Future of Jobs Report 2025: The Global Labour Landscape

 The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 provides a comprehensive analysis of the global labor market's evolution through the end of the decade. Drawing on a survey of over 1,000 major employers, the report identifies technological advancements, the green transition, and demographic shifts as the primary drivers of industrial transformation. While AI and information processing are expected to displace millions of clerical roles, the research predicts a net growth of 78 million jobs fueled by high demand for technical specialists and care economy professionals. Consequently, the report emphasizes that analytical thinking and technological literacy are becoming essential skills, requiring nearly 60% of the global workforce to undergo significant reskilling. Ultimately, these findings serve as a strategic guide for governments and businesses to navigate the complex economic and social disruptions anticipated over the next five years.

Transferable Skills CAD/BIM

This document expands on key questions regarding the transfer of skills between different Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs, focusing particularly on how each platform organizes project information and manages sheet output.1. Transferable Skills: The Foundation Beyond the Interface.

When transitioning to a new CAD/BIM program (e.g., moving from Archicad to Revit, Vectorworks, or Chief Architect), what fundamental skills remain applicable?

• Core Drafting and Design Principles: The understanding of architectural drawing standards, orthographic projection (plans, sections, elevations), dimensioning techniques, and annotation standards are universally applicable. Knowing why a detail is needed and what information it conveys transcends specific software.

• BIM Methodology (If Applicable): If you are moving between two BIM programs (e.g., Archicad to Revit or Vectorworks), the concept of modeling elements rather than lines, utilizing parametric objects, managing schedules/quantities, and understanding the project lifecycle integration remains essential.

• Spatial Reasoning and Visualization: The ability to mentally manipulate 3D space, interpret 2D plans, and visualize the final structure is independent of the software tool.

• Documentation Workflow: Understanding the process of setting up a drawing set, linking views to sheets, managing revisions, and publishing deliverables (PDFs, DWGs) is a valuable process skill, even if the tools and terminology change.

• Understanding Data Structure: Recognizing the importance of classification, naming conventions, and utilizing object data (properties/attributes) for scheduling and reporting is a transferable concept, even if the specific implementation (layers, categories, classes) differs.

The core concept remains consistent across all platforms: separate the creation environment (Model Space/Design Layers/Model) from the documentation environment (Paper Space/Layouts/Sheets). The ability to manage this separation and link dynamic model views to static output sheets is the critical transferable skill.

Archicad	Chief Architect	Revit	Vectorworks	AutoCAD	Focus
Layers	Layers (Used for visibility and control of object types, similar to Archicad/AutoCAD)	Categories and Subcategories (e.g., Walls, Doors, Plumbing Fixtures). Visibility/graphics are controlled by filters and view templates.	Classes (Controls graphical attributes, visibility, and 2D/3D representation)	Layers (Primary mechanism for organizing geometry, controlling color, linetype, and plot style)	Core separation of elements (Architectural, Structural, MEP, Annotation, etc.)
Elements (Objects, Walls, Slabs) are assigned to a single Layer.	Objects are assigned to layers based on their type (e.g., Cabinets are on the 'Cabinets' layer).	System/Component Families (The parametric definition of an object) are bound to their respective Category.	Objects (Objects, Walls, Slabs) are assigned to a single Layer.	Model Space (objects)	Grouping and controlling display attributes
Layer Combinations (Sets of visible/hidden layers for specific views)	Layer Sets (Predefined combinations of visible/hidden layers)	View Templates (Controls Categories, Filters, Link settings, and more for a specific view)	Viewports and Saved Views linked to Design Layers and filtered by Classes	Viewports in Paper Space are linked to Model Space layers	View-specific control

Output Management: Structuring the Deliverable Set

How do different programs organize the final documentation set, linking 3D/2D model views to printable sheets?

Archicad	Chief Architect	Revit	Vectorworks	AutoCAD	Function
Layouts	Layouts	Sheets	Sheet Layers	Paper Space/Layouts	The printable sheet (Contains title block, revision history, and linked views)
Drawings (Linked views from the Model/View Map placed onto Layouts)	CAD Details/Views (Views from the model, or 2D details, placed onto Layouts)	Views (Plans, Sections, Details, Schedules, 3D Views) placed onto Sheets	Viewports (Linked views from Design Layers placed onto Sheet Layers)	Viewports (Frames defining a view of Model Space placed onto Paper Space)	The container for model views
Publisher Sets (Manages output settings for an entire set of Layouts)	Print/Export Tools (Directly manages the output of Layouts)	Print Settings/Sheet Sets (Manages batch printing/exporting of Sheets)	Publish Command (Manages batch printing/exporting of Sheet Layers)	Plot/Publish Command, Sheet Set Manager (.dst)	Batch printing and organization

The core concept remains consistent across all platforms: separate the creation environment (Model Space/Design Layers/Model) from the documentation environment (Paper Space/Layouts/Sheets). The ability to manage this separation and link dynamic model views to static output sheets is the critical transferable skill.

