As a landscape architect, you know how important it is to be able to show your clients detailed and realistic presentations of your design ideas and strategies. Now, because of AutoCAD, 2-D and landscape architecture 3-D design software programs, you can show your clients what your designs will look like with realistic presentations and even implement their ideas as well.

You can also do presentations that include things like traffic lights, vehicles, and design patios and decks to create realistic views of your designs. Here are some other necessary things to consider about using landscape architecture software:

1. Use AutoCAD software for landscape architecture to give clients realistic presentations of your landscape design ideas.

2. Give clients photo realistic presentations with 3D architecture software.

3. Learn about landscape design applications that offer options to build and design decks and patios.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use professional landscape design software with AutoCAD design functions

For those who have had AutoCAD (Advanced Computer Aided Design) training, there are professional landscape architecture software programs with those features made just for you. Now you can add things to your landscape designs like plants, street light, road works, irrigation, traffic controls and vehicles to give your client presentations a more realistic look.

I recommend: Read the article about AutoCAD for landscape architects at GardenVisit. Go to Black Forest Landscape Design to get AutoCAD and Photoshop training so you can learn how to properly use landscape software programs. Read about the features and capabilities of the AutoCAD landscape design programs offered by DynaSCAPE Design and Cadopolis.com.

Use 3D landscape architecture software programs to create realistic views of your design ideas

The ability to create a 3D presentation for your clients so that they can see how your design ideas will be implemented will increase your chances for customer appreciation and business success. Some programs allow you to upload photographs of the existing lawns and then with a point and click show your clients how your ideas will look on their properties. This is also a great way to include your clients as part of your design team since they can make suggestions that you can quickly input to show them the results.

I recommend: Read the article at Garden Growth to learn about the benefits of using landscape architecture software programs. Check out the reviews of the best landscape architecture design software at TopTenREVIEWS. Find the 2D and 3D capabilities of the professional landscaping software offered by Idea Spectrum and PRO Landscape.

Use software for landscape architecture that has the ability to design decks and patios

For clients who also want you to design patios and decks for them, there are landscape architect software programs that offer these features. Some of these software programs can design gazebos, arbors and fences, as well as patios and decks.

I recommend: Read the article about using landscape architectural software with the ability to design patios at LearnAboutDeckDesignUpgrades. Learn about the photo realistic capabilities of the professional landscape software program from DeckTools and Punch! Software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many landscaping architect software websites offer free downloads of their programs that you can try out to see if they meet the requirements of your landscape design business.

Landscape architecture software allows you easier manipulation of your ideas and gives you a real picture of what the end product will look like. From selecting the right plants for the area to envisioning design ideas, choosing the right professional landscape design software is key to cultivating new clients and keeping them happy.

Before you even grab your shovel or go to pick out plants, you can design a landscape without breaking a sweat. Going with professional landscape design software is valuable because it can save much time before the manual labor begins.

When it comes to choosing landscape architect software, consider the following:

1. What landscape design applications would best suit your needs?

2. How many licenses will you need and how much have you budgeted for landscape architecture design software?

3. Does the 3D architecture software come with a guarantee?

Action Steps
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Compare 3D architecture software features

When comparing 3D landscape architecture software, it's important to compare the features that each offers. More tools isn't necessarily better if truly valuable tools don't exist in the software. Some landscape design software focuses on landscaping around an actual photo while others use a computer-generated landscape. Your work habits and the process you generally follow can help you decide which concept will work better for you.

I recommend: Idea Spectrum compares four different types of software: RealTime Landscaping Architect, Landscaping Pro, Landscaping Plus and Landscaping Photo, and explains the features and price of each. To find landscape architecture software that includes plants for your particular region, check out PlantMaster.

Make sure the landscape architectural software you pick is easy to use

Landscaping architect software can have the neatest features, but if it's too difficult to use it will most likely sit on a shelf. Effective, creative controls that are also easy to use will make the difference in a well-executed landscape design and make your investment worthwhile.

I recommend: Try out the software first for free. Many software companies such as SmartDraw allow a free trial. Or at least learn more about a particular software and all of its features from a tutorial such as the one at GardenComposer.com. Fully investigate whether online help is available such as a help index, support forums and other menus that can provide timely answers to questions.

Read reviews on software for landscape architecture

Reputation is important to consider when it comes to choosing 3D landscape architecture software. How has the software worked for others in the field? Are there customer testimonials available? Which software boasts a best-sellers title?

