How SketchUp helps Clé Millet beat the competition
Paris, France
Paul Millet is an architect at Clé Millet, a Paris-based architecture firm that restores European architectural treasures. Paul relies on SketchUp’s flexibility to quickly create competition-winning 3D designs and stunning renderings.
SketchUp views of the Theatre Marigny. Images courtesy of Clé Millet. Click arrow to scroll.
At the Paris-based architecture firm Clé Millet, the team vies for contracts to work on some of Europe’s most iconic cultural buildings, especially theaters. To design these projects, they must enter and win competitions spearheaded by the French Ministry of Culture. These architectural competitions demand efficiency, ingenuity, and creativity.
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Portraits of Stéphane and Paul Millet. Images courtesy of Clé Millet.
The architectural arena as defined by the Ministry of Culture
In France, the Ministry of Culture is responsible for stewarding the development and preservation of the kinds of cultural buildings Clé Millet specializes in. The Ministry is a governmental entity whose goals have roots in the pre-revolutionary period. Inspired by Renaissance courts and royalty’s key role in nurturing culture, French leadership has sponsored art and artists for hundreds of years. The modern Ministry was created by Charles de Gaulle in 1959 to establish the „rights to culture” for French citizens. Since then, the ministry has actively sponsored the arts, both in creation and restoration.
Photograph of the exterior of a chapel in Jujurieux France, photograph of renovated interior. Click arrows to scroll. Images courtesy of Clé Millet.
In modern times, buildings designated as cultural landmarks fall under the governance of the Ministry of Culture. Because they are public-facing properties, the ministry must hold competitions to determine the best team for the job.
Structural accuracy through 3D
3D model of Tours Chapel. Image courtesy of Clé Millet.
Design competitors have challenges beyond attempting to outdo other teams through beautiful designs. A building’s documentation doesn’t always evolve with its additions and renovations. This can lead to conflicting information and source materials that are outdated, incomplete, or otherwise inaccurate.
A great example of this incomplete documentation was the competition to renovate the Chaillot National Theater of Dance. The theater, built between 1934 and 1937, is a complex underground building with multiple discrete spaces and rooms for which Clé Millet received floor plans and a few section cuts. When Paul began to build a 3D model, the team determined that the provided drawings did not accurately represent the building. However, Paul had a tool at his disposal that helped him look past the survey’s flaws to construct an accurate picture of how the building worked: SketchUp.
Paul explains, „Building the thing in 3D will help us understand that, ‘Okay, on that floor, that particular element is going to be more structural because, on top of it, you have something else.’ You can’t see this just looking at the floor plans.”
Thinking beyond the competition brief
Occasionally, the source materials aren’t the only things that need correcting. The Clé Millet team sometimes finds reason to challenge the parameters of the competition brief (also known as an RFP in America), often to winning results. SketchUp gives Clé Millet the flexibility to iterate quickly and think outside the box to come up with surprising solutions.
The Chaillot National Theater of Dance, built between 1934 and 1937, is an underground structure with a performance hall and studios for rehearsals. In the brief provided for the renovation, the Ministry wanted to increase the stage size by a third. The competition brief called for reducing the number of seats in the theater to accommodate a bigger stage and ensure comfort for future audiences. The building is underground, and additional construction above ground was prohibited for a good reason: the theater and the buildings that frame it are adjacent to the Eiffel Tower. The Ministry determined no additional building should clutter the area around Paris’ most iconic structure.
Google street view showing the location of the Chaillot National Dance Theater in relation to the Eiffel Tower. Image courtesy of Clé Millet.
Clé Millet proposed a way to expand the theater to increase the stage size while providing comfortable seating for the same number of people who had enjoyed dance performances there for almost a century — all without building additional structures above ground. Their proposed design expands the theater by digging further into the limestone hill. Using a SketchUp model as a reference for the proposed work, they presented a way to excavate safely while improving the structural integrity of the underground building.
SketchUp view of the Chaillot National Dance Theater performance space. Image courtesy of Clé Millet.
After receiving the new project proposition from Clé Millet that presented a better design solution for the upcoming renovation, the jury changed the competition guidelines to allow for Clé Millet to present their groundbreaking idea. Clé Millet won the competition, securing the authorization to renovate a building in an area so significant to France’s culture that it will be the site of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024.
A need for speed
In many of the competitions the Clé Millet team enters, there are tight deadlines in which they need to produce many deliverables within two to three months of first receiving the brief. By necessity, Paul builds his workflow around speed and efficiency. He uses SketchUp to create 3D models that communicate the design vision to their internal team and the jurors.
SketchUp view of the Chaillot National Dance Theater performance space. Image courtesy of Clé Millet.
Paul begins his models with the existing plans combined with hand-drawn input from Stéphane. He builds a SketchUp model starting from the bottom up as he imagines construction workers would do. When Paul has CAD plans to work from, SketchUp’s Revit Importer saves him time and allows him to get to the fun of 3D modeling more quickly.
SketchUp’s Shadows feature helps Paul do quick, accurate shadow studies. Knowing how sunlight will enter a building is crucial when designing for maximum efficiency and user comfort.
