New to Articad - previous Vectorworks user

[KLMW]

Anyone that can direct me in the right direction I would be very grateful!

I have been using Vectorworks and since starting a new job we are trying to figure out which software to move forwards with that is both time effective and produces both high quality renders for selling and accurate drawings for contractors.

Currently I am playing with Articad V20 and we are also looking at Compusoft Winner as a contender however do no have access to this software to play with.

Our main needs are: 

- Accurate plans and elevations that are usable by both Clints, builders, contractors and are clear and precise. 
- Easy to do and visually great for selling purposes to the client.


Thanks in advance!
Katie

[Jayne Hiddleston]

Articad is definitely the best for render quality and visuals but I wouldn't say it was accurate enough to use for plans and elevations but that's just my opinion - others may disagree!

[Daniel]

That's interesting Jayne you say that.

It has always been my opinion that the kitchen specific cad programmes were fine for basic layouts and visuals for the client but lacked the accuracy for architectual style plans, elevations and build drawings that would be required on site.

I haven't used articad but I have used a number of other furniture specific programmes and in my opinion they do not come close to an industry wide professional programme like Vectorworks for functionality, flexibility or just general use.

KLMW, I would imagine coming from Vectorworks to one of these programmes might be a shock in terms of functionality.

Would be interested to hear others opinions on this as the above it just from my point of view.

[Jayne Hiddleston]

Thats what I'm saying Daniel, Articad is great for selling the concept -  I know I have sold jobs purely based on the fact the customers can visualise the space from seeing it on Articad - But once the kitchen is confirmed, the designs then goes to my manager who creates detailed technical drawings using his CAD software for the workshop boys to manufacture our cabinets. The program he uses is the same ones architects use. I would never rely on Articad elevations and plan views for being accurate enough to take to site but like I say - others with a lot more experience and knowledge than me might be able to do this.

[Daz Gizmo]

I think using a combination of software depending on the requirements of ourselves and the customer.
As Jayne has mentioned ArtiCAD has still got the edge over most of the competition for Render quality. (Sometimes we have to put more time in to get the results we want but this will improve)

I think ArtiCAD does a reasonable job with plans and elevations as some issues with overlapping dimensions can be rectified as we can edit positions or delete ones that are not required.

Yes, as Daniel has mentioned, we can be a little more restricted due to functionality but for most it's about the speed of getting a design done and what we pay for in these specific type of softwares is mostly the graphic catalogues of all the different door styles and finishes.

ArtiCAD is accurate to the Millimetre for graphic sizing and dimensions and to two decimel places for Drag and Drop positioning (like 1023.25mm). The drag and drop accuracy is helpful to confirm accurate snapping to adjacent units for example.

ArtiCAD has the RedSDK render engine which is used in other software packages like Artlantis and TurboCAD. I see Vectorworks uses the extremely capable Cinema 4D Render Engine.

I use a combination of ArtiCAD, TurboCAD and Sketchup Make.