This software allows you to lay out a set of 2D plans and then view the construction as a 3D model. You build walls, place windows and doors, baths and worktops and furniture. You can even landscape the grounds and put a garden in. You can enter real measurements and print out plans which an architect would be able to use. When you are finished your dream home you can even place cameras and render a 3D movie of the house from various angles, inside and out, with texture effects and lighting. The cover shows a couple of photorealistic screenshots of amazing houses built using the software.
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Getting started is simple enough, select a new project, stick four walls together and whack in a window. You have your first room. I’ve always enjoyed designing buildings; I used to sketch on paper when I was a youngster. I spent hours building complex houses for my Sims. When I eventually got a job as a game designer I would get lost in constructing 3D environments for first-person shooters. I have even tried out 3D modelling packages like Maya which are used to create the detailed models for games. With all of that experience I figured this software would be a breeze to use and I’d be creating stunning fantasy homes in no time. I was wrong.
Grand Design 3D Renovation and Interior is an impressively deep piece of software. As soon as the interface loads with rows of icons stretching off as far as the eye can see you know you are in for a learning experience. The range of features is astounding and even navigating through the choice of views and grid set ups was a lengthy process. There is a thick booklet provided which is handy and tutorial help can be accessed which I strongly advise you use. The problem is the software is anything but intuitive, every click changes the view slightly, it took a while to figure out how to render in 3D and even something as simple as rotating a corner bath so it fit correctly became a mammoth task that almost defeated me. In the end I had to rotate the entire house which doesn’t seem right. Patience is definitely required if you are to get the best out of this but if you can take your time it is obviously a precise and useful aid to design.
