I

SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

The step by step workflow of Nick Sonder

Written by: Matt Donley and Nick Sonder

II SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

The step by step workflow of Nick Sonder

Published by:
Bizfound, LLC
24 Michael Drive
Bristol, RI 02809
www.bizfound.com

Copyright © 2016 by Bizfound, LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this publication or sample projects may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, re-
cording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission
of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and
certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests,
send an email to matt@mastersketchup.com

Ordering Information:
Visit www.sketchupbook.com for ordering information.

Credits:
Photography: Vance Fox Photography www.vancefox.com

Limit of Liability/No warranty expressed or implied

Neither the author nor the publisher will be held liable for any damages arising from
advice taken from this publication.

v1.0

Special Thanks to: Bill Keck, Larry Zent, Linda Farmer, Bill & Meg Connors, and the
entire SketchUp team.
 III

We dedicate this book to our loving families.

IV SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture
 V

Contents Client Program 53

A Note From Matt Donley VII Other Information 53
A Note From Nick Sonder VII Starting a New Project 54
Project Folder 54
Introduction 11 Title Blocks 55
Who is the Intended Audience? 11
Prerequisites 17 Existing Site Model 58
What Will You Learn? 18 SketchUp Site Model 59
Included With Book 20 Importing CAD Site Survey 60
Organizing the Site Survey 63
Workflow 23 Importing Non-CAD Site Survey 68
Why SketchUp?  23 Geolocating the Site 75
Optimizing Contour Lines 82
Overview24 Sandbox Tools 86
Design Phases  24 Generating Terrain from Contours 87
Project Organization 26 Hiding Terrain Edges 90
Starting With a Template 27 Draping Entities Onto Terrain 92
Project Map 31 Trees and Vegetation 94
LayOut Files 32 Tree Graphics From SketchUp 97
Rendering 35 Inserting Trees on the Site 99
Level of Detail 37 Model Review 100
Defining Level of Detail 37
Separating Detail Models 39 Existing Site Plans 101
Scenes for LayOut 103
Organization40 LayOut Site Plan 105
Layer Principles 40 Exploding Boundary Lines 113
Layer Naming 41 Tree Graphics From Scrapbooks 115
Assigning Layers 42 Tips & Tricks 117
Outliner 44 The Site Visit 121
Keyboard Shortcuts 45
Schematic Design 123
Getting Started 49
Objectives123
Objectives49 Schematic Design Drawings 125
Site Plan 50
Building Model 126
Predesign Information 51 Floors 128
Site Survey 51 Walls 142
VI SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

Stairs 149 Examples260

Roofing 155 Design Development Documents 265
Foundation  164
Windows & Doors 167 Documentation 267
Decks & Patios 176
Materials/Textures 177 Objectives267
Furniture/Other 183 Construction Documents 268
Schematic Site Model 186 Project Data 270
Driveway 186 Construction & Utilities Site Plan 272
Grading Terrain 200 Grading Plan 276
BMP Site Plan 278
Section Cuts 206 BMP Details 280
The Look 207 Landscape Site Plan 282
Two Scenes Per View 210 Floor Plans 284
Creating Linework 212 Reflected Ceiling Plans 290
Door & Window Schedules 294
Schematic Documents 216
Exterior Elevations 301
Template Scene Adjustments 216
Building Sections 303
Overview 222
Sections template model 306
Cover Page 223
Construction Details 311
Exterior Perspectives 225
Interior Elevations 317
Site Plan 227
MPE Plans 321
Floor Plans 233
Roof Plan 238 LayOut Tips 323
Exterior Elevations 239 Text 323
Label Tool 324
Design Development 243 Dimensions 325
Smart Grouping 326
Objectives243 Scrapbooks 327
Adding Detail 245 Implementation335
Windows/Doors  245
Baseboard/Trim 248
Roof Details 250
Index 337
Roof Intersections 252
Kitchen/Bath 257
Lights 259
Site grading 260
 VII

