and configure custom Dynamic Components; Style Builder, which allows designers to create their own custom drawing styles; interactive Sections that let users cut away parts of their models to look inside; navigation tools designed to give a first-person view whether walking through a kitchen or up and down the stairs; and the capability to read and write multiple file formats (depending on version), including DXF and DWG for easy transfer of plans, sections, elevations or entire models into a CAD program. The Pro version also includes a series of straightforward documentation and presentation tools. As Bacus said, "The more you can iterate through the design, the better. The speed and facility of the modeler lets designers quickly try many variations of their design idea and rapidly zero in on the one that's going to be the best."
OS: Windows XP or Vista (PC); OS X 10.4+ (Mac)
Price: Free (basic); $495 (Pro)
Download: Click here to download the basic version
PUNCH SOFTWARE
Newly released with the company's nexGen technology, Punch Software's home and landscape design software is available for both PC and Mac platforms. Designed to allow users to lay out projects in 2D and conduct walk- or fly-throughs in 3D, "It's a tool to visualize the design both aesthetically and structurally," said Stuart Cohen, director of partner programs for Punch Software. "The typical homeowner doesn't see in 3D." In addition to access to a wide range of branded and generic objects and materials (that include a variety of sustainable options), designers can import their own items and use the 3D Furniture Workshop, a 3D CAD plugin tool (embedded in select versions of the software) to change objects and design their own. Custom cabinet tools make for simplified personalization for each client's needs, ClearView functionality renders designs with transparent walls so users can maximize design space and the drag-and-drop Decorator Palette, which lets designers create and save numerous color groupings each with up to 15 swatches, "allows users to experiment with ideas more easily than having to reapply everything each time," explained Cohen. The software also provides control over each individual light source, including its brightness, beam spread and cut-off, for accurate light and shadow representation. Each and every change is reflected in the LiveView window, which continually updates designs in real-time 3D.
OS: Windows XP or Vista (PC); OS X 10.4+ (Mac)
Price: $99.99 (PC); $149.99 (Mac, does not include 3D Furniture Workshop)
20-20 DESIGN
Developed specifically for kitchen and bath design, 20-20 Design from 20-20 Technologies includes NKBA design guidelines so each and every kitchen and bath created with the software conforms to industry standards. A catalog-driven program, it contains generic catalogs (for items such as accessories and appliances) that allow users to add finishing decorative and functional touches, as well as manufacturer catalogs, which include built-in rules for modification and standards from each company. This, said Christian Dubuc, VP of product management for 20-20 Technologies, "allows dealers and designers to generate accurate orders that they can then submit electronically to the manufacturers for processing and use to provide clients with a project cost estimate." Designers can also create their own catalogs to save them from redesigning, say, a popular kitchen island configuration. They can also design from scratch or opt to work from templates within the software and, once the design is complete, can prepare photorealistic 3D renderings and generate items such as contracts and itemized product lists. In addition to the ability to import AutoCAD files, the software also links with other 20-20 sales and space-planning software like 20-20 Virtual Showroom, which allows designers to display their designs virtually on their desktop or website. As Dubuc said, "Being able to provide clients with accurate, photorealistic renderings of their dream kitchen or bath can be the difference between winning and losing a project."
OS: Windows XP Professional 32 bit or Windows Vista 32 bit
Price: $4,787 (for first license)
MYVIRTUALHOME
Road tested in Australia and recently launched globally, MyVirtualHome from MyVirtualHome International, Ltd., was created to provide a more effective way for businesses to interact with their clients. In order to simplify the design process, the 2D/3D software runs on a gaming platform, which, said Paul Condon, CEO of MyVirtualHome, "strips the complexity away and makes it really easy to use." In addition, the company is currently setting up partnerships with manufacturers to establish a world catalog of 3D products, which, coupled with the software's HTML-based front end, means users will be able to flip back and forth between front ends for projects in different countries. For instance, say you're working with a client who has a primary home in the US and a holiday home in Italy. You can flip to the Italian version of the software to find local products and work using the metric system. As Condon noted, the product is "yellow pages meets design software." While the company plans to develop features including report and quote generation, a 3D building platform so individuals can make their own products and a flow system so designers can see specific layers of a project (pipes, wiring, etc.), the software currently offers accurate shadow rendering, animation of design elements such as cabinet and appliance doors, the ability to import floor plans and automatic placement of windows and doors. What's more, designers can provide their clients with a link to download the software and the project (for free) and interact with it by swapping out products or testing new materials. By seeing exactly what their new room will look like, "It takes all the apprehension out of it," said Condon.
OS: Microsoft XP with Service Pack 2 or Vista
Price: Monthly charge dependant on how much area a user wants to cover. For example, for a designer at a small firm that works locally, the monthly fee would be approximately $90.
Demo: Click here for a video demo
Download: Click here to download the software
Images courtesy of MyVirtualHome
THE INSIDE SCOOP
We asked the K+BB Designers Network on LinkedIn: What design software do you use? Is there a particular brand that you find works best for you? Here's a sampling of what they had to say.
"I recently purchased autokitchen, and as I get familiar with the program, the more I like it. It can provide beautiful renderings or prints—nice black and whites. I love it so far."
"I have been using Chief Architect for four years and I love it. I offer complete home design and renovation planning. I also use 20/20, but strictly for the pricing convenience."
"I just bought Google SketchUp Pro at K/BIS last month. So far it's great!"
"Kudos to Chief Architect. I have been using it, self-taught, for 2 years and I can't move without it. Absolutely every client I've had has needed some presentation work using this program. I am a residential design/build/remodeler and I depend on this program to take me from preliminary to final construction plans."
View the entire discussion here. Not a member? Just log onto www.linkedin.com, create a profile (it's quick, free and easy) and request to join our group (K+BB Designers Network). Please note that right now, it is open to designers only, as we wanted to create a "safe" place to create dialogue, discussion and frank commentary.
Post a Comment
Ads by Google