Design

The company combines engineering, interior design, artistry, engineering and CAD to provide a market leading creative and problem-solving service.

We use Vectorworks, enabling us to receive and import/export DWG/DXF drawing formats from many other CAD applications such as Autocad and Microstation.  The versatile PDF format is used extensively to distribute information, particularly useful for those clients who don't have easy access to the more specialist software or viewers.

The nature of our work means 3D modelling is a central component to our design processes.  This is a useful tool throughout the contract, demonstrating to our clients, production facilities and site installation team how the proposed solution fits together.

More about Vectorworks for the technically minded:

VectorWorks offers a full range of 2D, 3D, production management and presentation capabilities for all phases of the design process.  In addition to offering traditional CAD tools, VectorWorks goes beyond CAD and allows its users to design with real-world components.  Users can sketch ideas with lines, arcs, and circles, then build and document designs with real-world objects, such as walls and windows, cabinets and stairs, plants and patterned walkways, lights and trusses, and more.  The objects automatically display both in 2D and 3D views.  VectorWorks 3D models can be generated out of 2D drawings, and vice versa.

VectorWorks is able to communicate with other applications via DXF/DWG file translation and by importing and exporting a variety of file formats which include SketchUp®, 3ds, Shapefile/SHP, JPG, TIF, EPS, GIF, and BMP.  Support for IGS, SAT, and STL allows users to send VectorWorks models to 3D printers and rapid prototyping machines.

Automatic data tracking capabilities allows users to generate schedules, reports and materials lists based on the information contained in a design.  Advanced graphics capabilities allow users to create client presentations and sketch rendering technology enables hard-lined drawings to take the appearance of soft, hand-sketched illustrations.

For more advanced 3D rendering capabilities, the plug-in RenderWorks provides both realistic and artistic effects. Some of the technology incorporated in RenderWorks includes radiosity, raytracing, solar animation, non-photorealistic rendering, volumetric lighting, physical lights and area lights, a library of more than 1,250 textures, advanced texture mapping, background images, free image props, atmospheric effects and Macintosh® and Windows® support for QuickTime VR.