A Note From Matt Donley

Through countless phone calls, screen-shares, and hundreds of emails, Nick and I
worked together to perfect the workflow that I have documented for you in this book.
Since I lack first-hand experience as an architect, I was excited to be able to collaborate
with Nick. Nick is an architect out of Truckee, California using SketchUp and LayOut
exclusively in his architectural firm. I first learned about his work when the SketchUp
team interviewed him in a case study video (www.sketchupbook.com/sondervideo),
where he showed examples of his amazing custom homes designed using SketchUp and
LayOut.
I had the chance to meet Nick at the 2012 SketchUp Basecamp Conference in
Colorado. I sat in on his presentation, and I could see then how his work would serve as
proof to the world how powerful SketchUp is as an architectural design tool. Up to that
point, I had never seen anyone create drawings like that from a SketchUp model. He
designed and documented the entire project without ever touching AutoCAD.
Over the next couple of years, we stayed in touch through email and the occasional
phone call, but it was not until the next SketchUp Basecamp Conference where we
sparked the idea of writing a book together. I had just finished writing my first book,
SketchUp to LayOut. I really wanted to create something specifically geared towards
architectural design, but I lacked the experience to be able to write it on my own.
By working together on this book, we were able to create something better than
what either of us could have created on our own. Nick was able to contribute his years
of experience as an architect, as well as his journey in trying and testing out various
techniques and workflows using SketchUp and LayOut.
I took the role as the apprentice, asking questions and learning along the way. This
was a valuable role to serve, because I was able to experience Nick’s workflow from the
perspective of a beginner. This enabled me to identify obstacles that other beginners may
find challenging. My experience creating tutorials on Mastersketchup.com, as well as
writing my first book, served me well in communicating Nick’s entire workflow in this
book.

A Note From Nick Sonder

SketchUp is a program originally developed to be a simple, straightforward 3D
program...3D for everyone. In my business, I have always adopted the principles of
VIII SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

simplicity. SketchUp brought another avenue to allow me to strengthen this principle.

This book details my approach of utilizing native SketchUp techniques, highlighting the
strength of simplicity inherent with this design program.
While many plugins offer shortcuts and speed, their application in customized
work can lead to complexity in the model. Many of us in the design field were trained
with AutoCAD and other complex drafting systems. I actually graduated college when
AutoCAD was in its infancy, so I was primarily trained using manual hand techniques.
Even though I used AutoCAD for 20 years, the complexity has always left me feeling as
though we had stepped too far from the hand-drawing aspect of our field.
Focusing primarily on the native aspects of SketchUp allows me to keep control
over the complexity of the model, especially when it comes to layering and composition
of groups and components. I have found many plugins automatically create complex
layering systems that are often difficult to manage. Much of this stems from what we
were all taught with AutoCAD where just about every element had a separate layer on
which it was placed. With SketchUp, I looked at how I would organize the model for
both editing and presentation. Once you clarify that aspect of your model, you can
determine the level of layering needed.
3D modeling has offered designers the ability to literally build the design. One needs
to be cautious of this ability as you understand how the project is implemented. The level
of detail that you strive for should reflect the deliverables you propose.
I have often been asked if my 3D construction details were derived from my building
models. This would be much too cumbersome, as my drawings typically are presented
to the contractors and building officials at ¼” = 1’-0”. At that scale, the level of detail is
somewhat simple. Going to a higher level of detail in that model would create a lot of
work that serves no function. Understanding what can be perceived at that scale helps
you designate your level of detail. Maintaining this process allows for very efficient
models that are much more manageable in every respect, both editing and documenting.
Organization and simplicity allow architects to spend more time designing and less
time concerned over producing documentation to convey that design. For my practice,
SketchUp and LayOut allowed me to strive for and achieve this goal.
I am confident the workflow presented here, in this book, will allow you to do the
same.
 IX

Figure 1-1
Sample
project
designed in
SketchUp.

Figure 1-2
Sample
project
rendered in
LumenRT.
 Introduction

Who is the Intended Audience?

Would you like to be able to design and document an entire project using SketchUp
and LayOut? Are you wondering if it is possible to completely eliminate traditional CAD
from your workflow? This book details an entire workflow, step by step, to show you that
it is possible to use SketchUp and LayOut to design at a level of detail and simplicity not
easily achievable in traditional CAD software.
Figure 2-1
Projects of
any size can
be designed
in SketchUp
and LayOut.

The primary purpose of this book is to show you an efficient method to model
and document an entire building using native SketchUp tools, and SketchUp’s
complimentary program, LayOut. You will be able to build 3D models that can be used
for both rendering and construction documentation. You will learn specific techniques
for modeling each part of the building, and the workflow of an entire project from
concept to completion.
12 SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

By the end of this book, you can apply what you have learned immediately to your
next project. While Nick’s work detailed in this book is residential, he has successfully
utilized this same process in commercial work including fire stations, office and retail
space.
Like a paintbrush, SketchUp is a tool that can be used many different ways. This
book will focus on the workflow that Nick has perfected over years of custom home
design. Just keep in mind, there is no “one way” to approach a project. We expect and
encourage you to adapt this workflow for your own needs and preferences.
Figure 2-2
An example
of a project
designed
using
SketchUp
and LayOut.

