Elevate your design capabilities with our five-day AutoCAD and SketchUp course, tailored for beginners in interior design and architecture. This hands-on course combines the precision of 2D drafting with the creativity of 3D modelling, equipping you with essential skills to create professional 2D drawings and 3D visuals.
Days 1 to 3 - AutoCAD
You will start the course with AutoCAD, the industry benchmark for accurate drafting. Over the three days, you’ll learn to navigate the interface, master essential 2D tools, and create detailed plans, elevations and sections. Step-by-step exercises will guide you through using line types, layers, reusable content, scales and dimensioning techniques, ensuring your work meets industry standards. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped with the confidence and skills to produce professional 2D drawings effectively.
Days 4 to 5 - SketchUp
Transition seamlessly to SketchUp, an intuitive software for creating 3D models from 2D drawings. Over two days, you’ll explore SketchUp’s user-friendly interface and powerful features, including groups, components and custom materials. Learn to import AutoCAD files, create 3D models, and enrich your designs with SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse, scenes and styles.
Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from personalised guidance from our experienced tutor who will help you master workflows and troubleshoot challenges. Hands-on practice will ensure you build your expertise and confidence in each software.
By the end of this 5-day course, you’ll gain a robust foundation in both AutoCAD and SketchUp, ready to tackle projects with confidence. Whether you’re starting your design journey or aiming to enhance your skills, this course is your gateway to mastering 2D drafting and 3D modelling. Join us to unlock your potential and bring your designs to life!
Topics covered:
Days 1 to 3 - AutoCAD
- What is AutoCAD
- Understanding AutoCAD’s Workflow
- Differences between PC and MAC user interfaces
- Differences between Drawing files and Templates
- Overview of the User Interface
- Navigation tools and methods
- Selection methods
- Using and personalising a Template
- Drawing Utilities
- Understanding and using Commands
- Drawing tools
- Editing tools
- Drawing accurately to specific dimensions and angles
- Configuring Object Snaps and Object Snap Tracking drawing aids
- Using Inquiry commands
- Importance of using layers: Organising drawings
- Creating Layers and setting the: Line Weights, Line Types, Colours
- Assigning and moving objects to the correct layers
- Layer visibility
- Creating, using and editing reusable objects - Blocks
- Resources for downloading free blocks
- Working with Layouts
- Adding Dimensions and Annotations to your drawings
- Applying Hatching
- Printing/Plotting your drawings to PDFs
Days 4 and 5 – SketchUp
- What is SketchUp
- Differences between PC & MAC Toolbar and Tray settings
- Exploring and using the default Templates
- Overview of the User Interface
- Navigation tools and methods
- Selection methods
- 2D drawing tools
- Editing tools
- Tape Measure tool
- Understanding and Using Inferencing
- 3D modelling tools
- Importing and tracing AutoCAD drawings
- Creating a 3D model from a 2D plan
- Groups and Components
- Trays: Instructor, Entity Info and Outliner
- Showing and Hiding objects
- Creating Door and Window openings
- Modelling Cornices and Skirting
- Applying, Editing and Creating bespoke Materials
- 3D Warehouse
- Customising objects imported from 3D Warehouse
- Applying Materials to curved surfaces
- Creating and editing Section Planes
- Camera Tools
- Setting and Saving Scenes
- Applying Styles
- Export visuals for presentations
All computer-aided design courses are taught on PC computers.
Course Outcomes:
- Understand and use AutoCAD and SketchUp’s user interface
- Gain experience in using the two software in tandem to create a drawing package
This introductory-level course is open to applicants with an understanding of technical drawing skills and confident computer skills. All computer aided design courses are taught on PC computers. This course is taught by an expert tutor who teaches on the degree courses at West Dean/KLC.
Included
A PC will be provided for each student for use throughout the course.
What students need to bring
Notebook and pen
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 10am–4.15pm
Students arrive 9.30am-10.00am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 10am-1pm
Lunch break 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm–4.15pm (15 minute break)
Teaching finishes 4.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected]
This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.