Architectrural student in need of guidance

[cafbush]

I have just started out on the path to be an architect. I have been introduced to the usual drafting programs but I have really wanted to get more into 3D rendering and modeling as well. I'm not working in the field yet but I would like to have enough experiance in the programs that I can be an asset to whatever firm I work for.

 

Any tips on what classes to take and what programs to get into.

 

Thanks

 

Colby Forbush

[alexg]

You'll get mixed response in this one, but IMO, autodesk is still the market leader right now, thus more people in the industry is using their software in the office.

 

If you want to start, maybe learn Autocad / Revit and for rendering 3dsMax / C4D in combo with MentalRay / Vray.

 

You also need have the basic knows in Photoshop and Illustrator.

 

Another must have in any office right now is Sketchup.

[BobM]

I agree with the previous selection and if you are a student on a course then you can get all the Autodesk software free each year you are only 6mths for 3ds Max.

 

http://stuents.autodesk.com

 

Sketchup is also frree for your own use.

 

Bonzi3D is worth a look it is Sketchup on steriods but only free for a trial

[cafbush]

Thanks for the tips. I already use sketchup and feel confident with my intermediate skills. I just downloaded 3ds max and have started doing the tutorials.

 

An instructor of mine mentioned that the ADDA has tests to be certified in drafting and other things. Does that give one a leg up when applying for jobs?

[BrianKitts]

An instructor of mine mentioned that the ADDA has tests to be certified in drafting and other things. Does that give one a leg up when applying for jobs?

 

 

Autodesk now has a certification for professionals using 3dsmax....but I'm on the fence as to what it's actually worth. If I'm reviewing a job applicant it would be nice to see that on their resume, but I would take it worth a grain a salt as a coworker of mine passed the 3dsmax exam and he has never used the program a day in his life. (to his credit thought he works with autocad and maxwell which helped) On the other hand our marketing dept loves that they can say we have X number of autodesk certified professionals for Autocad, Revit, and 3dsmax..... so it wouldn't hurt.

 

In the end the best leg up you can get is a solid portfolio.... doesn't matter what you look like on your resume if your work has no merit.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

You have just started out on the path to be an architect?

 

...does this mean that you have just begun studying to be an architect? Meaning first or second year of school? If so, then I would recommend learning Rhino and Vray to assist you in developing your designs while in school.

 

There is plenty of time later in life to become certified Autodesk whatever, but now is the time to learn design, and those two pieces of software will give you the most flexibility right now.

 

And in terms of rendering... look at the quartery "a+t," or other abstract, competition-esque publications. Learn to render like that, and forget photorealism. It is overrated in the process of design, and will actually hurt you while in school. Learn to render abstractly in a way that communicates your design in an elegant manner.

 

If you can do that, your teachers will drool over you, and hook you up with better prospects later in life.

Edited February 22, 2010 by Crazy Homeless Guy

[alexg]

Travis is right.

 

Rhino does have the flexibility that Acad lacks. Great tool to model inspirational designs, and it have similar interface and command as acad.

 

But if you really want to stand out in your study, go back to hand-drawn sketches, pencil / charcoal....but make it really slick. Those skills are rare these days.

[eagle_ear]

just begun studying to be an architect? Meaning first or second year of school?

The profs will not care about your 3D skills... some may, in fact, eschew it

altogether.

You will spend all semester designing, then maybe a week, to render.

If you continue on the architect path you will sit in front of a computer, a lot.

go back to hand-drawn sketches, pencil / charcoal

Use your hands, or if you just want to work digitally, buy a wacom.