SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture: The Step by Step Workflow of Nick Sonder

I would say that this book and the accompanying sample projects and template files are currently the best information that is out there related to Sketchup and architectural drawings. I believe it is required reading for anyone who is serious about producing quality construction drawings from Sketchup and Layout for a simple kitchen remodel to a large high end project.There are a lot of books and articles on Sketchup as well as other drawing programs that try to simplify the process of architectural drawing. You end up with something that produces great looking models that you are hard pressed to use on a real job. Modifying the system to work the way you want it to is a frustrating complicated process that produces unsatisfactory results. The difference with this book is it was written in collaboration with someone who has actually used the system extensively to design and build high end homes. What you end up with is something that shows you what is necessary and what is not and how to customize it to fit your needs. The simplified step-by-step workflow system can be used to produce black and white drawings for a garden shed on 8.5 x 11 paper up to color drawings for a multi-million dollar home on 36 x 48 paper.The book has a lot of information for the beginner but you will still need a basic understanding of how Sketchup and Layout work. There is a lot of online basic instruction for Sketchup or the author recommends his book Sketchup to Layout which I have not read. The book doesn't cover producing photo realistic renderings of the models. This involves using add-on programs that are named but not discussed in the book.

Let me say first, I'm a registered architect and wanted to move away from Autodesk products in creating my construction documents. I'd used SketchUp some in grad school, and since then to produce some basic virtual models. I had never used the Layout program, but was very excited at the prospect of creating CDs from a SketchUp model.I've followed this book step-by-step through most of my first attempt to create CDs with the SketchUp/Layout combination. It's been indispensable. I think the book will give you all the info you need on using the programs to produce construction drawings, if you have experience doing so in other formats and have some familiarity with SketchUp.If you don't know SketchUp, the basic version is available for no charge and is really quite a capable modeling program.Having said all this, the architect co-author Nick Sonders has a different way of designing & laying out documents than my firm, but that's not really a big deal. I've been able to use Mr. Sonders' & Mr. Donley's approach as a guide for using the programs, then as I've gotten more comfortable, adjusting that approach to better suit my way of working.

I recommend this book 100% satisfied, this book is easy to read, well explained. I feel challenge and encourage to get involved in this workflow but without get me intimidated.I think Nick and Matt have made an excellent team. I'm following Nick Sonder a couple of years ago on YouTube and I got in love for his work.Matt has done a great job explaining Nick's workflow in a simple way, but very clear and easy to understand.If you want to perfect your Sketchup and Layout experience with excellent results buy this book right now.

Nick's book is pretty good. The fact that Nick is an Architect and speaking from an Architect's viewpoint was very hopeful especially since he shows you how to organize your SketchUp and he does it using his Architectural knowledge too with regard to how to use just enough detail to get the best out of the software.

Indispensable book for anyone doing intermediate to advanced SketchUp Pro work. Believe me, you need this book. Donley and Sonder illustrate a very usable system and workflow. I teach SketchUP at the college level in which I have been using Donley's other book "SketchUp to LayOut" for a couple of years and this book takes it to the next level.

As a UK RIBA architect converting to Sketchup from Vector Works!!!! I found this book brilliant. It’s easy to follow, interesting, and has great graphics. The author (Nick Sounder) also provides all the template files for a project which saved me probably two days if I had to set them up myself. It’s also good for young architects to understand what is required to put a project package together for tender. So it covers two major topics in one book. I would recommend getting used to sketchup for a while with YouTube and a beginner book first, but you will improve very quickly to utilize Nicks book soon. I started SKetchup two months ago and I’m producing my first project with it akready, thanks to “Sketchup & Layout for Architecture”.

good book, SketchUp is a great, simple visual and accurate software which gains its power from things like the thoughtful workflow management that this book provides. Struggled to download the accompanying files.

must have for architectural and interior designers, waited for 2 years for this book to be released.

Really well laid out, and easy to follow. Been struggling a bit with producing really good quality drawings as well as just great images, but this books is relaxed about the whole process, enables you to have your own flexibility giving you a structure to follow.