Vectorworks Training Skool

 Join Jonathan Pickup and Sheri as they discuss the benefits of the Vectorworks Training School. Jonathan highlights the community's active participation and the availability of multiple courses for effective Vectorworks learning. Sheri shares her positive experiences, emphasizing the value of Jonathan's monthly meetings, extensive video library, and responsive support for answering unique or complex questions. This episode underscores the advantages of subscribing to Jonathan's resource-rich platform compared to free alternatives, as it helps users grasp the intricacies of Vectorworks more thoroughly and efficiently.

https://www.skool.com/vectorworks-training/about

How to Create A Texture Bed

 Explore the intricacies of using texture beds with Jonathan as he delves into effective site model visualization. Discover how texture beds enhance your site’s visuals, making key elements like property lines and boundaries easily identifiable in 3D views. Learn the significance of assigning the correct class to texture beds and understanding the distinctions between existing and proposed site models. Whether you're working on existing landscapes or planning new developments, Jonathan guides you through optimizing texture bed applications for clearer and more dynamic site presentations. 

Join me: https://www.skool.com/jonathan-pickup/about

Creating a Detailed Garden Design Using iPad and Photos

 In this episode, Jonathan delves into the intricate process of landscape design using digital tools. By integrating technology with creativity, Jonathan demonstrates how to transform a simple Google Earth image into a visually compelling garden layout. The episode showcases the step-by-step methodology from initial image preparation to final touches that make a project presentation-ready.

Jonathan begins by discussing how digital drawing on the iPad allows for experimentation with designs, making alterations easy and effective. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of creating semi-transparent overlays to guide the design process, offering flexibility to adjust and perfect elements such as curb height, plant placement, and roof design. This digital approach not only simplifies the design process but also enhances client understanding by providing a clear and detailed visual representation of the intended outcome.

Key Takeaways:

• The use of Google Earth images serves as a fundamental base for initial garden design layouts.

• Digital drawing allows for easy modification, ensuring flexibility and creativity in design development.

• Incorporating context, such as building and site details, is crucial for a comprehensive design that clients can envision.

• Experimentation with elements like texture, shadows, and plant positioning enhances the realism of the design.

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Effortlessly Connect VectorWorks to Your Plant Database

Learn how to make the most out of Vectorworks' plant catalog and database systems. Jonathan demonstrates how to link your landscape projects to either the vectorworks plant catalog or database efficiently. By connecting plants to the right databases, designers can harness accurate information and streamline their workflows. The text-based plant catalog is highlighted for its ease of use, making it simpler to find and categorize various plants. Meanwhile, the graphically-rich plant database is touched upon, showing how long-time users of Vectorworks can exploit its full potential by connecting legacy data.

Join me: https://www.skool.com/jonathan-pickup/about

Creating a Brick on Edge (Row Lock) with Extrude Along Path

 Jonathan reveals the secrets to crafting a row lock, sometimes known as a brick on edge, through a step-by-step process using polygon tools and extrusion techniques. He discusses sizing, positioning, and aligning the brick profile to the path, followed by important tips on texturing and managing corners. With a focus on practical application, Jonathan also promotes more in-depth content available on his website, ensuring listeners can delve deeper into the nuances of 3D modeling. Discover how to optimize your design workflow with Jonathan's expert guidance.

Calculating Window Slope to Match Roof Angle Using Trigonometry

Join Jonathan Pickup as he demystifies the process of making windows match the exact slope of a roof using trigonometry. Discover how calculating the rise with the tangent function helps align window heads perfectly. Jonathan shares tips on gathering precise measurements and applying mathematical principles to achieve seamless architectural design. Unlock the power of trigonometry in design and learn techniques to ensure your window installations are flawless. Explore this engaging breakdown and gain insights into enhancing your architectural projects with precision.

see the extended movie here: https://www.skool.com/jonathan-pickup/about

Hide edges on Polygon

Jonathan shares practical tips for creating and enhancing polygons using design software tools. He explains the advantages of utilizing the Polyline tool for crafting shapes and offers insights into achieving aesthetically pleasing results with the Reshape tool's hide edges feature. Jonathan also discusses how to apply a soil hatch and effectively manage lines in designs, particularly in elevation drawings. Moreover, he provides guidance on maintaining clean visual backgrounds and highlights the importance of a heavy line to emphasize solid ground. Discover how these techniques can elevate your design workflow and output.

Using Procreate for Early Landscape Design

 In this episode, Jonathan delves into the practical application of Procreate for sketching and landscape design. He shares insightful techniques on using digital tools to effectively communicate design concepts to clients, emphasizing the importance of rapid visualization and collaboration. By using Procreate, Jonathan explains how artists can expedite the design process while retaining control over their creative ideas. 

Jonathan details his workflow, illustrating how Procreate can streamline client interactions. By sketching directly on photographs, adjusting layer opacity, and employing various brushes and pen thicknesses, designers can present compelling visuals without investing significant time upfront. The episode highlights keywords such as "Procreate for designers," "digital sketching," and "client visualization" to draw in listeners interested in enhancing their design enterprise with cutting-edge digital tools. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Procreate is a powerful tool for landscape and design professionals seeking to sketch quickly and effectively. 
• Adjusting tools like layer opacity and pen thickness in Procreate helps tailor sketches to client preferences. 
• Utilizing Procreate can secure ideas, preventing clients from outsourcing unfinished concepts. 
• Practicing digital sketching can improve efficiency in client meetings, facilitating better communication. 
• Contractual agreements should follow initial presentations to protect creative intellectual property.
  
  

Radial Paving Hardscape

 Hardscapes in plan view are made out of two main properties, that is the fill and the hatch on top. In the short movie I look at creating a radial paving hardscape pattern. 

Show Selected Objects Only

 This is a fantastic trick from Vectorworks, showing only the selected objects. We used to put objects in groups to achieve this. 

How to Create Room Finishes with Vectorworks 2025

Explore the intricate process of managing room finishes in this insightful discussion led by Jonathan. Delve into the details of room finish control using space objects and styles, which ensure consistency and flexibility across various spaces. Jonathan also introduces useful reporting features in VectorWorks, including pre-formatted reports and customizable legends, to effectively track and illustrate room finishes throughout a building. Join Jonathan's upcoming class for an in-depth exploration of crafting detailed room finish schedules and enhancing your design projects. 

join Jonathan’s Skool: https://www.skool.com/jonathan-pickup/about

Site Modifier Explanation

 Jonathan delves into the intricacies of site modifiers, demonstrating how they facilitate complex construction projects. Using a practical example, he explains the necessity of positioning site modifiers at various elevations, such as beneath foundations and slabs, to achieve the desired site changes. Jonathan provides a clear, step-by-step insight into creating a detailed plan view. Don't miss his advice on tackling challenging site adaptations, and be sure to share your feedback on the practicality of his approach.