SketchUp 2013 for Interior Designers

Trimble SketchUp (formerly Google SketchUp) is an all-purpose 3D modeling tool. The program is primarily developed around architectural design, but it can be used to model just about anything. It is an easy way to quickly communicate your design ideas to clients or prospective employers. Not only can you create great still images, SketchUp also is able to produce walk-through videos.

The tutorials will introduce you to using SketchUp to create 3D models for interior design. Several pieces of furniture are modeled. The process is broken down into the fundamental concepts of 2D line work, 3D extraction, applying materials and printing.

For a little inspiration, this book has several real-world SketchUp project images throughout. Also, a real-world project is provided to explore and it is employed in the book to develop a walkthrough animation.

Rather than covering any one feature or workflow in excruciating detail, this book aims to highlight many topics typically encountered in practice. Many of the tutorials build upon each other so you have a better understand of how everything works and finish with a greater sense of confidence.

In addition to pure SketchUp tutorials, which comprises most of the text, you will also enjoy these extended topics:

• Introduction to LayOut; an application which comes with SketchUp Pro
• Manufacturer specific paint colors and wallcoverings
• Manufacturer specific furniture
• Manufacture specific flooring
• Photorealistic rendering using V-Ray for SketchUp
• Working with AutoCAD DWG files
• Working with Revit; including how to bring SketchUp models into Revit

This book has been written with the assumption that you have no prior experience using Trimble SketchUp. With this book, you will be able to describe and apply many of the fundamental principles needed to develop compelling SketchUp models.

Although the book is primarily written with a classroom setting in mind, most individuals will be able to work through it on their own and benefit from the tips and tricks presented.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to SketchUp
2. Overview of the SketchUp User Interface
3. Open, Save and Close
4. Viewing SketchUp Models
5. Help System
6. The Basic Entities
7. Beginning with the Basics
8. 3D Modeling
9. Working with Materials
10. Detailed SketchUp Model
11. Working with Styles
12. Scenes and Animations
13. Floor Plans
14. Printing Your SketchUp Model
15. Creating the 3D Model
16. Lobby with Reception Desk
17. Photorealistic Rendering in SketchUp
18. Introduction to LayOut
19. Working with AutoCAD DWG files; SU Pro Feature
20. Working with Autodesk Revit files
21. Additional Resources
22. Index