Already a common and popular tool for architects and landscape architects, SketchUp is increasingly finding a place in the professional workflow of interior designers. SketchUp for Interior Design is a practical introduction for interior designers and students who want to learn to use the software for their unique needs. The book covers the basics of creating 3D models before showing how to create space plans, model furniture, cabinetry, and accessories, experiment with colors and materials, incorporate manufacturers' models into project plans, and create final presentations and animated walk-throughs for clients. Each chapter includes clear explanations and helpful illustrations to make this an ideal introduction to the topic.

• Includes downloadable sample models and 39 tutorial videos
• Features sample questions and activities for instructors and additional online resources for students and self-learners
• Provides instruction on using SketchUp in both PC and Mac formats

Foreword

Chapter 1: What Is SketchUp and How Do Interior Designers Use It?

What Is SketchUp?

Who Uses It?

Is It Easy to Learn?

What Is SketchUp Used For?

Difference between Traditional CAD Drawings and Models

How SketchUp Displays the Model

Types of Models

What SketchUp Make (free) Can Do

What SketchUp Pro Can Do

Designers Using SketchUp

Summary

Further Resources

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Hardware, Operating System and Browser Requirements

The Video Card

The Space Navigator 3D Mouse

Use a Tablet PC

Download SketchUp Make

The Workspace

Run Multiple SketchUp Files at the Same Time

Save Options

Backup Files

Summary

Further Resources

Chapter 3: Exploring the Interface

Select or Change a Template

Add the Large Tool Set

The Select Tool

The Rectangle Tool

The Inference Engine

The Push/Pull Tool

Impute Numbers

The Pan and Orbit Tools

Modifier Keys

The Escape Key

The Zoom Tool

The Views Toolbar: Generate Orthographic Drawings

Select with Selection and Crossing Windows

Select with Single/Double/Triple Clicks and the Shift and Control Keys

The Move Tool

Customize the Desktop

Make a Custom Template

The Help Function

Manage Dialog Boxes

Summary

Further Resources

Exercises

Chapter 4: Modeling Furniture, Cabinetry and Accessories

Faces and Edges

The Eraser Tool and Erasing

The Pencil and Freehand Tools

The Move Tool

Stickiness

Groups

Causes of a Non-Filling Face

Color-Coordinate the Model’s Lines with the Axes by Changing the Edge Style Setting

Model a Table

Model a Bookcase

Model a Clock with Radial Array

Summary

Further Resources

Exercises

Chapter 5: Drafting, Modeling and Furnishing a Floor Plan

Prepare a Raster File for Import

Draft a Plan by Tracing a Raster Image

Trace Interior Walls

Edge Styles Again

From Plan to Model

Flashing Planes

Draft a Plan from a Paper Sketch

Interior vs. Exterior Models

Components in Single vs. Double Sided Walls

Create Plan and Elevation Views

Model a Building from an AutoCAD Plan

Interact with Revit, 20-20, and Other Programs

“Clipping” (Disappearing Geometry)

Model a Sloped Ceiling with the Protractor Tool

Summary

Further Resources

Exercises

Chapter 6 Modeling a Two-Story House Interior

Model the Shell and First Floor

Model the Second Floor

Model the Living Room

Model a Quick Cabinet

Model Crown Molding with the Follow Me Tool

Model a Stairs Guard

Edit a Downloaded Staircase

The Outliner

Summary

Further Resources

Exercises

Chapter 7 Painting with Colors, Textures and Photo-Matching

What is Painting?

Paint with Native SketchUp Materials

Paint with Textures

Paint the Stairs

Import Swatches from Other Models

Put New Colors and Textures Into the Software

Check Face Orientation on Painted Surfaces with Entity Info and Face Style

Apply a Real-Life Design Scheme to the Model

Import a Texture

Import an Image

Photo-Match an Interior Space

Summary

Further Resources

Exercises

Chapter 8 Enhancing and Presenting the Model

Annotate the Model: Dimensions and Text

Dimension a Floor Plan

Scenes

The Walk-Through Tools

What are Dynamic Components?

Save vs. Export

Enhance with Other Software

Enhance with Hand Rendering

Why SketchUp Runs Slow

Summary

Further Resources

Exercises

Chapter 9 Plug-ins and LayOut

What’s a Plugin?

LayOut

SketchUCation Forum