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Digital design with computer-aided drafting

Digital design with computer-aided drafting

by | Jan 8, 2020 | Design Software

A message from our Corporate Partner, Cabinets by Computer

To think of older days of design, you think of a thick, full sketchbook full of days and hours of work. You think of a skilled and creative designer who could conjure a client’s design with a pencil and a perfectly descriptive conversation. The skill, creativity and beautiful presentation are very much present in modern design. Time and effort undoubtedly remain as well, however, the amount of content and quality that can be produced with that same effort has increased vastly with the progress in software that allows more designers to put their pencils aside.

Modern technology and advancements are also allowing designers to offer a full solution to their clients, bridging a gap between design and production that previously relied on networking and connections.

With software solutions more affordable and widely available, a small designer can compete with the major studios in both quality and efficiency. The simplicity and ease of use offered by modern design solutions allow even inexperienced designers to provide clients with beautiful and expressive designs. Meanwhile experienced designers can take a step above to create and send near photo-realistic designs to their clients within a greatly reduced timeframe.

Becoming a full solution

3D Design Software has an obviously clear presence and awareness in the design industry, allowing faster design time and easier connection and correspondence with clients. However, modern software and services provides designers with an even greater connection that many are still unaware of. A connection to the manufacturing and production professionals that can allow designers to offer a full service to their clients.

Many industries have relied on an aspect of “who you know” which involves developing industry connections in order to increase your level of service. Sometimes it can be hard to initially find these connections and get your foot in the door. In the past, this would have held many business back but modern platforms such as goCabinets offered by Cabinets by Computer are able to quickly and efficiently connect designers and other professionals with a local manufacturer who can cut your custom cabinetry.

You won’t need to write detailed cutting lists as online platforms are making it simpler and clearer to define what you need. Simply selecting required units and specifying your custom height, width and more allows you to generate an instant quote based on your selections. You can then apply a mark-up, get your own quote accepted by your client and organise for flat packs to be delivered straight to your client.

Accessibility is what modern solutions have provided to more of the design industry.   Up-and-comers are able to produce stunning designs and reduce the risk of losing a client. All studios can now upsell to their clients a complete solution by not just designing a stunning kitchen but by sending the cabinetry straight to their door. The days of pen and paper may conjure fond memories but the present and future have eyes on the screen.

To find out more how goCabinet can help your business follow the link: https://gocabinets.com.au/

 

How to light up your interiors

How to light up your interiors

by | Dec 4, 2019 | Design Software, Lighting

Decorating and redesigning your client’s home interior is not only about placing the right furniture or giving the walls and floors an elegant finish. You may spend loads of your client’s money on these things, but the finished interior could be a little lacklustre without well thought out lighting elements.

Good lighting, when matched strategically with furniture, upholstery, and finishes, can significantly enhance the beauty of your interiors. While in the past selecting lighting may have been an expensive ‘trial and error’ exercise, today it’s a simple case of combining the following tips with your 3D rendering tools.

Four ways to light up a room

Enhance Finishes

Wall colours can be enhanced with carefully selected lighting. A yellow (warm) light will make red, orange and yellow hues more vivid, but will subdue or mute blues and greens. Cool lights, on the other hand, will enrich colours on the cooler end of the spectrum.

Layered lighting can allow a variety of moods within one space. For instance, for a warm and cozy glow, play with positioning lampshades with a yellow (warm) tinted bulb at the corners of a room. To brighten up and enliven the same space, locate a vibrant fluorescent bulb in the centre of the room – on separate switching, of course – and see how the area is affected.

Illuminate with Style

The primary purpose of interior lighting is to illuminate the room. You can, however, add some decorative style with a variety of luminaires.

Take, for example, a chandelier in the foyer of your client’s home. It will offer bright and practical lighting for the entrance, while at the same time oozing elegance and class. A plain LED bulb would illuminate the space, but could be a missed opportunity for making a statement.

Highlight Elements in the Room

If you’ve spent time, effort, and a chunk of your client’s budget to design an eye-catching gallery, but haven’t carefully considered the lighting in this space, you could be doomed for a fail.

When preparing your CAD renders, experiment with various angles of light, and demonstrate to your client how their gallery walls will be highlighted in precisely the right spots.

Create the Illusion of Space

In condominium units or tiny flats, lighting is particularly important. Natural lighting in multi-residential developments can often be lacking, making an already small space look even more confined. With artfully rendered interior images, you can demonstrate to your clients how an enlarged window, new opening and thoughtful lighting plan can combine to create the illusion of an expanded space.

There are many ways to make lighting work to great effect in your clients’ homes. With a little understanding and creativity, and the powerful tool (literally) at your fingertips, you’ll be lighting up each and every project.

Contact Cabinets by Computer to find out how you can implement lightning effects using our 3D kitchen design software, KD – Max.

Tools of the visual trade

Tools of the visual trade

by | Nov 7, 2019 | Design Software

A message from our Corporate Plus Partner, Cabinets by Computer

In today’s high-tech and fast-paced world, the creative process can be compromised.

The inspiration and creative process of design take time and consideration, yet many clients are accustomed to instant gratification in modern life. Although speed and quality may at times seem contrasting, both functions need to coexist in order to survive in this highly competitive environment.

IF I CAN’T SEE IT, I WON’T BELIEVE IT!

Modern design software effectively meets the client’s desire for realistic, quality designs as well as providing ‘in the moment’ results. Programs such as Cabinets by Computer’s KD Max allow designers to address client’s impatience by involving them in the design process.

The biggest ‘wow’ factor software design tools like KD Max provide is a visual experience for clients. Having the ability to drag, drop and move products around in your kitchen design software is a great way to show clients your creative abilities while the design takes shape with speed. Get instant feedback and input from your client and leave them with an initial visualisation of their design within minutes rather than hours or days.

“Easy to create 3D renders can assist in selling more designs much faster to potential clients. More consumers are wanting photo-realistic 3D views of their kitchens before a purchase decision is made,” says Brodie Airey, Senior KD Max consultant.

While simple processes and lightning-fast rendering options allow you to present your quality designs to clients in the moment, you don’t lose your ability to show your designs at an even more advanced level. Without the need to redraw a design, a simple change in settings can utilise photon rendering to present ultra-realistic designs.

Today’s 3D design software often draws from thousands of product catalogues to create images that accurately display what the finished product will look like.

“Providing clients with 3D Renderings is a sure way to impress and secure jobs,” says Brodie.

From ease of use, scaled rendering, videos and virtual reality scenes to instantly generated plans and elevations, innovative design software like KD Max provide streamlined efficiencies and enhanced presentation that you simply cannot put a price tag on.

There is a direct correlation between a happy client and a successful project. It’s one thing to have a beautiful and functional space at the end of a project, but most importantly, the process and experience throughout the project must be positive.

Learn more about KD Max here.