Technology Tools

 The technology a design professional uses to provide their services can greatly affect

 the quality of those services, including the accuracy, cost, timeliness and usefulness of

 the finished product. Plans drafted on the computer (CAD) allow for speedy revisions

 and improved accuracy, as well as other advantages. Plans drafted by hand do not

 offer the same flexibility and accuracy.

 With plans drafted in 2-D, the elevations do not have to match the sections, and the

 sections do not have to match the floor plan, etc. Each view (sections, elevations, floor

 plan, roof plan, etc.) is independent of the other views. It’s not uncommon for plans

 drafted in 2-D to have a window / door shown in one place on the floor plan and

 another place on the elevations. This can result in costly and time-consuming field

 modifications.

 Plans drafted with CAD and in 3-D offer significant improvements over plans drafted in

 2-D. With 3-D CAD plans, everything is drawn once, saving time and increasing

 accuracy. A 3-D model can be used to provide a walk-through or even a photorealistic

 rendering.  

Ask the design professional:

1. Are your finished plans drafted by hand or by computer (CAD)?
2. Will the plans be in 2-D or 3-D? Is there an additional charge for 3-D?
3. Can you provide me with a photorealistic rendering?
4. Can you provide me with a walk-through video of my finished project?
5. Do you have the capability for internet conferencing / computer desktop sharing?
6. Are your CAD files compatible with those of other design professionals on the project?
7. Are you able to assist in providing a 3-D (physical) scale model of my project?

 The NorthStar Engineering Building Design Department uses 2-D and 3-D CAD for all

 projects. 2-D CAD is primarily used for all projects that only require engineering. 3-D

 CAD is primarily used for nearly all projects that require architectural design /

 renderings. We can provide you with photorealistic renderings, walk-throughs and

 assist with a obtaining a stereolithographic 3-D (physical) model of your project. We

 primarily use AutoCAD for the ultimate in compatibility with other disciplines.

 We have the capability for internet conferencing / computer desktop sharing, as well as

 the utilization of a project management website, to aid in the design process /

 communication throughout the project.

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