Pitching for a new project is one of the most exciting parts of the design process. Creativity needs to flow but deadlines are around the corner. You want to get ideas out of your head quickly and turn them into winning results that will wow your client, boss or team. 

For a SketchUp designer, the early stages of a project are about exploring ideas quickly without losing sight of the client’s brief. A well-structured SketchUp project makes it easier to test layouts, compare options and communicate the thinking behind each design.

In Part 1 of this series, we’ll teach you how to start from scratch and easily create design options. In Part 2, you’ll learn how to showcase those designs in their best light, mesmerising your audience. The examples used are interior design focused but don’t worry, these concepts can be applied to almost any industry!

Get started with a 2D sketch, floorplan or photo in SketchUp Pro

There are a few ways to bring your project into SketchUp right from the start. Don’t be afraid to use what you have depending on the project, whether a sketch, photograph (check out how to use Match Photo) or a 2D plan:

1. Working from a hand-drawn sketch? Import the hand drawing as an image and start tracing with the Line tool to create a floorplan. This is an easy and popular way to bring a floorplan into SketchUp.

2. Have a set of plans? Import a floor plan in CAD, image, or PDF. Outline your project by scaling and drawing from the plan as a reference.

Starting with an existing sketch, floorplan or photograph gives you a useful foundation for exploring SketchUp design ideas. With SketchUp Pro, you can develop these early references into an accurate model while keeping the creative process flexible.

Bring the outline into 3D 

Once you have an outline, you’re ready to draw exterior walls. This workflow highlights how to use imported CAD geometry as your starting point.

Once the main walls and structural elements are in place, you can begin testing how the interior design works in three dimensions. This helps you assess room proportions, circulation and the relationship between different areas before developing the finer details. Explore more tools and workflows available through SketchUp for Interior Designers.

Create multiple design options using 3D Warehouse

It’s time to bring your space to life. Apply colours and textures with materials to add detail and realism to your models. Visualize your design ideas fast by importing real products from 3D Warehouse. 

SketchUp lets you quickly work through configurations and build upon the ones you like. Show off options for furnishings or add in various types of greenery to brighten the space and give your design some personality.

This makes it easier to compare layouts, furniture combinations and finishes across different SketchUp projects. The SketchUp 3D Warehouse provides ready-made models that can help you develop convincing options without creating every object from scratch.

The key to showcasing and organising design options for your projects in SketchUp is use of Layers and Scenes. Layers help you organise your model, and Scenes help you present designs easily by adjusting layers, objects, styles and more! 

Save your project to Trimble Connect 

Now that you have your design options in hand, it’s time to save your project to the cloud. Trimble Connect offers you unlimited cloud storage with full version control. The best part? It’s included in a SketchUp Pro subscription. 

Keeping files, revisions and feedback organised is particularly helpful when a SketchUp designer is managing several design options at once. It gives everyone involved a clearer view of how the project is progressing and which version is ready for review.

Part of a design team? 

Working together just got a little easier with Trimble Connect. Let’s say you’re working on the interior design at the same time another team member is working on the MEP design. 

You can import a reference model into SketchUp from Trimble Connect. You won’t be able to modify the model, but you can use it as context to more easily coordinate the project. This is useful when you have a team of designers working on different areas. 

Invite other people to your project, and create groups with different permissions to control which files members can access. You can also utilize version control to track project history and progress.

Flying solo? 

Every time you upload a copy of your design file, Trimble Connect will keep track of the versions. Use version control to manage different iterations of your model and share those as design options with your client. Assign to-dos and quickly work through client feedback, all within Trimble Connect.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this article to learn best practices for showcasing your design.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can SketchUp help with interior design projects?

SketchUp helps interior designers turn floorplans, sketches and photographs into clear 3D models. Designers can test layouts, explore furniture arrangements and present different options before decisions are finalised.

What does a SketchUp designer do?

A SketchUp designer creates and develops 3D models that communicate how a space could look and function. This may include modelling rooms, testing layouts, adding furniture and preparing design options for clients.

How should I start a SketchUp project?

Start with the most accurate information available, such as a measured floorplan, CAD drawing, photograph or hand-drawn sketch. Import the reference into SketchUp, set the correct scale and build the main outline before adding detail.

Where can I find SketchUp design ideas?

You can find inspiration by exploring interior design case studies, existing 3D models and different material or furniture combinations. SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse is also useful for testing products and layouts in your model.

Can I manage multiple design options in one SketchUp project?

Yes. Layers, tags and scenes can help you organise different layouts, finishes and furniture options within the same project. This allows you to move between ideas without rebuilding the model each time.