Impact and Benefits of Night School

 In this enlightening episode, Jonathan and Ethan dive into the concept of night schools, particularly within the fields of construction, quantity surveying, and architectural technology. They explore the motivations behind starting these night school programs at EIT and WITT, the benefits they present, and the challenges faced along the way.

Jonathan and Ethan discuss the origins of their night school programs, emphasizing the pivotal role of local industry demand and the collaborative efforts of faculty and students. Ethan explains how his colleague, Lin Mei Chen, initiated the night school at WITT during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by requests from working professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. Jonathan, on the other hand, details how he and his colleague Andrew saw an opportunity for people to retrain during evenings and establish a flexible learning model. They also touch on the crucial aspect of networking and community building within these classes. Through their conversation, they highlight the real-life impact of night school programs. From enabling professionals to gain new qualifications while maintaining their day jobs to providing a second chance to individuals wanting to change their career paths, night schools serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Jonathan and Ethan underscore the importance of promoting these programs to reach a wider audience, noting that flexible learning models significantly contribute to the local economy and individual career growth.

New in Vectorworks 2025 - Compass Ring in On-Screen View Control

 I have just finished my Quickstart to landmark and while I was making the manual, I noticed this compass ring on the on Screen view control. This movie covers how to find it and how to activate it.

If you want a copy of my Quickstart to landmark you'll find it at this Link: https://jonathanpickup.bio

Hierarchical Views for Classes in Vectorworks 2025

 Vectorworks 2025 has a new Vectorworks preference to control the hierarchical views for classes in pull down menus, dialogue boxes, and the Object Info palette. This should save you a lot of time when assigning objects to classes as Vectorworks will remember the expanded or collapsed state of the hierarchical classes.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

The Advantages of Data Tags in Viewports - Vectorworks 2025

 In this movie, I look at the advantages of using data tags in viewports. In this example, I'm using the plant tag to tag plants where the orientation of the Design layer is different to the orientation of the sheet layer.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

Student Motivation and Self-Discipline

in this engaging episode, Jonathan and Ethan dive into a crucial conversation about the importance of internal motivation and self-discipline in education and professional settings. They explore the mindset of students who believe they will work harder once employed, stressing that true dedication and effort start long before entering the workforce. Their dialogue highlights the necessity of cultivating a strong sense of personal responsibility and pride in one's work from an early age.

Jonathan and Ethan discuss the invaluable lessons they have learned through their own careers and experiences. Jonathan shares anecdotes from his teaching days, emphasizing the need for passion in one's profession. Ethan recounts his journey in the construction industry and the discipline taught by his grandfather, drawing parallels between consistent effort in academia and professional success. They both agree that external motivation is rarely as effective as internal drive and curiosity.

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.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

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.

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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.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

New in 2025 - Vectorworks 2 Point Projection

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

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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.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

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

This is a new way of changing your view from top plan to front, isometric, etc. If you're working on a small screen this is really useful. 

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

 

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.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

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.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

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.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

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.

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Rotating With a Working Plane in Vectorworks

In this episode, Jonathan dives into the details of using the rotate tool in 3D modeling software, providing step-by-step instructions and tips to optimize your design workflow. With a focus on using the rotate tool in different modes – auto plane and working plane modes – Jonathan ensures you get the maximum control over your 3D objects during the design process. Whether you are aiming to achieve precise object orientation or looking to understand the nuances of different plane options, this episode is packed with SEO keywords like "rotate tool in 3D modeling," "auto plane mode," and "working plane rotation," making it a valuable resource for anyone delving into 3D design. Jonathan highlights the practical aspects of these tools, ensuring a balance between theoretical understanding and hands-on application. Jonathan's demonstration using the top blue face of an object as a starting point simplifies the concept, making it accessible for users at any skill level. He exemplifies how to rotate objects by setting the right points and leveraging the working plane, thus providing viewers with practical insights to elevate their 3D modeling projects.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

