Architecture Software Key Terms

Learn about architecture software
By Marjorie Gilbert Architecture software is quite wonderful. It allows you to design and visualize a building, both the interior as well as the exterior. Actually--you can use the software to design the landscape surrounding the house as well,.
 

The architecture software can range in price and capability. For beginners, more basic architecture software can suffice. For those more skilled, the more complex software that offers more options may be more suited. The benefit of such software is that you are able to visualize your house or building even before the ground is broken, as well as determine any structural flaws before a single nail is driven.

CAD, CADD

CAD is a term that's associated with any architecture software, or any design software for that matter. CADD is an acronym for Computer Aided Design and Drafting.
Try: CADD Primer offers a free tutorial as well as information on CADD.

Floor plan

Architecture software can allow you to design the floor plan of the house or building so that you can get a sense of how you wish each room and floor to flow. This is a standard option for architecture software.
Try: Smart Draw is one of the architecture software that allows you to draw the floor plan of the building you wish to design on your computer. On the site, you can see examples of floor plans as well as helpful hints.

Landscape design

A feature that is often included in the architecture software is landscape design. Not only will the program allow you to design your house or building, but also you can use the program to design the landscape around it. This can be helpful on more than one level: to help tie the house into the landscape to make both seem like two halves of a whole, and also to use aspects of the landscape to help you plan on reducing energy use, such as taking advantage of southern exposures, employing trees to cast shade, thus lessening the need for air conditioning, and more.
Try: IMSI/Design has created a program called IMSI Turbofloorplan Home and Landscape Pro V12 that allows you to design the landscape surrounding your building as well. The site is very informative.

3D

As might be expected, seeing your designs in 3DD helps you to better visualize what your building will look like after it's built. The 3-D aspect of the architecture software will allow you to spot possible design flaws before the building is even built, thus potentially saving you time and money.
Try: The CAD Outpost has 3D architecture software. What is helpful is that the company provides not only images but also information to better describe the concept of designing with 3D.

Elevations

Elevations refer to not only the height of the various floors of the buildings, but the land as well. Plotting the elevation can be something that the architecture software makes easy.
Try: Autodesk discusses determining elevations with architecture software.

Remodeling software

If remodeling is something your company specializes in, having architecture software that helps you in this endeavor can be a cost savings. With the software's help, you can plot possible remodels and changes on the house and determine if the changes would work.
Try: Chief Architect has software or remodelers. The information on the site is very informative.