Software for designing a building interior

[gromit]

Work are looking at re-modelling our office & workshop.
At the first meeting to discuss preliminary plans there are a lot of issues and the ability to create a 3D model then 'walk through' would help visualise the layout and whether it will be workable.

I'm ideally looking for free software that's reasonably easy to use.

I used a package from Viscape (from memory) about 17 years ago, I still have it on an old laptop running XP but it was for designing training facilities. It's hard work & slow but the ability to 'fly through' the finished layout helped win sales at the time.

Someone will say the architect should do this.....unfortunately it's getting done by a builder rather than an architect !

I've found a couple of packages, all 'seem' free but then you need to pay to get access to models of furniture etc.

Colin

[simonmelb]

Hi Colin,

I can highly recommend SweetHome 3D. Sweet Home 3D - Draw floor plans and arrange furniture freely (http://sweethome3d.com/)

It’s proper open source.

I modelled our whole house interior which you can walk through.

Gave the bathroom design to our builder and it came out just like the design so very happy.

It’s free and you can import lots of free designs etc. I also taught myself basic Sketchup. Sweet home 3D is easier as you draw in 2d but it renders 3D automatically.

PS you can import Sketchup models into Sweethone 3D as furniture/ object items.

[gromit]

Hi Colin,

I can highly recommend SweetHome 3D. Sweet Home 3D - Draw floor plans and arrange furniture freely (http://sweethome3d.com/)

It’s proper open source.

I modelled our whole house interior which you can walk through.

Gave the bathroom design to our builder and it came out just like the design so very happy.

It’s free and you can import lots of free designs etc. I also taught myself basic Sketchup. Sweet home 3D is easier as you draw in 2d but it renders 3D automatically.

PS you can import Sketchup models into Sweethone 3D as furniture/ object items.

Thanks Simon, I'll download and have a play.

Colin

[SBD4]

Work are looking at re-modelling our office & workshop.
At the first meeting to discuss preliminary plans there are a lot of issues and the ability to create a 3D model then 'walk through' would help visualise the layout and whether it will be workable.

I'm ideally looking for free software that's reasonably easy to use.

I used a package from Viscape (from memory) about 17 years ago, I still have it on an old laptop running XP but it was for designing training facilities. It's hard work & slow but the ability to 'fly through' the finished layout helped win sales at the time.

Someone will say the architect should do this.....unfortunately it's getting done by a builder rather than an architect !

I've found a couple of packages, all 'seem' free but then you need to pay to get access to models of furniture etc.

Colin


Bit late but ... Trimble Skecthup (used to be Google) is probably one of the widest used. I've just done a whole bunch of stuff for our renos using the free online version:

Free 3D Modeling Software | 3D Design Online | SketchUp Free Subscription (https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-free)

I recommend watching some yt vids to get some basic concepts. It'll make your life easier in the long run if you decide to use it.

[gromit]

Thanks all, it seems that decisions have been made by our MD (the building owner).
He did take onboard feedback from the Management Team and changes are being made to the drawings.


Colin