SketchUp view with shadows of the Chaillot National Dance Theater performance space. Image courtesy of Clé Millet.
Paul is also a proponent of 3D Warehouse. He saves time by using the pre-built and downloadable models from 3D Warehouse to add context. When building out his model for the Chaillot National Theater of Dance, he added the existing buildings adjacent to the theater from 3D Warehouse’s building models.
SketchUp view featuring the underground theater of the Chaillot National Dance Theater, along with the model taken from the 3D Warehouse, showing additional above-ground context. Image courtesy of Clé Millet.
Once Paul finishes the existing building, he models the new design. For the competitions, he produces models, renderings, and 2D CAD drawings.
A need for flexibility
Lighting study made from SketchUp model with Twinmotion. Some assets came from SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse, such as the Grand Palais seen in the background of the video. Courtesy of Clé Millet.
Flexibility is also critical to Paul’s success. Old buildings often have irregularities that are difficult to represent accurately in other, more rigid CAD software. SketchUp provides the flexibility he needs to model accurately.
Clé Millet had the task of working on the Marigny Theater, which was originally built as a panorama, lending it its round shape. The panorama was turned into a theater around 1895 by the architect Édouard Niermans. At the time, the architects created a separation wall between the stage and the audience that jeopardized the balance of the roof framework.
In 1925, the biggest mistake was made: the suspension of a dome with a metallic structure from the wood roof framework. Given the theater’s layout, the dome was not centered on the overall roof structure, leading to the slow demise of the whole roof.
SketchUp view of the interior of Theatre Marigny. Scroll to see a section cut of Theatre Marigny depicting the leaning roof. Images courtesy of Clé Millet.
By the time Clé Millet came on the scene about a century after the retrofit-gone-wrong, the entire dome was leaning. Paul accurately modeled the abnormal lean and the failing structure, which he then overlaid in SketchUp with a model of the proposed solution. The ability to quickly and accurately model both architectural problems and solutions is central to Paul’s winning process.
Communicating details with 3D
Rendering of the lobby of the Saint Omer Theater. Photos of Theatre Saint Omer lobby before and after renovation. Photo credit: Martin Argyroglo. Images courtesy of Clé Millet.
Paul integrates feedback from stakeholders with little architectural experience. The Clé Millet team uses SketchUp as an internal communication tool and to integrate feedback from people with less technical expertise, like some of the jurors in the competition.
In his model of the Hotel Marigny, Paul’s dedication to the details created a stunning, recognizable visualization of the project. He made the statues shown on the building’s exterior in a software called Sculptris, which he then added to SketchUp. Explore Theatre Marigny in Paul’s model at this link. You can share models of your own quickly and easily through Trimble Connect.
Internal and external stakeholders benefit throughout the competition process from the 3D models Paul builds. It is much easier to understand a design in 3D versus 2D documentation. The power of visualization, ease of use, and the ability to share ideas with anyone makes SketchUp key to Clé Millet’s contract-winning process. Check out our other blog with Clé Millet to learn more about the challenges and excitement of architectural restoration.
Inspired to reimagine a building of your own? You can have every SketchUp tool at your fingertips with a free trial. Get started today to reimagine tomorrow!
About Clé Millet
Clé Millet takes on both historical renovations and brand-new projects. You can view more of their work on their website.
Clé Millet has dedicated their practice to a global approach to construction, convinced that the architect’s skill rests on their capacity for synthesis; a humanist approach placed at the service of a quality requirement whatever the program theme to which it applies: large public facilities, health facilities, hotels, tertiary or housing in all its meanings from social housing to that of the prestigious individual.
“We continue on these paths and these certainties, in a spirit of openness towards a constantly changing world.”
-Stéphane Millet, architect and scenographer, founder
Embark fearlessly on your next design project with the right tools
Lorena Garduño Cuéllar, Regina González Bermudez, and Natalia de la Torre Spinolo are the founders of Studio Maison Co., an interior-focused design studio. In addition to sharing interior design tips on their social media, they undertake comprehensive projects in architecture and interior design, furniture design, and styling.
Natalia, Regina, and Lorena, founders of Studio Maison Co. Image courtesy of Studio Maison Co.
Studio Maison Co. is an interior-focused studio founded by three young Mexican women who share how using SketchUp has supported the development of their work. They specialize in architecture and interior design, furniture design, and styling, sharing their design tips from these projects on social media. Founders Lorena, Regina, and Natalia shared their story with us.
How do you describe your studio?
Studio Maison Co. is a firm that aims to create spaces where clients feel comfortable — spaces they love living in. It’s essential for us that design is functional; we strive to balance functionality and aesthetics. Our focus is primarily on interior design, but we also cover phases throughout the entire construction cycle.
We typically start when the project is under construction, where some but not all of the construction work is completed. We sometimes relocate electrical or mechanical systems and proceed with selecting materials, furniture, and decor. We pay attention to every detail, proposing diverse furniture and different materials to create harmonious, beautiful, and functional spaces.