Check out our discussion on our podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3tdZbAjBcThCK8k87ckmkQ?si=z2DsaKuNQAy080_bMgrfJQ

How to Duplicate Wall Styles

 

How to use Cameras to Create Viewports in Vectorworks

I saw somebody struggling with creating viewports using cameras in Vectorworks. I thought this movie would be really useful to show how quickly you can create your viewports from a camera and how you can then duplicate the viewports to make more views. This is the sort of topic I often cover in my community: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

How to use the Shell Solid tool

 The Shell solid tool is another one of those great 3-D tools that really improves your modelling. I've covered this so many times in my community but this is a short version of those training sessions. Join my community to learn more: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

Master the Taper Face Tool in VectorWorks with Jonathan Pickup

The type of face tall is really popular and really useful in Vectorworks. The trick is knowing where to choose the reference plane because this will determine where the hinge point is on your taped extrude. This is the sort of thing that we cover in my community :  https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

Keynotes in Vectorworks 2026

 I'm a big fan of using keynotes, but not everybody is. This movie is a brief introduction to how to use keynotes with elevations and why you should use them. It's a short movie about a topic we covered recently in our community: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

Mastering Plant Style Manager in VectorWorks 2026

 The plant style manager is fantastic for managing your plant Styles. It does require that your plants be placed in a style form not just some random shape. This is actually a small part of a large movie where we covered it in detail in my community: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

Wall Placement

This movie covers the importance of wall placement in relation to floor slabs. 

Stop learning tools. Start mastering Vectorworks: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training

How to Create Back Reference Detail Markers in Vectorworks

 Back referencing Vectorworks is a technique where you can show the contractor where a detail will appear in a section or plan. This is a fantastic technique as it allows someone looking through your drawings to go back to where the context of that detail is. This is a small piece from a much longer movie, if you want to see the longer movie don't forget to go to my community and become a member: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

Door Rough Open or Leaf size - Vectorworks 2026

 There's a real difference when you're placing doors when you're using rough opening or leaf size. There's also a massive difference if you stretch the door, that's what this movie is about. To find out more information about doors and placement, check out my community: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

How to Update site model from site modifier

 Stop learning tools. Start mastering Vectorworks: https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training

Using Data Visualisation on Irrigation Drawings

 Did you know that you can use data visualisation to change the colours of objects to suit information you've attached. In this example the client wanted to colour all of the downstream irrigation that related to a specific valve. This movie shows you how you can achieve this. This is just a short movie for the full movie you need to go to my website to see it:  https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

Mastering Accurate Door and Window Placement Techniques

 Join Jonathan in this episode as he guides you through the intricacies of placing doors and windows with precision. Learn how to use various insertion points and offset methods to ensure accurate placement, saving time and effort during your design process. Jonathan demonstrates how to effectively use tools like the door and window tools and the Reshape tool, providing insights into managing distances and offsets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their design workflow and avoid the hassle of adjustments.

Jan 2026 - Creating and Modifying 3D Block Symbols

In this session, the discussion dives into the intricacies of architectural design using Vectorworks. The host, Jonathan, alongside experts Ben, Rob, Tali, Dave, and Dermot, explore the practical application of creating a detailed block model for a garden wall. This episode is a rich resource for design professionals looking to enhance their digital architecture skills, particularly with detailed symbol usages, site modifications, and material management.

The speakers dissect the process of crafting a garden wall block, emphasizing the importance of determining insertion points, symbol relevancy, and the usage of textures and materials for aesthetic visualization. Participants explore the intricacies of Vectorworks, discussing how particular techniques, such as symbol duplication and site elevation adaptation, can significantly impact design outcomes. This detailed exploration offers practical insights into effectively managing 3D design elements, ensuring precision in digital architecture projects.

watch here...

Jan 2026 - Curtain Wall Grids & Accurate Location

In this enlightening episode, Jonathan, alongside experts Dave and Richard, delves into the intricate world of curtain wall design using advanced architectural software tools. The discussion opens with a detailed examination of transforming a regular wall into a curtain wall style in Vectorworks, focusing on the precise configuration of vertical and horizontal grids essential for accurate architectural plans.

The conversation further explores the challenges and solutions related to ensuring precise measurements and alignment in curtain wall design. Jonathan, Dave, and Richard discuss strategies for addressing common issues like moving mullions, inserting doors, and coping with dimensional constraints within Vectorworks. By highlighting techniques such as using custom nudge settings and drawing reference grids, they provide listeners with concrete methods to enhance precision and efficiency in architectural modeling. The episode concludes with a discussion on integrating detailed 3D modeling for construction documentation, underscoring the blend of digital tools and traditional design practices in modern architecture.

watch here...

