3D Software Architect (6-Month Program)

Course Overview

Master the principles of 3D design, system organization, and architectural visualization using SketchUp. Learn modeling, textures, materials, animation, and terrain creation for real-world design projects.

Duration: 24 weeks
Rating: 4.8 / 5
800+ Students

Detailed Syllabus

1: SketchUp Interface & Fundamentals

  • Introduction to SketchUp interface and workspace setup
  • Navigating the 3D environment and camera views
  • Walking around, orbiting, panning, and zooming
  • Creating shadows, fog, and lighting perspectives
  • Creating and managing scenes for presentations
  • Selecting, moving, scaling, and rotating objects
  • Manipulating faces, edges, and geometry
  • Using advanced selection tools efficiently

Tools: SketchUp

2: Drawing & Modeling in 3D

  • Line tool fundamentals and 3D line drawing
  • Using rectangles, circles, polygons, and arcs
  • Extruding shapes with Push/Pull tool
  • Offset and Follow Me tools for advanced modeling
  • Creating text and annotations in 3D
  • Softening and smoothing round edges
  • Using guides and construction tools for precision
  • Creating cross sections and cutaways

Tools: SketchUp, Layout

3: Scene Organization & Components

  • Grouping objects and creating reusable components
  • Managing and organizing models with layers/tags
  • Using the Outliner for complex scene hierarchy
  • Hiding, unhiding, locking, and unlocking geometry
  • Organizing large architectural projects efficiently
  • Model optimization and cleanup best practices

Tools: SketchUp Pro

4: Importing & Integrations

  • Importing 3D models from Google Warehouse (3D Warehouse)
  • Importing and managing landscape components
  • Integrating SketchUp models with Google Earth
  • Working with Dynamic Components and their parameters
  • Creating interactive architectural objects

Tools: 3D Warehouse, Google Earth

5: Textures, Materials & Mapping

  • Applying and editing materials in SketchUp
  • Creating custom materials and textures
  • Mapping images on surfaces and curved geometries
  • Projecting bitmap images for realistic visualization
  • Handling transparency and reflectivity in designs
  • Rendering workflows for presentation-ready models

Tools: SketchUp, V-Ray (optional), Adobe Photoshop

6: Styles, Animation & Terrain Creation

  • Applying and customizing visual styles
  • Creating and saving custom style templates
  • Animating scenes and camera paths
  • Creating smooth scene transitions and walkthroughs
  • Using the Sandbox tool to create terrain
  • Generating contour lines and surface topology
  • Sculpting terrain with the Smoove tool
  • Stamping and draping buildings or roads on terrain
  • Final project: complete architectural environment design

Tools: SketchUp, Sandbox Tools

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