Creating a Vectorworks Image Prop using a Mask

In this episode, Jonathan dives into the intricate process of creating a high-quality image prop using a photograph and mask. He provides a step-by-step guide on importing images, using masks to hide unnecessary information, and fine-tuning the details to create an image prop with a transparent background. If you are looking to enhance your digital art skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Jonathan begins by explaining the initial setup: importing the base image and its corresponding mask. Highlighting the importance of precision, he guides listeners through selecting the appropriate dimensions and ensuring the mask correctly hides unwanted elements. The episode emphasizes using transparent colors effectively to achieve a clean, professional look.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

New in 2025 - Workspace Editor

Vectorworks have made a dramatic improvement to the workspace editor. If you want to change your tools or hot keys this is really going to make a difference.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

Creating and Using a Glow Texture

In this episode, Jonathan Pickup shares one of his invaluable tips for using Vectorworks effectively: creating a glow texture to simulate lighting effects. He demonstrates how this can enhance visual realism in renderings without relying on actual light sources. Jonathan's approach not only simplifies the process but also achieves highly detailed and realistic results. Jonathan walks the audience through the steps of applying glow textures to objects within a Vectorworks project. His method involves creating a small extrusion that mimics an LED light. He explains how to use the rectangle tool to define the glow area and assigns a custom glow texture to the extrusion. The key to this technique lies in setting the glow reflectivity to a high percentage and enabling light emission, resulting in a convincing glow effect that interacts with surrounding surfaces.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio

Should Your Employer Pay For Your CPD?

Jonathan and Ethan delve into the debate on whether employers should foot the bill for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). They explore the business advantages of maintaining an up-to-date workforce and how CPD can foster a collaborative team environment. They share insights on industry trends and the morale boost from valuing employee growth. Personal anecdotes highlight the significance of professional recognition and the pitfalls of neglecting CPD. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the role of CPD in modern workplaces and how it impacts both employers and employees.

Links: Law Society: https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/professional-practice/continuing-professional-development/frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=Your%2 0firm%20is%20not%20obliged,completed%20with%20no%20actual%20cost.

Vectorworks Corner Cabinet

 In this movie, I have a look at the three basic options for creating corner cabinets when you're using the Vectorworks Cabinet tool.

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Existing and Proposed Site Modifiers

 In this movie we look briefly at the differences between existing and proposed site models and the differences between site modifies that are assigned to the existing all the proposed site model.

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AI in Architecture: Threat or Tool ?

 Jonathan and Ethan delve into the intriguing debate of whether AI will replace architects. They explore how AI is already integrated into architectural practices through tools like generative and parametric design, and share their perspectives on the future interplay between human creativity and AI capabilities. They discuss concerns from prospective students about AI's impact on architectural careers and provide a balanced view on AI as an enabler rather than a replacer. With insights on how AI can enhance efficiency and creativity, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the evolving landscape of architecture.

Links: AI and Architecture: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/can-architecture-replaced-artificial-intelligence-eavyc/ Foster + Partners: https://www.archpaper.com/2024/03/foster-partners-unveil-new-design-for-the-star-sunset-boulevard/

Moasure Start to Finish and into Vectorworks

 In this movie, I wanted to look at a complete start to finish by measuring the site with Moasure and then exporting it into Vectorworks. at the start of the movie you will see me walking around with my Moasure measuring the hill. Then I will show you how to import the information from my Moasure app into my CAD of choice, Vectorworks.

I have been working with my students on measuring this Hill with a laser level and a dumpy. My students have to learn how to use these older technologies and I wanted to compare the speed at measuring the hill with those technologies and with Moasure. I also wanted to use and compare these technologies for accuracy. I've not been using Moasure much, and I wanted to make sure that its elevations were accurate and the elevations I got from my Moasure matched those from the laser level and the dumpy level.

Checkout my free manuals @ https://jonathanpickup.bio