We rely heavily on SketchUp, which allows us to pay attention to every detail. Our team uses SketchUp to visualize everything — from LED strips, lighting, ironwork, and the combination of materials — ensuring that everything makes sense together. Our deliverables include interior space plans, mood boards, and virtual tours.
Studio Maison Co.’s projects stand out for creating elegant and welcoming atmospheres with customized furniture. A rendering and SketchUp model of the same kitchen space. Click arrows to scroll.
How did your studio come about?
We have been friends for many years and studied interior design together. We worked in different firms, but with the pandemic, we saw an increase in demand for interior design as many people took the initiative to change their spaces. That’s when we decided to start our own studio to help people make their space look and feel the way they wanted.
How would you define your style, and what trends do you like the most?
We don’t have a specifically defined style; we adapt to the space and the client’s preferences. We like to to avoid repetition and reinvent ourselves with every project. Each of us has different design styles, and combining those together makes us a great team; we complement each other.
A SketchUp model and photograph of a kitchen. Images courtesy of Studio Maison Co. Click arrows to scroll.
How did you first approach SketchUp, and what do you use it for?
Our first encounter with SketchUp was in university, downloading objects from 3D Warehouse to complete interior design projects. Over time, we honed our skills and started modeling from scratch. Learning to model furniture laid the foundation that we still use at the studio today — we still design customized furniture. SketchUp’s ecosystem of tools makes up 95% of the design software we use at the studio.
Studio Maison Co. uses SketchUp as a visual communication tool. When we show clients our models and renderings, they understand the project as a whole; in the virtual tour we create, they can see proportions, materials, design, and more.
We use LayOut to create 2D documentation plans and detailed furniture layouts.
SketchUp model of Moctezuma project. Plans created in LayOut for the Moctezuma project. Image courtesy of Studio Maison Co. Click arrows to scroll.
What is your typical design workflow?
We start with a conversation with the client to determine their needs and vision for the space. When we’re aligned, we define the project scope, provide a quote, and once approved, we schedule an on-site survey. After the survey, we use the dimensions to create the model, then add materials and styling elements, thus creating the virtual tour and a mood board. We use LayOut and SketchUp to present the project to the client and make any necessary changes.
Virtual showcase of Moctezuma project. Animation courtesy of Studio Maison Co.
Once the project is approved, we create plans and detailed furniture layouts using LayOut. LayOut is very easy to use in conjunction with our SketchUp models and is versatile enough to give us the details we need for fabrication and installation. When it’s time to build the design, we supervise the assembly by the contractors, always referring to our LayOut plans.
SketchUp model, photographs, and documentation of custom built-in storage. Images courtesy of Studio Maison Co. Click arrows to scroll.
Do you have any tips for creating and starting a business?
For those who want to start a business, educate yourself and research how to build a company from scratch, including legal and administrative matters. It’s also important to gain technical experience and a deeper understanding of how things are done — work for someone else, gain experience, gather all you can, and then start your own venture.
To wrap up, where do you see yourselves in five years?
In the future, Studio Maison Co. will have more employees and work in new areas: we plan to release a line of furniture and a gift registry where clients can personalize their space, and we will have a showroom for closer interaction with clients.
LayOut documentation and photo of a decorative book holder. Images courtesy of Studio Maison Co. Click arrows to scroll.
Are you feeling inspired to design spaces with your own unique touch? Try a free trial of SketchUp for the powerful tools that Studio Maison Co. employs in their design process.
About Studio Maison Co.
Studio Maison Co. was founded in 2020 by Natalia, Regina, and Lorena, after earning their degrees in interior design and gaining years of experience with other firms. They specialize in interior design services and custom furniture. You can follow all their projects and interior design tips on their Instagram.
A visualization specialist’s perspective on SketchUp’s dynamic toolset
Matthew Valero knows his way around the SketchUp ecosystem. From V-Ray to Scan Essentials to the Revit Importer and literally hundreds of extensions, Matthew has fully embraced the flexibility of SketchUp’s most robust and powerful subscription, Studio.
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium — conceptual exterior rendering. Image courtesy of DBVW Architects.
Who is Matthew Valero?
If it’s in any way connected to SketchUp, there’s a good chance Matthew Valero knows about it. Matthew is the Director of Visualization at DBVW Architects, a 20-year veteran of the architecture industry, and a Studio subscriber. He’s also an alpha and beta tester, an avid extension user, and more or less an encyclopedia of architectural visualization developments from the past two decades. From SketchUp’s early days to now having virtual reality and real-time rendering, Matthew has experienced it all. We connected with him to learn why, after all these years, SketchUp is still his go-to tool and, in his words, his safe space.
Being a lifetime fan of SketchUp isn’t Matthew’s only credential. He’s the Director of Visualization at DBVW Architects out of Providence, Rhode Island. He’s equal parts artist, designer, and communications expert, helping his team make critical design decisions while guiding clients to a fully realized vision of their future spaces. From early believer to beta tester to full-on SketchUp wizard, Matthew has seen and helped guide SketchUp’s evolution firsthand. As he puts it, SketchUp completely changed his career.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your firm.