Mastering DXF DWG Export: Communication is Crucial

In this episode, Jonathan delves into the intricacies of exporting DXF DWG files, offering listeners a detailed guide on how to effectively manage and communicate project data between architects and engineers. The conversation is filled with practical tips, underlining the importance of understanding what stakeholders truly need when exchanging design files, and how to make the right export choices.

Jonathan emphasizes the importance of clear communication with clients and engineers, discussing strategies to ensure that the exported files meet the specific needs of each project collaborator. By sharing personal anecdotes, he provides a real-world context to the technical details, highlighting pitfalls to avoid and best practices to adopt. His advice, combined with Shale's questions, offers a nuanced look at how optimizing file exports can save time and enhance collaboration during the project lifecycle.

Watch here...

Mastering DXF DWG Exports: Communication and Customization Tips

 Join Jonathan and Shale as they delve into the intricacies of exporting DXF and DWG files. Discover strategies for handling numerous drawings, understanding client needs, and tailoring exports for different purposes. Learn practical tips on mapping, collaborating with consultants, and managing expectations seamlessly. With real-world examples, including a memorable project in China, this episode reveals the importance of communication in efficiently exporting design files. Optimize your exporting process and make collaboration effortless with the insightful guidance shared in this engaging discussion.

Watch here...

Troubleshooting Vectorworks: Managing Classes and Countertops in 2026

 Join Jonathan and Richard as they dive into the complexities of Vectorworks, focusing on unexplained anomalies in wall rendering, class and style management, and efficient use of libraries. Shale joins the conversation with questions about integrating Archon CAD standards, manipulating cabinet graphics, and mastering material and texture distinctions. This episode is rich with practical tips for architects and designers, covering advanced properties, resource management, and utilizing materials effectively. Whether you're building precise section viewports or refining countertops, this discussion promises a deeper understanding of Vectorworks' robust features.

Watch here...

Headline: Why Most Architecture Projects Lose Money Before the First Wall is Drawn

Have you ever finished a project only to realize that your fee barely covered the time you spent at the computer?

In my 30 years of teaching and practicing architecture, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat: A designer gets a refined concept and jumps straight into the 3D model.

This is a trap. When you start modeling before you’ve planned your documentation, you are "guessing until the time runs out." You haven't accounted for the six extra details the building consent officer will want, or the complexity of the plumbing coordination on that slope.

The Solution: Document Content Analysis (DCA)

I’ve spent two decades refining a system I call Document Content Analysis (DCA)—or "Cartooning" the set. Before I touch a mouse, I take a stack of A4 paper. One sheet of paper for every single drawing in the project.

• Sheet 1: The Site Plan. I sketch the boundaries and the legal recession planes.

• Sheet 2: The Foundation. I mark where the point loads and drainage must go.

• Sheets 3-4: The Floor Plans. I outline the structural openings and dimension strings.

• Sheets 5-6: Roof Plans. I solve the drainage logic and weatherproofing early.

• Sheets 7-8: Elevations. I prove the materials and compliance with height boundaries.

• Sheets 9-11: Sections. I slice through the building to check headrooms and internal volumes.

• Sheets 12+: The Details. I apply my Golden Rule: Every time there is a change in plane or a change in material, I create a new A4 detail sheet.

The "Profit Check"

Once I have my stack of A4 sheets, I have a physical representation of the work. If I have 20 sheets and I know it takes a day to produce a high-quality sheet, I have a 20-day project.

If my fee only covers 10 days of work, I have two choices:

1. Renegotiate the fee based on the documented scope.

2. Simplify the design to reduce the drawing volume.

By doing this on paper, it costs pennies. Doing it in a 3D model costs thousands.

Stop Drawing. Start Planning.

DCA isn't just about drawing; it’s about software architecture. Your A4 sketches tell you exactly which Classes and Layers you need in Vectorworks before you even open the file. It turns a chaotic creative process into a linear, profitable production roadmap.

If you want to move from being a "drafter" to a Project Manager who actually makes a profit, you need to master this system.

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Ready to master the DCA workflow?

I’ve uploaded a full DCA Masterclass and a downloadable SOP Guide for my community members.

👉 Join the Vectorworks Training School Community

Or, if you have a complex project starting next week and you want me to walk you through the DCA process personally:

👉 Book a Private DCA Workshop with Jonathan

#Architecture #BIM #Vectorworks #ProjectManagement #DCA #ArchitectureBusiness #DesignEfficiency

Master Viewport Lighting Control

 

Dive into the visualization palette's potential to manipulate lighting and shadows individually for each viewport, enhancing your Vectorworks projects. Learn the intricacies of adding and adjusting lights, along with the impacts on shadows, to refine your design presentations. For those eager to delve deeper, Jonathan invites listeners to join his school community for an in-depth masterclass. Discover essential lighting techniques that could transform your Vectorworks skills.