Architecture/design

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Expert: - 8/17/2005


Question
Thanks for your response regarding drafting tools. Thank you also for pointing out that most design aside from preliminary sketch work is done on computers. Are there quality design programs that are affordable to the amature designer? If so what are they?
Thanks  

Answer
There are a number of affordable "home design" programs out there.  You'll find them on the shelves of CompUSA, MicroCenter, etc.  We don't use consumer-grade CAD software so I can't tell you about individual products but I know that Broderbund (www.broderbund.com) has some very popular titles with 3D capabilities.  Since you're just getting into it, get something inexpensive to start with.  If you decide you like CAD, you can move up to some of the professional programs which run from $1500 to $5000.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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