The design process has come a long way from 2-D plans on paper -- it is now possible, or even necessary, for 3-D plans to be produced through software like Google SketchUp.

Ron Hobbs, owner of Ron Hobbs Architecture, which works on commercial, institutional and urban planning projects, has been using SketchUp since 2001. He is currently using Version 6.4.112.

“I use it on every project I design. I use it to design with and also as a presentation tool. I use it with my laptop to make presentations to building committees, city councils, etc.,” said Hobbs. “It has totally eliminated the need to build study models of our projects.”

Hobbs said that after looking at similar software, SketchUp seemed the most user friendly -- and this CAD software has lived up to his expectations, as requires very little computer skills and can flexibly study all aspects of a design, he said. His one complaint with SketchUp is that the icons are confusing.

Hobbs praised SketchUp’s support lines. “I called with a major problem late on a Friday afternoon,” he said. “In a few minutes they helped me recover a drawing that I needed that weekend. Their support was great.”

Overall, Hobbs rated SketchUp software a perfect 10 out of 10 and recommended it to any architect or interior designer.