New in Vectorworks 2025 - Vectorworks Countertop

 This is such an improvement. The ability to select your cabinets and have Vectorworks design a countertop for those cabinets is really cool. this is a really powerful new technique and if you watch the short movie you'll get a taste of some of the abilities of this new.

New in Vectorworks 2025 - Vectorworks Countertop

This is such an improvement. The ability to select your cabinets and have Vectorworks design a countertop for those cabinets is really cool. this is a really powerful new technique and if you watch the short movie you'll get a taste of some of the abilities of this new.

New in Vectorworks 2025 - Duplicate and Edit Classes

 This is one of those small things that turns out to save you a lot of time.

Sol Atkinson - Architectural Career and CPD

 Join host Jonathan Pickup in an engaging conversation with Sol Atkinson, a local architect making waves with his innovative designs and meticulous attention to detail. Sol shares his journey from university to becoming a seasoned architect, navigating the challenging phases of the industry, including the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore insights into his professional experiences and the evolution of his practice in Hawke's Bay.

Vectorworks 2025 - Creating a Screened Porch Using Curtain Wall Techniques

 In this informative episode, Jonathan addresses a query from a viewer about how to create a porch screen or a screened porch using architectural design software. Going beyond a simple textual explanation, Jonathan demonstrates step-by-step how to achieve a screened effect by using curtain walls and glass textures. This episode is packed with practical tips and tricks that are easy to follow, even for beginners.

Jonathan starts by highlighting the initial steps of selecting standard walls and then converting them into curtain walls. He delves into the process of removing unnecessary frames and customizing the glass texture to simulate a screened effect. Throughout the episode, Jonathan ensures to provide clear instructions while also sharing useful tips on handling common issues that may arise, like misplaced doors and incorrect wall orientations. The use of SEO keywords like "curtain wall," "glass texture," "screened porch," and "architectural design software" keeps the content highly relevant and discoverable.

New in 2025 - Vectorworks 2 Point Projection

 This is a quick introduction to the new two-point projection in Vectorworks 2025.

Mastering Camera Activation and Duplication in Vectorworks 2024

In this informative episode, Jonathan Pickup dives into the nuances of the Vectorworks camera tool to unveil a helpful trick for maintaining control over multiple camera views. The focus is on the activate and deactivate feature, which, if ignored, can result in inadvertent camera movements. Jonathan walks us through a step-by-step demonstration of how to skillfully manage various camera angles within the software, ensuring precise and intentional adjustments.

Jonathan begins by introducing the visualization palette within Vectorworks, demonstrating how to activate and duplicate cameras, and subsequently adjust views without losing previously set perspectives. Throughout this session, he emphasizes the utility of the activate/deactivate function, debunking the initial frustration he faced, revealing how this feature can streamline your workflow. This tutorial is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their Vectorworks proficiency and perfect their digital design skills. Key Takeaways: *Understanding Camera Activation: Activate and deactivate cameras to avoid accidental movements. *Using the Visualization Palette: Navigate to Window - Palettes - Visualization to manage your cameras. *Duplicating Cameras: Effortlessly create multiple camera views by duplicating existing ones. *Adjusting Views Efficiently: Learn to turn and adjust views without altering your original camera settings. *Practical Workflow Tips: Implement Jonathan’s strategies for a smoother and more productive Vectorworks experience.

Architect Registration and Ethical Representation

 In this fascinating episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the intricacies of architectural registration and what it means to be a registered architect in different parts of the world. They explore the nuances of the term "architect," examining its legal protections and how it affects the professional landscape in New Zealand and beyond.

The conversation kicks off with Jonathan explaining the historical and legal context around the term "architect" in New Zealand, highlighting the requirements set by the Registered Architects Act 2005. Ethan adds an international perspective by discussing similar regulations in Canada and the implications for software and cloud architects. They move on to discuss the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls around misrepresentation, emphasizing the importance of clarity and honesty in professional practice. They conclude by introducing an upcoming guest, Sol Atkinson, who will share insights into professional development and continuous learning for architects. • Registered Architects Board New Zealand (https://www.nzrab.nz/) • Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (https://www.architecture.com/)

New in Vectorworks 2025 - Onscreen View Control Short

 

New In Vectorworks 2025 - Custom Units on Dims

 One of the new features in Vectorworks 2025 is the ability to have Custom dimension units on a dimension.

New in 2025 - Vectorworks Home Screen

 This is a quick introduction to the revised home screen in Vectorworks 2025. There are some really nice features here and you should really look at my extended movie in the membership area, because it's going to change the way you use this home screen.

Architectural Education: University vs. Polytechnic

In this episode, Jonathan and Ethan delve into the debate of whether aspiring architects should pursue architectural technology courses at polytechnics or take the traditional university route to study architecture. They explore the different pathways to becoming a qualified architect or architectural technologist, weighing the pros and cons of each educational approach.

Jonathan argues that while universities offer a lifestyle that includes social freedoms and the classic "university experience," it doesn't necessarily translate into better job prospects or practical knowledge. Ethan supports this by highlighting salary comparisons and industry demands that favor architectural technologists due to their hands-on training and immediate applicability in architectural firms. They discuss how polytechnic courses offer a quicker, more cost-effective route into the industry, preparing students to be valuable team members right from the start. This practical training approach complements the theoretical focus seen in universities and can lead to successful careers without the extended, expensive investments often associated with traditional university education.

Import DXF and Map Colors to Black and White in Vectorworks

In this episode, Jonathan provides a step-by-step guide on how to import a DXF file from a window manufacturer and convert it into black and white, making it much easier to work with on a white background. This tutorial is crucial for designers and architects who frequently handle 2D technical drawings that come with hard-to-see yellow lines. Jonathan walks us through the process of importing a DXF file by navigating through the menu bar and accessing the necessary advanced options for graphics attributes. He emphasizes the importance of setting the color scheme to black and white and demonstrates how converting the drawing to 2D can simplify the design process. He further explains the benefits of fitting the drawing to a specific scale and making adjustments to the font and other visual details to improve readability. To ensure the practicality of your drawings, Jonathan shows how to move the imported data from layout space to layer space, and he delves into editing symbols to enhance their visual clarity. This episode is packed with actionable insights and technical guidance, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to refine their CAD drawing imports.

The Art and Importance of Architectural Documentation

In this enlightening episode, Jonathan welcomes his old friend and seasoned architect, Dick Jenkins, to discuss the intricate details of architectural drawing and the often underappreciated art of documentation. They delve into the blend of passion and pragmatism that governs the world of architecture, reflecting on the love-hate relationship many architects have with drawing detailed technical documentation. Dick shares his personal journey from a fresh design school graduate with lofty ambitions to a respected expert in construction details and architectural modeling.

Throughout the conversation, the episode unpacks the essential skills required in the architectural field, stressing the importance of clear communication through precise drawings. The pair explore the evolution of architectural education, the critical role of mentorship, and the shift from glamorous design dreams to the practical realities of running and sustaining an architectural practice. Listeners receive valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges and rewards of architectural documentation, punctuated with personal anecdotes and professional wisdom from Dick's extensive career.

Creating a Stair Between Multiple Floors in Vectorworks

Somebody left me a comment asking how they could create a stair that spans between three floors. This movie is in response to that question.