The following pages highlight a few of the projects that Nick has designed using the
same workflow you are about to learn using SketchUp and LayOut exclusively. You will
be able to produce similar results on your own projects using what you learn in this book.
Introduction 13
14 SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture
Introduction 15
16 SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture
 Introduction 17

Prerequisites
One concept that is mentioned throughout the book is simplicity. There are a lot of
great plugins for SketchUp that can provide additional functionality, but this workflow
focuses on native SketchUp tools. A lot of plugins introduce complex layering systems or
force you to organize your model a certain way. It is important to have full control over
the organization of your model, so we have hand-picked a small selection of optional
plugins that can benefit your workflow without adding complexity.
Although this is not a beginner’s book on how to use SketchUp or LayOut, we will
include step by step instructions where necessary, in order for you to be able to practice
specific techniques important to the workflow.
You should be comfortable navigating and modeling in SketchUp. You should
understand how SketchUp layers, groups, and components work (Although a small
refresher is included in the book.) In LayOut, you should know how to create a new
document, insert a SketchUp model, and add some basic dimensions and annotations.
Figure 2-3
An example
of a project
designed
using
SketchUp
and LayOut.

The book will skip over the basics in order to fit in the complete workflow from
start to finish. In most cases, the step by step instructions provided in this book can be
followed by even a novice, so do not feel intimidated if you lack extensive SketchUp
experience.
18 SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

If you are brand new to LayOut, and would like a more comprehensive guide on all
of LayOut’s tools, including a well defined process for preparing your SketchUp model
for LayOut, I recommend my first book, SketchUp to LayOut, available at
www.SketchUptoLayOut.com.
Figure 2-4
Custom
home by
Nick Sonder
designed
using
SketchUp &
LayOut.

What Will You Learn?

Throughout this book, you will learn all of the skills and workflows necessary to
model and document an entire project in SketchUp and LayOut. By the end of this
book, you will be able to do the following:
99 Build a quick schematic model to communicate the general design intent, and to
work out the general spaces in your design.
99 Use multiple SketchUp models to split up your project and take advantage of
better scene and section cut management.
 Introduction 19

99 Create a complete SketchUp model of a building that can be used for generating
rendered images or animations, as well as construction documents in LayOut.
99 Specific techniques for approaching common construction assemblies like floors,
walls, windows/doors, roofs, kitchens, and finishes.
99 Create a site model, which includes landscape elements like trees, vegetation, and
driveways, as well as important site survey information such as setbacks and property
lines.
99 Build a library of construction details that can be adapted for each project.
99 Create and customize SketchUp and LayOut templates in order to save time and
increase consistency.
99 Leverage the use of scrapbooks in LayOut in order to organize your workflow,
save time, and reduce redundant work.
99 Build construction schedules in LayOut.
99 Completely annotate and dimension a set of drawings in LayOut.
Figure 2-5
Custom
home by
Nick Sonder
designed
using
SketchUp &
LayOut.
20 SketchUp & LayOut for Architecture

Included With Book

Throughout this book, you will see references to a real project that Nick has designed
and executed. The project files are included with the purchase of this book, as well as a
set of template files that you can customize for your own use.

Figure 2-6
2D plans
are created
in LayOut
using a 3D
SketchUp
model.

The following is a list of the files that are included with the book:

Sample Project
The book follows through a sample project from start to finish. You can download
the completed project.

SketchUp sample files

99 MC364_Building.skp, MC364_Site.skp, MC364_RCP.skp, MC364_Sections.
skp, MC364_Interior Elevations.skp
LayOut sample files
99 MC364_0_cover.LayOut, MC364_A0_Data.LayOut, MC364_A0_Perspective.
LayOut, MC364_A1_Site.LayOut, MC364_A2_Floor plans.LayOut, MC364_A2_
 Introduction 21

MC364_Reflected ceiling plans.LayOut, MC364_A2_Schedules.LayOut, MC364

A3_Elevations.LayOut, MC364 A4_Assemblies.LayOut, MC364 A5_Interior
Elevations.LayOut, A8_Exterior Details.LayOut, A9_Interior Details.LayOut,
MPE0_General.LayOut, MPE2_Lighting Plans.LayOut, MPE2_Power & Signal.
LayOut

Template Files
In addition to the sample files, you will be given a set of blank SketchUp and LayOut
template files that you can customize and use on your own projects. The use of templates
is key to this workflow, so you will need to download them in order to follow along in
the book.
SketchUp template files
99 Building.skp, Site.skp, RCP.skp, Sections.skp, Interior Elevations.skp
LayOut template files
99 0_cover.LayOut, A0_Data.LayOut, A0_Perspective.LayOut, A1_Site.LayOut,
A2_Floor plans.LayOut, A2_Reflected ceiling plans.LayOut, A2_Schedules.LayOut,
A3_Elevations.LayOut, A4_Assemblies.LayOut, A5_Interior Elevations.LayOut,
A8_Exterior Details.LayOut, A9_Interior Details.LayOut, MPE0_General.LayOut,
MPE2_Lighting Plans.LayOut, MPE2_Power & Signal.LayOut
Figure 2-7
SketchUp
and LayOut
template
files
provided
with book.