Expert: Bob - 1/21/2011

Question
Hello Bob
I've come across this website and found it most interesting. Six months ago I've started a course in interior design through one of the leading schools of design in London. They recommend that students do a CAD drafting course after completion of the interior design diploma course. My questions are:

Would you advise me to start with a CAD course while doing the ID course?
Can it be done properly online or does one have to attend classes?
Can you advise me on on-line institutions that offer 2D and 3D CAD courses?
On planning to purchase a new computer, what specs would you advise?
What is the best and latest version of AutoCAD?

I am a teacher (primary school) but am preparing to change my career, also considering that I am reaching retirement age. I do find immense pleasure in my ID design studies and am an eager student.

Thank you for your time.
Coreen

Answer
Hi -- good for you!

I advise anyone interested in courses and software to find out what the local practices are -- certainly that design school and the instructors should help you.

I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO IMAGINE AN ID COURSE NOT TAUGHT WITH COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN for drafting.
If you are to learn to hand draft in school (other than as a basis for quickly switching to the computer), I would find a school that has noticed the turn of the century. They teach a mix of computer aided design and hand sketching to 15 year olds in some high schools -- that is the newer and better way.

Since what your school does fails to make sense to an American, you might best consult British organizations of Interior Designers, or even call on some designers til you find some who have good advice. Be aware that older designers MAY still draw by hand, but no one can now start out that way.

AutoCAD 2012 is due in 3 months -- but maybe AutoCAD LT is enough, if you are doing small projects on your own. Maybe you need AutoCad Architecture, Revit, or something else to get a job in your market -- and make no mistake, us older folks MUST be a wiz at CAD if we expect to compete for a job. I don't know if there is free student software in Britain, as here.

In my view, ONLY very computer savvy people who are well versed in what they will be drawing should begin to consider learning online or on their own.

LAST -- in some places, "Interior Design" is used to describe what I would prefer to call "Decorating", ie picking out fabrics and paint. So, AGAIN, you should learn what is done by people you wish to emulate  LOCALLY, LOCALLY, LOCALLY.


BOB