Architecture Software

[Clint Weir]

Does anyone know of or use a fairly simple architecture software program for remodeling projects/plans, etc? 

[Matthew Denney]

Disclaimer: Speaking here from the perspective of an interior designer, not a REI.

Sketch-Up is an option. For "playing around" sorts of stuff, it's free.  If you need to be able to put together drawing packages, you'll need the "Pro" version which is about $595 the last time I checked.  It's easy to use from an interface standpoint, but has a bit of a learning curve, as you're drawing in 3D at any given time.

In my business, I'm currently using Chief Architect, having made the switch from AutoCAD about tree months ago, and I LOVE it.  I can draw in 2D, and it's pretty much working in the background in 3D. It automatically generates various detailed wall types, doors, windows, cabinets, stairs, plumbing, electrical and HVAC symbols, and even, to a somewhat lesser extent, furnishings.  A couple of mouse clicks, and I go from plan view to elevation or even 3D perspective view. It's making my life REALLY easy.

While the Pro versions under the Chief Architect brand are somewhat pricy, the "consumer" versions under the "Home Designer" brand preserve a great deal of the functionality, with a much more modest price point.  Mostly, the non-architectural user is going to lose the ability to do photo-realistic rendering and a few other bells and whistles. Also, the interface is a bit cleaner.

One added benefit here.  I've not yet tried this, but I recently discovered the phone/tablet app versions will accept input from a bluetooth enabled laser measuring device, greatly speeding up the process of creating as-built drawings. In my mind, though, just having a compatible app version is a huge help.