Expert: Bob - 8/14/2005

Question
Hi Bob. My dad is one of those "old school" architects but wants to gain more knowledge on AutoCad or any kind of Architectural design software. What does he need to do to get a better understanding and can you recommend how he should start on this? He said he's been trying to learn autocad but it seems too foreign to him understanding the program.

I appreciate your help.

Answer
Hi - please print this and give it to him:

There are lots of architects who learned before CAD. If they are not somewhere near retirement, or do not have a competent staff to do the CAD, they are out there trying to learn it.
I will toss in some points
-- Be sure you understand Windows XP and are comfortable using it before you mess yourself up trying to work in a complicated program that relies on it (if you are not on 2000 or XP, upgrade at once.)
-- Take a class, and/or get a tutor-- your time is too valuable to for you to try to learn on your own, if you are not a computer whiz. Be sure any class or book you use is oriented toward architecture, as AutoCAD covers many other disciplines.
-- If you have people in your office to produce CDs in AutoCAD, consider designing in Revit, which is easier to learn, and linking the project to AutoCAD.

Best bet: find someone like me who is local and work with him.

BOB