I recommend: Search TopTenREVIEWS for reviews of software for landscape architecture.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to check system requirements for the software you wish to purchase so that it is compatible with the system you already have in place.

Landscape architecture software allows landscape architects, engineers and planners the ability to visually convey project information to their audience. Instead of describing a “finished project” from standard black and white architectural drawings and forcing their audience to visualize what the result will be, landscape architectural software allows designers to portray features such as structures, vegetation, ponds, walkways and parking areas in a 3D format.

Methods of learning about 3D Landscape Architecture software and its application include:

1. Training provided by manufacturers or distributors of landscape architect software.

2. Completing landscape architecture software education and training at an educational institution.

3. Completing landscape architecture software education and training in a self-study environment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Receive landscape architecture software education and training from product manufacturers

Training provided by manufacturers of professional landscaping software helps guarantee that users learn how to utilize specific features of particular landscape architecture software properly. When selecting professional landscape design software, make sure the manufacturer (or distributor) has support and training resources that will be available to you once you purchase their product.

I recommend: Land F/X is a 3D architecture software manufacturer that provides instructor led classes at onsite and regional training locations. In addition, users may learn how to utilize the Land F/X landscape architecture software at their own pace through tutorials. CadSoft is a 3-D Landscape Architecture software program that offers videos and online custom training classes so users can master the software at their own pace. Those individuals opting for an instructor-led environment may participate in a webinar or onsite training session.

Complete landscape architecture software education and training at an educational institution.

Educational institutions may offer professional landscape architecture software courses that are not only economical, but may also accommodate the schedules of individuals working full time jobs by offering evening or weekend classes.

I recommend: The University of California Berkley’s branch of continuing education offers AutoCad for Landscape Architecture classes. In addition to gaining knowledge with landscaping architect software, one may apply the credits earned in these classes towards the completion of their Landscape Architecture Certificate Program. Philadelphia University’s School of Architecture also provides courses focusing on landscaping architecture software.

Complete landscape architecture software education and training in a self-study environment

Self-study books provide an opportunity for individuals to learn software for landscape architecture at their own pace.

I recommend: Google SketchUp, a landscape architecture design software, is available in a self-study text. For those who are new to AutoCad, Autocad 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009: No Experience Required can instruct them on the necessary fundamentals that will help ensure their success with landscape architecture software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Conventions provide excellent opportunities to see product demonstrations of the latest in 3D landscape architecture software and possibly receive discounted prices on software. Ask demonstrators for a brief training.

Landscape architecture design software allows designers to show clients design presentations in a detailed and realistic format. With software that incorporates computer aided design, or CAD, features, and 2D and 3D images, clients can truly see what a design looks like. The image can be altered immediately to incorporate new client input and ideas.

When selecting the right landscape architecture design software, understanding the following terminology can help you distinguish between the types of design software available and the features to look for in the software you choose.

Action Steps
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Computer aided design, or CAD

CAD is a term for using computer software to create any type of blueprint. Landscape architects use standard CAD software for 2D design blueprints.

I recommend: CADPro makes CAD software, and describes its features.

Building information modeling software, or BIM software

BIM software is a modeling software that allows landscape architects and other building designers to create a model before breaking ground.

I recommend: Autodesk offers more information on the many ways to use BIM software modeling.

3D software

This is software that creates 3D design presentations for a landscape designer to show clients. A key features to look for is picture upload, which uses photos of the existing structure or lawn, then alters the photo with a click to show clients how the new ideas will look when incorporated.

I recommend: Idea Spectrum offers comparisons of several 3D design softwares that are available for landscape architects and designers.

Deck and patio design software

Decks and patios are popular residential landscape design features. For designers focusing on residential landscaping, look for design software that incorporates deck and patio design options. This type of software can incorporate multi-level decks, all types of patios, and even present the design with specific materials and realistic presentations.

I recommend: Learn About Deck Design gives reviews of both deck and patio design software.

Regional plant software

This type of software allows landscape designers to incorporate information and photos of plants and trees that are specific to the region in which they work. Most types of regional plant software allows designers to upload their own photos and information to use in a design presentation.

I recommend: Gardensoft has presentation software to help designers find regional plants and photos for client presentations.

Rendering software

Rendering means creating images from computer models. By using special rendering software, a landscape architect can take a model or blueprint and create lifelike images in 2D or 3D to show clients. This is a useful tool for adding realistic textures and color, or adding light changes, shadowing and even animation to a landscape design.

I recommend: Mailmax Publishing offers a CAD education portal with information on various rendering software options.