By Alex Altieri, Associate Copywriter at Vectorworks, Inc.

*This post originally appeared on the Planet Vectorworks blog by Alex Altieri, Content Marketing Writer at Vectorworks, Inc. 

Many architects and designers rely on 2D CAD workflows because of their familiarity.

And that’s valid. There’s nothing wrong with finishing projects in the way that’s most comfortable.

If you fall into this group, it’s important to recognize that even these 2D CAD workflows are evolving to contain aspects of information modeling (BIM) processes. You might be surprised to hear that you’re likely already doing aspects of BIM without even knowing it.

It’s because BIM is smart, and software developers recognize that.

Take simple objects like walls, doors, and windows for example. In Vectorworks more accurately referred to as a design and BIM software instead of 2D CAD — these objects are parametric, containing information like height, width, material, and so on.

Without even recognizing it as “BIM,” an innate feature of the software is to carry these parameters over into worksheets and documentation sets. That’s BIM — modeling with information — whether you know it or not!

Given the fact that you’re already likely doing aspects of a BIM workflow, let’s explore some of the ways to simplify BIM and make it work for you!

Read the rest of You’re Probably Doing BIM Without Knowing It!

Today’s designers, without a doubt, need superior tools to maximize their creative expressions and bring their visions to life. They have brilliant ideas, unique thoughts and creative visions; and the last thing they need is software that slows them down. At Vectorworks, design is at the heart of everything we do because exceptional design demands exceptional tools. We recently released the 2022 version of Vectorworks and with every release we continue to make our software work better for designers across the globe, promising the freedom to determine workflows.

With the release of Vectorworks 2022, we also introduced a new tagline: Design without limits™ and this release is the culmination that reinforces our commitment to always emphasize product quality improvements, superior performance and the user experience. It’s a comment on our development philosophy and the experience the software gives designers. It also means that Vectorworks is driven by providing design freedom and encouraging creative ideas rather than getting in the way of bringing them to fruition.

Read the rest of See How You Can Design Without Limits With Vectorworks

Carter Hartong, Associate Content Marketing Writer at Vectorworks

This article is adapted from an original blog post written by Vectorworks Associate Content Marketing Writer Carter Hartong.

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The American Institute of Architecture Conference is a greatly anticipated event and is often a highlight of many designers’ years. Each conference provides new opportunities to learn, receive industry updates and network — all in the name of growing as a designer.

Vectorworks is beyond excited to participate in this year’s four-day immersive digital experience, with activities spread throughout the summer. On July 8, Vectorworks Senior Architect Product Specialist Luis M. Ruiz helped designers discover how to sketch, draw and model in a fully integrated BIM workflow using only Vectorworks Architect’s tools. From parametric objects and custom 3D modeling to presentation, rendering and document, Ruiz demonstrated how Vectorworks brings efficiency to workflows and data-rich insights to the full design process.

A picture containing text, sign, outdoor Description automatically generated (Courtesy of Vectorworks, Inc.)

Read the rest of How Designers Can Amplify Change – Vectorworks Presents at AIA Conference on Architecture 2021

Professionals in the AEC industry are called upon every day to bring innovative ideas, designs and solutions forth for their customers. This means that the very tools architects, landscape architects and design professionals use to bring their groundbreaking creations to life must also constantly evolve to best serve their needs. Vectorworks, Inc. recently launched their Partner Network that strives to do just that—connect innovators across the architecture, landscape architecture and entertainment industries to combine resources and form a diverse ecosystem that improves product offerings and shares them with wider audiences. What exactly does this mean? It means that Vectorworks has developed a system built off decades of successful partnerships with other key companies from around the world to incorporate stunning software and hardware integrations into the Vectorworks product line, providing adaptable solutions for every type of designer and their workflow.

Read the rest of Taking Your Designs to New Heights with the Vectorworks Partner Network

By Alex Altieri, Associate Copywriter at Vectorworks, Inc.

*This post originally appeared on NextHaus Alliance’s website and the Planet Vectorworks blog.

As part of the organization’s 2030 Commitment, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) encourages its members to design all carbon-neutral buildings by 2030. This means that architects need to start thinking about designing sustainable structures if they haven’t already.

Nathan Kipnis, FAIA, principal of Kipnis Architecture + Planning and founding member of NextHaus Alliance, has not only been thinking about sustainable structures, but designing them since he built his first solar home at age 22.

Today, as the national co-chair of the 2030 Commitment Working Group and a recognized leader in sustainable architecture and design, Kipnis is working with homeowners and commercial building owners to create structures that are as beautiful as they are resilient and aligned with 2030 carbon-neutral goals.

Read the rest of Stunning and Sustainable: Designing for Beauty and Resilience