Sketch-Up as a Tool: The Specifics

Furniture Plans

SketchUp can be used in numerous ways to help further a design concept. Visualization is a vital tool and constant part of the design process. In a lot of cases clients who hire designers need help pushing their ability to visualize a step further. SketchUp not only helps the client visualize the end result and get behind it, but it gives the designer confidence in their design as they see elements of it come to life in front of their eyes. 

Option 1 visualized an update in furniture for the client. They were able to deduce that the layout was too similar to what they currently have so altering the partition in order to reduce the amount of focal points became high on their list

There are always pros and cons to a visualization software like SketchUp because it's a balance of creating a representation of the final product rather than an exact digital replica. While the 3D rendering looks concrete, it's about communicating a concept over a complete design so reminding our client and ourselves of this fact is important throughout the design process. 

We walked the client through option 2 to help them visualize the impact of altering the partition that is dividing the space. They were able to see how big a difference cutting it back slightly made, even though we couldn't remove it completely.

Regarding the specific project pictured above, we used SketchUp to help them visualize the different furniture layouts for the client’s living room. The shape of their living room is a bit unconventional and we wanted to move away from having two focal points. One being the fireplace and the other being the partition wall holding the TV. So getting all the information into SketchUp and visually relaying the pros and cons of each option to the client helped them come to a decision that they felt fit their lifestyle. 

Showing a furniture layout in plan is a great tool but taking it into 3D is sometimes a necessary step to make sure you are getting the most out of our design for your home.  

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