I have been working in the architectural industry for about 20 years now. I graduated with an architecture degree in 2004 and started a traditional path to becoming an architect. The firm I’m at now is DBVW Architects. We work on everything from small residential affordable housing to higher-ed projects. A huge part of what we do is historic renovation and historic preservation.
University of Rhode Island – Ballentine Hall. Conceptual renderings; use the navigation in the image to see more. Images courtesy of DBVW Architects.
How did you get started with SketchUp?
I was introduced to SketchUp in 2005, and it completely changed my career. I had an interest in 3D modeling even before architecture school and used to 3D model inside AutoCAD, simple extrusions and such during school. I used to build models and use 3D Studio to create — if I look back on it, terrible — renderings. After being introduced to SketchUp, I realized I could work quickly and create interesting graphics without that painful process.
“To this day, I go into other programs and still feel like I have to go back to SketchUp. It’s always been intuitive, and I’ve been able to get my ideas and thoughts out quickly.”
I remember when SketchUp implemented styles. That was a big moment for me. The firm I was working for at the time was deeply rooted in traditional architecture and neighborhood planning. Like most firms doing this kind of work, we really wanted all the graphics in the office to look hand-drawn and watercolored. When styles were introduced, I was like, “Oh my God, this is a game-changer.” We could take our SketchUp models, composite the sketchy-style export with a filtered rendering, and make it look like it was drawn by hand. That’s a huge selling point because it plays an important role in storytelling, especially in the early stages of design. We started importing Revit models into SketchUp just to make them look sketchy. As far as creating stylized drawings and being able to do it quickly, I don’t think anything else can match it right now.
In 2008, I was also one of the winners of the International Style Builder Competition. My Style, Pencil on Graph Paper, has been installed as one of the included styles ever since.
What made you choose the Studio subscription?
I like that SketchUp has a relationship with Chaos Group and that you offer V-Ray as part of the Studio subscription. That was a selling point for my firm, but it was actually when SketchUp introduced Scan Essentials that we upgraded to Studio. I thought it would be another decade before we could create 3D scans and bring 3D point clouds into SketchUp.
Real Art Ways historic renovation and expansion in Hartford, CT. Conceptual exterior rendering. Image courtesy of DBVW Architects.
DBVW Architects does a lot of projects that are either historic rehabs or repurposing old buildings. We hire an outside company to do laser scans of existing buildings for us and use the point cloud data as reference material or to generate as-builts. It’s incredibly useful to be able to import point clouds into SketchUp, especially in the very early phases where we don’t have a model started.
“All these technologies are making our lives easier and making us better designers and artists. Whenever I show somebody my work, they think I’m some kind of magician, but it’s really the people at SketchUp that have made it intuitive and easy to use and integrated it into SketchUp.”
You can even shoot point clouds with your phone or an iPad Pro. It’s powerful to do that for a quick study or if you need to compare your design to existing conditions to ensure it’s accurate. Just bring your phone out there and scan as many points as you can. When you’re back at the office, bring that data into SketchUp, and use it as a base model to verify dimensions.
You mentioned V-Ray. Is that your go-to rendering engine?
We typically use both V-Ray and Enscape. We use Enscape primarily for its speed. If we need to get something done quickly or if we’re doing something in virtual reality, Enscape is our go-to. For more polished images, we use V-Ray. It boils down to Enscape for the quick stuff, and V-Ray for the good stuff.
Can you walk us through a typical conceptual design and visualization project?
We worked on a facility in Providence for an organization called Farm Fresh. They work with local farms and organize farmer’s markets. They wanted to build what they call their food hub. They would host both winter and summer markets, and they wanted space for local businesses to move in. It’s a mix of shared co-locator spaces and offices; a lot of different programming.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island – new headquarters. Conceptual exterior rendering. Image courtesy of DBVW Architects.
For early renderings, we want to go with that conceptual, filtered feel. I add materials and lighting using V-Ray, then composite the different layers in Photoshop. I export linework from SketchUp and add filters in Photoshop to make it feel conceptual — we don’t want clients to think the design is fully baked when we’re just pitching the idea.
In one image, we studied an idea for a restaurant and seating space. Renderings are never just renderings; they’re always design studies for us. The client wanted to see a tree element using structural steel and sound panels. They wanted big graphics and big art and to maintain an industrial vibe, so we were playing with those ideas, incorporating different elements into the renderings.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island – new headquarters. Conceptual interior renderings; use the navigation in the image to see more. Images courtesy of DBVW Architects.
The base of this was a Revit model, but you wouldn’t model most of the details you see in Revit. All the entourage, that’s all SketchUp: signage, the wood treatment on the walls, ceiling fans, lighting and HVAC, and the metal deck on the ceiling. We just don’t model to that level in Revit. Then we flesh out design ideas with our interiors and design teams to pitch the concepts to the client. That project alone would pay for our Studio subscription because we’re able to realize the client’s vision and make decisions so quickly.
“SketchUp is a tool that our office is using daily and making major decisions with.”
