Expert: Bob - 5/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bob- I am an Interior Designer(trying to get back into the field).Not having any AutoCAD experience,I took some entry level AutoCAD 2007 classes at a Community College, but they were not geared towards Interior Design. I now purchased AutoCADLT 2009 for my home computer, and a tutorial CD. I just came upon a book, "AutoCAD for Interior Design and Space Planning 2009" that is supposed to be for self-pace, and also lecture classes. Do you know anything about this book or are there others you can recommend to someone who wants to learn beginning AutoCAD (LT) 2009 specifically for Interior Design? Or do you have any recommendations for where to take continuing ed. classes on this? Thank you so much!

ANSWER: Hi --- congrats!

But you left out:
1-- Whether you went to school for ID in the "hand era" --- which would mean you were well versed in drafting. AutoCAD is based on drafting, so one has to know that.
2-- Computer savvy-ness. If you got into Interior Design before CAD, you may not be 100% up to snuff on Windows -- if not, get to it, as lack of comfort in Windows makes AutoCAD 3 times harder.
3-- Locale -- I can't specify schools in most areas, but I can tell you that the level of design training varies a lot from school to school. Obviously, there are going to be more design-oriented schools in the attractive large cities, but, often, a local program will excell, due to the push of local educators and designers.
Also, in a few areas, Revit, or Archicad on MAC is hot, and firms want people who know them.

The book you mention was used at a school where I subbed once -- I would say it's fine, not University level, but fine.

If you did not unwrap the LT2009, take it back for 2010, which has refinements -- but it is good if you own it. Look at the Autodesk website for the other softwares with which you need at least some passing knowledge, and might use later.

Clarifying your goals: If you mean you want to work at an established firm: to be blunt, your serious competition is mostly young girls raised on the computer. Do NOT count on your design experience putting you ahead of them. You need to be as good or better than they. As you may know the entry level jobs are Gofer/Librarian and CAD.

There are tons of online tutorials. Look for them once you get comfortable with the program.

THEN --- REDRAW THE BEST OF YOUR OLD STUFF IN AUTOCAD. This is much easier than doing a strange project. It takes a year to get pretty good, so get cracking!

Good luck. Write back if I missed something.


BOB


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bob- Thank you so much! To answer your questions:I did go to school for ID in the "hand era" and I'm well versed in drafting. I'm also up to snuff on Windows. As far as locale, I'm in the MD area. Are there any other books on AutoCAD (2009) specifically geared to ID that you could recommend? Unfortunately, I purchased the LT2009 right before 2010 came out. I will look at the Auotdesk website for other software. I do know that the kids coming out of school now are proficient in AutoCAD, which is why I know I need to be also. I'll look for the online tutorials, and I was planning on redrawing old projects in AutoCAD. I really appreciate all of your advice! Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi

I didn't suggest another book, since I thought that one was fine for now. If you feel more advanced, you can Google  -- autocad books --
or similar. Stronger books are going to be geared to Architecture, since we have to draw architectural elements and plans. Books on AutoCAD focused on ID will tend to be more "trade school" -- does that make sense?

For schooling in your area, join AUGI and search the forums, or look for classes run by Autodesk resellers nearby. I am in Los Angeles.

As far as 2010, the main difference in LT is improvements in the ribbon interface, as far as I know --- but you can easily find a chart on the LT pages of Autodesk's site.

Maybe also --- a local class on presentation with Illustrator and Photoshop, or ???   You need that too, once you get the Acad under control. No more painting with %&(*^(*&)#)(# goache, I think.

You will be fine. Good luck.

BOB