Architectural design software

[Furu]

I have a software program called "Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000" that I have been using since 2009. It has done what I needed and I never updated it so it is OLD and out of date. I have a barn design that has to go through engineering and truss design and they have asked for a cross-section plan-view of my barn/shop plans and I can't get that from the program I have.
Does anyone have a design program that they use that does not have TOO steep of a learning curve that will provide cross-section views as well as the floor plans that are created?

 

[bmaverick]

I have a software program called "Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000" that I have been using since 2009. It has done what I needed and I never updated it so it is OLD and out of date. I have a barn design that has to go through engineering and truss design and they have asked for a cross-section plan-view of my barn/shop plans and I can't get that from the program I have.
Does anyone have a design program that they use that does not have TOO steep of a learning curve that will provide cross-section views as well as the floor plans that are created?

I use FreeCAD for this type of work. You built the 3D model of the building, then take the views into the drawing. Sectionals can be made by picking a view and using the section tool.

FreeCAD is a WorkBench based software. If you understand how WorkBench method uses modules, then the learning curve is easy. This is not SolidWorks nor Alibre nor Inventor. And FreeCAD is 100% FREE.

FreeCAD: Your own 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD, the open source 3D parametric modeler

www.freecad.org

 

[bmaverick]

and now, how to take the 3D building to a 2D drawing with views and sections.

 

[bmaverick]

FreeCAD also does gears, plastic parts, etc like any major CAD software does.

Need to replicate and re-make tractor parts ?

3D model the 4WD gears and shafts to be re-made at your local machine shop easily.
or
3D print dash panels, emblems, etc.

 

[Mike sandor]

I have used the below to design our new home. Pretty easy to learn! You can download a trial version. Crazy how powerful the software is.

Chief Architect | Architectural Home Design Software

Professional home design software for residential home design, interior design, and remodeling.

www.chiefarchitect.com

 

[Mike sandor]

I have used the below to design our new home. Pretty easy to learn! You can download a trial version. Crazy how powerful the software is.

Chief Architect | Architectural Home Design Software

Professional home design software for residential home design, interior design, and remodeling.

www.chiefarchitect.com

Check this one out instead as it also includes non profession software at a pretty low cost.

Home Designer | Home Design Software for DIY

DIY home design, interior design and remodeling software from the creators of Chief Architect. Create floorplans and visualize in 3D.

www.homedesignersoftware.com