We really did use SketchUp for all aspects of the design process: interior, exterior, and landscaping. The client then used the imagery to raise money as part of their capital campaign. The city had also approached us with an idea for a pedestrian bridge. They wanted to see that in the rendering, and it was important to the client that we include it. All these pieces come together in SketchUp. Most of our major design decisions are not happening in Revit; they’re happening in SketchUp.
Is your visualization process pretty similar across projects?
The workflow for all of my non-photoreal renderings is pretty much the same. What comes out of rendering engines can feel a little sterile. We give it more life and visual interest with texture and sketchy styles.
Another example of a design and visualization project is an aquarium in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a pretty small facility for an organization called Save the Bay. We worked on the design and retrofit of the existing building, but we also put together early concept renderings for them to use as part of their initial capital campaign.
They wanted imagery that they could use to a) envision themselves in the space, b) help the state see that this would be a good location, and c) drum up donors. It’s really an exercise in crafting the narrative to get them excited about the project. We add their branding, realistic signage, and people using the space to tell that almost fairy tale story that clients want to see when they envision themselves in a building.
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium — conceptual interior rendering. Image courtesy of DBVW Architects.
This project was again modeled in SketchUp, rendered in V-Ray, and stylized to feel conceptual. I imported a Revit model into SketchUp where all the texturing and finishes were done. Then we exported a number of layers from SketchUp: linework, sketchy edges, people, signage, and material finishes. All the layers came together in Photoshop with two filters, one watercolor and another that creates a hatch effect. Last, I added a paper texture to enhance the watercolor effect, and that’s that.
How much are you using Revit and SketchUp in parallel?
Nine times out of ten, I’m working with a model from Revit that we want to better visualize and use to make decisions. Bringing your Revit model into SketchUp has always been part of our workflow, and we did that with DWG until SketchUp released the Revit Importer in early 2023. We’ve also tried plug-ins to export a SketchUp model from Revit, but that was mostly terrible.
Most of the time, I get a Revit file pretty early on, typically during schematic design or design development. The 3D model usually needs quite a bit of work and is still going through ideation. We can do those design studies faster in SketchUp than in Revit. If we need to make design decisions or look at moving walls or windows, we’ll do that in SketchUp.
Real Art Ways historic renovation and expansion in Hartford, CT. Series of conceptual interior renderings; use the navigation in the image to see more. Images courtesy of DBVW Architects.
One huge benefit of the Revit importer over DWG is for site models. If you export a DWG to bring into SketchUp, it’s just messy. The geometry translates really well with the importer; it’s clean. It’s really nice that families come in as components – that’s important.
“I can’t really say anything about return on investment in actual dollar amounts, but as far as the cost of the subscription, we make that back in like a week. It’s a no-brainer.”
It’s just faster to iterate and share in SketchUp; you don’t want to do design iterations in Revit. We’re in the design phase on a project now and want to flesh out some options. I imported a Revit model into SketchUp, and in two days, we worked through all the designs we wanted to see. We then created visuals using V-Ray and wrapped the project up. It was only a three-day thing, which saved us a lot of time.
Speaking of time savings, I hear you’re a big fan of extensions.
Extensions, I love them! I must have over a hundred extensions. Even if an extension does one simple thing to save me five minutes, I will install it. People always come to my desk and ask if there’s a tool for this or that. I’ll go to the Extension Warehouse or SketchUcation and show them, “Yeah, you do that with an extension.” SketchUp’s evolution, thanks in part to extensions, in the last decade has changed the playing field. If somebody asks me what extensions they should be using, Profile Builder is a must, and Flex Tools is great too.
“Without extensions, I would be lost. I’ve always wanted to make a framed piece of art that says, ‘There’s an extension for that!’ There are so many extensions and they’re so useful — they save me so much time.”
Do you use LayOut as well?
I use LayOut quite a bit, especially for quick turnarounds. We have InDesign and Illustrator, all those tools, but there are projects where I don’t have to open any of them. I’m able to stay inside the SketchUp ecosystem and go directly from a SketchUp model to drawing sheets with scaled drawings in LayOut. It saves me a ton of time.
LaPerche Elementary School in Smithfield, RI. Overhead plan rendering. Image courtesy of DBVW Architects.
For a neighborhood study or a planning study, if I know we’re going to share site plans or renderings, I’ll create a site plan scene using the default views in SketchUp. I plan those scenes and set up tags, then I can just click “Send to LayOut.” We have sheet templates in LayOut to show drawings at the correct scale and styles to turn on shadows.
“If people aren’t using LayOut, they should really spend some time with it. It takes 10-15 minutes to make templates and once they’re done, that’s it — they’re always there for you to use. Anybody who doesn’t use LayOut is missing out.”
We used to do just one hero shot, a site plan, and some floor plans. Now, it’s never just one rendering — we want site plans, floor plans, and site elevations; we need three views of four different buildings. Ten years ago, that would have taken a couple of weeks; now, we can do it all in a couple of days.
LaPerche Elementary School in Smithfield, RI. Series of conceptual interior renderings; use the navigation in the image to see more. Images courtesy of DBVW Architects.
