SketchUp for Architecture Course

Lesson 1 • Navigating the 3D Viewport

Covers Orbit, Pan, and Zoom tools plus standard camera views. Fluent navigation is prerequisite for efficient modeling in every later chapter.

Lesson 2 • Using the Measurements Box

Teaches typed-value input for lengths, angles, and repetitions. Precise input is the foundation of dimensionally accurate architectural models.

Lesson 3 • Setting Up the SketchUp Workspace

Configure templates, units, and toolbar layouts for architectural workflows. Establishes a consistent environment used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 4 • Understanding the 3D Coordinate System

Introduces X, Y, Z axes and the inference engine that guides accurate placement. Directly supports precise drawing in all subsequent modeling tasks.

Lesson 1 • Push/Pull and Follow Me Tools

Converts flat faces into 3D volumes using Push/Pull and Follow Me. These tools are the primary method for generating architectural mass and profiles.

Lesson 2 • Tape Measure and Protractor Tools

Uses guide lines and guide points to set up accurate construction geometry. Guides ensure dimensional control before committing to permanent edges.

Lesson 3 • Move, Rotate, and Scale Tools

Teaches precise repositioning, rotation, and scaling of geometry and groups. Accurate transformation is essential for assembling complex building models.

Lesson 4 • Offset, Eraser, and Trim Operations

Covers edge offsetting, selective erasing, and trimming overlapping geometry. These editing operations refine raw shapes into clean architectural outlines.

Lesson 1 • Creating and Editing Groups

Covers group creation, double-click editing, and nesting for hierarchy. Groups isolate building elements like walls, slabs, and roofs from each other.

Lesson 2 • Layer and Tag Management

Organizes model elements using tags to control visibility and output. Proper tag structure is required for producing clean drawings and presentations.

Lesson 3 • Using the Component Browser

Navigates the built-in library and 3D Warehouse to source standard architectural parts. Sourcing ready-made components accelerates production modeling workflows.

Lesson 4 • Understanding Sticky Geometry

Explains how raw geometry merges on contact and why isolation is critical. This concept motivates the grouping and component strategies taught next.

Lesson 1 • Adding Doors and Windows

Cuts openings and inserts door and window components with parametric control. Accurate openings are critical for daylighting analysis and construction documents.

Lesson 2 • Columns, Beams, and Structural Details

Models repetitive structural members using components and the Copy tool. Structural accuracy improves coordination with engineering consultants.

Lesson 3 • Modeling Stairs and Ramps

Constructs straight-run stairs, landings, and accessible ramps with correct rise-run ratios. Vertical circulation elements must meet standard dimensional requirements.

Lesson 4 • Designing Roof Forms

Builds flat, shed, gable, and hip roof geometries using Push/Pull and Follow Me. Roof form directly affects massing, drainage, and building aesthetics.

Lesson 1 • Editing Material Properties

Modifies color, opacity, and texture within the material editor for custom finishes. Custom materials differentiate design proposals and support client presentations.

Lesson 2 • Applying Materials from the Library

Uses the Materials panel to paint faces with built-in material presets. Material assignment is the first step toward communicating design intent visually.

Lesson 3 • Shadow Studies and Sun Position

Configures geographic location and date-time to simulate accurate solar shadows. Shadow studies support site analysis and passive solar design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Configuring Visual Styles

Applies Monochrome, Shaded, X-Ray, and Sketchy Edge styles for varied outputs. Style selection shapes how drawings communicate at different design stages.

Lesson 1 • Exporting Images and Presentations

Exports high-resolution images and PDF presentations from scenes for client delivery. Professional export settings ensure output quality meets presentation standards.

Lesson 2 • Animating Scene Transitions

Configures transition speed and delay between scenes to create smooth walkthroughs. Animation settings directly affect the quality of exported video presentations.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Managing Scenes

Saves camera positions, styles, and tag states as named scenes for quick recall. Scenes are the backbone of SketchUp presentations and animation exports.

Lesson 4 • Setting Up Camera Views

Positions cameras with field of view, two-point perspective, and parallel projection. Camera setup determines how effectively a design reads in presentation.

Lesson 1 • Creating Title Blocks and Sheet Templates

Designs reusable title blocks with project data fields and company branding. Consistent title blocks establish professional identity across all drawing sheets.

Lesson 2 • Adding Dimensions and Annotations

Places linear and angular dimensions, labels, and callouts on drawing sheets. Annotations communicate critical information that the model geometry alone cannot convey.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to the LayOut Interface

Navigates LayOut's pages, layers, and tool panels as distinct from SketchUp. Understanding the interface prevents common workflow errors when linking model views.

Lesson 4 • Placing and Scaling Model Viewports

Inserts SketchUp scenes as scaled viewports and locks scale for accuracy. Correct scale is the foundation of legally and technically valid construction drawings.

Lesson 1 • Terrain and Site Modeling

Imports contour data and uses Sandbox tools to sculpt accurate site topography. Site modeling contextualizes the building within its landscape for client presentations.

Lesson 2 • Essential Extensions and Plugins

Installs and applies key extensions for parametric walls, roofs, and cleanup tasks. Extensions dramatically reduce manual modeling time on repetitive architectural elements.

Lesson 3 • Importing and Exporting CAD Files

Imports DWG floor plans as modeling references and exports geometry back to CAD. CAD interoperability is essential for collaboration with engineers and consultants.

Lesson 4 • Solid Tools for Boolean Operations

Uses Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Trim solid tools to create complex forms. Boolean operations enable precise volumetric manipulation not achievable with basic Push/Pull.