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Architecture/drawing a deck plan

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Expert: - 7/16/2005


Question
Dear Mr. Taylor,
    I know how I want to build a particular deck.  I would like to buy software that I could instruct to draw my design. Could you recommend software?
    Sincerely,
    John M. Kimpel


Answer
Hi John - thanks for your question!

We don't normally deal with consumer software, but after a bit of research I'd recommend looking at the following:

http://www.punchsoftware.com/products/deck.htm
http://www.nwbuildnet.com/stores/ss/pa/pa_deck.html
http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/mainlinks/deck.htm

Broderbund.com also has a few deck design titles you should look at.

Most consumer products are less than $50; if you get into the professional software you'll start at about $3000.  You might check the shelves at your local CompUSA, MicroCenter, or similar stores for more choices.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com

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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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