Now, we can stay almost completely inside SketchUp. With tags and an organized file, we can render the site plan using the SketchUp model and send it to LayOut. We do elevations and sections the same way with organized scenes and tags. For renderings, we might take the SketchUp model into Photoshop, but we’re adding those images to the LayOut drawing set as well. It’s the quickest way to create a small drawing set.
Any parting thoughts?
LaPerche Elementary School in Smithfield, RI. Entry color study and conceptual exterior rendering. Image courtesy of DBVW Architects.
I’ve been using SketchUp for almost 20 years. People always ask, “Oh, you did that in SketchUp?” Nowadays, you can render the same kind of stuff that people are rendering in 3D Studio Max. It’s a super exciting time because things have matured to the point where all those things I dreamed about — like, “I wish I could render grass” — I can do those things now. It’s a fun time to be doing this professionally. I feel like I get to play all day long.
“SketchUp changed my career path and makes my life easier every day. As a designer and a professional, seeing what it’s become in the last 10–15 years, I’m able to do things I never thought I would.”
Make SketchUp your own
Ready to harness the flexibility that makes SketchUp so powerful? Whether you’re a beginner looking for low-barrier, intuitive 3D modeling or an industry veteran looking for professional software to make critical decisions and communicate more effectively with clients, SketchUp is the tool. And just when you think it can’t do more, just remember Matthew’s words, “There’s an extension for that.”
Test out all of Matthew’s favorite tools with a free trial, or if you’re ready to subscribe to the most robust version of SketchUp, upgrade to Studio today. If you haven’t heard, SketchUp also unlocks opportunities beyond the desktop. Take your designs mobile to create and collaborate wherever inspiration strikes on SketchUp for iPad. See what’s new on iPad or download the app to try it today.
Matthew Valero, Director of Visualization at DBVW Architects
About Matthew Valero
With his extraordinary computer rendering skills and his keen design sense, Matthew breathes life into DBVW Architects’ designs through 3D computer visualization. Matthew’s renderings are an invaluable tool for advancing projects during design development, helping DBVW Architects’ clients visualize designs and building community support in public forums. Matthew is a member of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators and has won numerous awards for his rendering work. Learn more at DBVW.com.
Sustainable construction in Latin America: reforested wood and Crosslam’s continued evolution
José Alberto brought Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to Brazil, creating a digital workflow and sustainable business model that revolutionized the country’s construction industry.
Club in Itupeva, São Paulo. Photos by Maíra Acayaba, 2021. Swipe to see more images.
José Alberto is a Mechanical Engineer by trade and has a long relationship with reforested wood. Coming from a family with nearly a century of experience molding timber, even as a teenager, he wondered how the family business could evolve to work with reforested wood.
In his early career, he worked outside the family business but eventually found his way back through an opportunity to lead the division that he had always been most passionate about: mass timber. With serious dedication and a lot of learning along the way, Alberto was the first to use Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT) technology in Brazil to manufacture H20 engineered wood beams. A few years later, he founded his company, Crosslam, and brought Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to Latin America, again pioneering new construction technology in a new territory and carving a niche in sustainable construction using reforested wood.
Stock of CLT panels in a shed built by Crosslam using CLT beams
Unknown territory
Entrepreneurial journeys are rarely easy. We’re often faced with decisions that we need to make alone, working towards unforeseen outcomes. We hope our ambition leads to success, but there’s no guarantee. With a smile on his face, Alberto shares two major turning points from his entrepreneurial experience: bringing CLT to Brazil and adopting SketchUp as Crosslam’s primary technology platform.
CNC machine producing a CLT slab based on a SketchUp model
These two decisions were made alongside the arrival of Crosslam’s first customers in 2012. Given his engineering background and aptitude for mechanical software, it made sense that Alberto would incorporate the latest technology into the design and manufacture of timber parts. In the ongoing search for technology that would meet his needs, he was introduced to SketchUp by his first-ever client. It didn’t take long to realize that SketchUp was both easy to work with and powerful enough to communicate complex ideas. Alberto adopted SketchUp as the company’s primary communication and design platform, eventually developing all of his manufacturing processes around the program’s capabilities.
Innovation through DFMA
As the company grew, Alberto met Gabriela Lotufo, a young architect who was finishing her CLT-focused graduate work. Gabriela was fascinated by the idea of developing an all-digital strategy to produce CLT using SketchUp. Her excitement gave rise to the company’s project department, a team dedicated to developing techniques to optimize the manufacture of CLT while keeping Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) top of mind.
SketchUp model by Crosslam of a house built using CLT on the coast of Brazil
DFMA combines two methodologies: design for manufacture and design for assembly, which aims at efficiently developing processes and designing the models to facilitate the manufacture and assembly of product components, respectively. Crosslam undertakes both design and manufacture in its own factory. The slightest difference between the two can cause massive headaches — project delays and financial losses — later in the assembly phase at the construction site. DFMA has been integral to optimizing the construction supply chain, as it identifies, quantifies, and eliminates waste and inefficiency in the design, manufacture, and assembly processes.
Integration of design and construction using SketchUp — assembling a CLT house on a paperless construction site. Swipe to see more images.
A connected company
Reaching this level of optimization and material efficiency didn’t come easily. As with implementing any new methodology, there were question marks around the output Crosslam envisioned and whether SketchUp was the right tool to target digital design, fabrication, and assembly. Any doubts Alberto had were cleared when he discovered the Volkerwessels case study. He thought, “if Volkerwessels is using SketchUp and Trimble, why not Crosslam?”
Alberto found the evidence he needed and was able to continue evolving the company’s process. With the addition of Trimble Connect, the technology that connects the entire company from design to manufacturing to assembly, Alberto accelerated Crosslam’s momentum. Working with a cloud-based, connected platform like Trimble Connect has been a critical driver in enabling Crosslam’s results.
“I am pleasantly surprised to find such excellent benefits, not only financially, but also sustainably, as digital models make it possible for Crosslam to work with very little paper.”
-José Alberto
Gabriela highlights that adopting technology is a matter of changing mindsets. Often, it is necessary to step outside the conventional approach to deliver the best experience for the customer. Trimble introduced the tools that Crosslam needed to successfully consolidate the DFMA process — something that other software and other platforms had not enabled in the past.
Logistical study for a timber house in Brazil made with SketchUp
Digital-first workflow
SketchUp became a critical tool in the adoption of DFMA, enabling an almost paperless process. Crosslam receives projects in varied file formats (DWG, RVT, PDF, SKP, etc.) and from various architects, many of whom do not have the same advanced knowledge of timber and engineered wood products. Designs often need to be adapted to make manufacturing possible. The Crosslam team brings designs into SketchUp, carries out optimization studies, coordinates any needed adaptations, and generates a budget for the project.
Assembly of a CLT house in São Paulo and the SketchUp model used for design and manufacturing. Swipe to see more images.
After client approval, the project moves to the engineering team for final structural calculations. Any necessary edits based on the final calculations are made in SketchUp, and production documentation is sent to the factory for manufacturing. They often use information directly from SketchUp to automate CNC cutting machines, then take manufactured parts to be assembled in the field. The process — design to estimating to manufacture to assembly — is grounded in the SketchUp platform. As Crosslam has continued to grow and evolve, they’ve been able to scale the entire process due to the ease with which they could train the team and share platform knowledge.
CLT house in São Paulo — completed project, assembly, and SketchUp model — showcasing the variety of shapes that can be incorporated using CLT. Swipe to see more images.
Communication breeds credibility
In the construction and timber industry, reputation is important. With the design competency and effective communication of Crosslam’s team, they’ve begun marketing to new customers, and their proven credibility makes a big difference in monetizing projects. Crosslam makes a great first impression, and customers immediately understand the company’s proven process.
Harnessing the power of data helped Crosslam develop a robust DFMA process, but communicating and presenting their project ideas were essential factors in the company’s success. The sales team also uses SketchUp to present proposals and quickly generate realistic project images. Using SketchUp as a sales tool to visualize and share proposal ideas with stakeholders helped win proposals and bring on new clients.
Trimble Connect improves coordination and helps avoid potential problems in the field.
Delivering the right amount of information on time and to different stakeholders is a challenge, especially when adjustments need to be made to assemble CLT parts on the site. With the use of Trimble Connect, Crosslam has become a critical BIM coordination stakeholder. By generating clash reports, distributing tasks, and communicating between the factory and the field, they’re able to ensure precision in construction and avoid potential interference problems before they happen.
Trimble Solutions enable precise integration of design, manufacturing, and assembly. Swipe to see more images.
Alberto highlights that the customer’s experience ultimately determines project and company success. With SketchUp, Crosslam creates a positive experience using collaborative technology. He continues by saying that investing in professional development is key for any business that wants to remain competitive. In his words, “Good professionals generate good projects, and good projects bring good experiences.”
“You have to show the client that good projects make all the difference. Good projects will provide clients with both value and quality. ”
-José Alberto
Lean construction powered by Crosslam’s DFMA process
A sustainable vision
Crosslam specializes in communicating ideas clearly. The generation, consumption, and extraction of information enable DFMA and open the company’s doors to BIM. Digital modeling, fabrication, and assembly work make paperless construction possible. With positive results and a vision for a sustainable future, Crosslam was born in Brazil and is now manufacturing and assembling for the world.
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Want to learn more about Crosslam and see where their focus on innovation has taken them? Find them on LinkedIn or visit the Crosslam website.
How designing in 3D saves time for interior designer Isolina Mallon
Learn how Isolina Mallon, the founder of an interior design studio in San Francisco, has made working in 3D an essential part of her workflow to collaborate with other design/build professionals, win clients, keep them happy, and continually move toward bold, innovative designs.
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Living room, modeled in SketchUp. Image courtesy of Isolina Mallon.
SketchUp is an essential tool in Isolina Mallon’s interior design process, helping her create stunning, award-winning designs faster and more easily. From her beginnings as a designer for furniture showrooms and larger firms to her current role as both designer and business owner, thinking and designing in 3D has helped her adapt to ever-changing circumstances.
Living room, interior design by Isolina Mallon. Photograph courtesy of Jean Bai Photography.
Getting started with a new way to design
Isolina went to university for interior design in the early 2000s, when the deliverables for interior design were grounded in hand drawings and watercolor design concepts. When Isolina left school and started her interior design career, an engineer friend of hers told her about a new 3D modeling software. Even though Isolina’s deliverables had to be drawn by hand, she quickly found ways to incorporate the new software, SketchUp, into her workflow.
Working in 3D helped Isolina design more efficiently, experiment more freely, and create visualizations that clearly communicated her ideas. In 2011, Isolina moved from Spain to San Francisco, where she started her own design firm. SketchUp helped her communicate with prospective clients and experiment with the new types of architecture and design sensibilities she encountered in California.
Child’s bedroom, modeled in SketchUp. Image courtesy of Isolina Mallon.
Interior design in 3D from concept to completion
SketchUp is a part of Isolina’s interior design process in every project, from the planning to the design itself to client communication and execution. Below are some of the benefits of tackling an interior design project using 3D modeling every step of the way.
Designing in 3D
Isolina begins every interior design project by creating a 3D model of the space she’ll be working with. Someone from her team takes measurements of the existing space, and she creates the model in SketchUp. Once she has the dimensions, Isolina creates the 3D model directly with the structural materials, clean of furniture, lighting fixtures, or other accessories that are not vital to the room. Through the modeling process, she familiarizes herself with the volumes and relationships between walls, doors, windows, and existing infrastructure like lighting, plumbing, and built-in carpentry.
I empty the room in my mind and in my model. To start from zero is the best way to create something new.
– Isolina Mallon, interior designer
She enjoys the freedom SketchUp gives her to explore design ideas in the rooms quickly. For example, it’s easy to explore whether she’d like to use armchairs or a sofa in a particular space — in only a matter of moments. Using Reload Component, it only takes a few seconds to swap furniture to explore the potential.
Isolina is also a fan of 3D Warehouse. She loves that she can find and specify models from real furniture companies. She’s also uploaded some of her own models to 3D Warehouse to share with other users.
Screenshot of a 3D model of an iron and brass ceiling lamp, modeled by Isolina Mallon and uploaded to SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse.
Using SketchUp is how I always work and how I’m comfortable working. I know the result will be good by starting with the 3D and creating everything from there.
– Isolina Mallon, interior designer
Managing interior design client expectations
SketchUp makes it easy for Isolina to change pieces based on client feedback — before the furniture is purchased or any major changes are made. Unlike designers who just create lists of pieces for an interior design, Isolina can easily communicate her complete vision with her clients by showing them models and concept renderings.
I design everything in 3D and add colors and materials. It helps a lot to sell to clients. Instead of needing long explanations, it’s simple: „This is how it’s going to look.” It works great.
– Isolina Mallon, interior designer
Isolina creates renderings for her clients using V-Ray and Photoshop. Her clients get excited when finished projects look just like the renders Isolina created before a single piece of the design was installed.
Design-build collaborations
When Isolina began her interior design business in San Francisco, she found a new community of design-build professionals to collaborate with. Working with new people and different design sensibilities was exciting but also challenging when they didn’t share the same educational and cultural background. SketchUp made it easy for her to speak to her collaborators in the universal language of 3D.
Using 3D models, Isolina can easily communicate her needs regarding lighting, plumbing, and space. If she needs a window or door to be moved, SketchUp is the perfect communication tool for her to collaborate with architects.
She’s also worked with carpenters and cabinet makers on designs that require custom-built features. In a giant apartment tower in San Francisco, an unsightly column marred the otherwise open-feeling space. Isolina transformed the column from an eyesore into a feature. She designed a custom planter and shelf that disguised the column and added a pop of beauty and color to the mostly white space.
SketchUp model of planter wall. Image courtesy of Isolina Mallon.
2D documentation of planter wall. Images courtesy of Isolina Mallon.
To have the planter fabricated, Isolina modeled the design within the overall apartment model. She shared .skp files and 2D drawings from LayOut with the carpenter. The carpenter was able to create precisely what Isolina had in mind.
Photograph of planter wall. Image courtesy of Isolina Mallon.
If it’s something custom-made, it has to be SketchUp. It’s the best way.
– Isolina Mallon, interior designer
Tips for modeling in SketchUp
Isolina believes the best way to learn SketchUp is practice, practice, practice. SketchUp’s intuitive tools make it easy to start with simple models and progress at your own pace. When new features come out, Isolina heads to SketchUp’s Help Center and YouTube channel to learn the new tools or workflows.
1. Stay organized
Isolina advocates for keeping your model organized. Having all your components tagged correctly can save you a lot of time. Isolina can pull up models from client projects that are years old and instantly jump into the new idea the client has in mind because she’s already built an accurate working foundation.
2. Keep your model light
Another tip from Isolina: don’t try to do very heavy or complicated models, at least at first. Keep your polygon count low, and your model as simple as possible while getting your design idea across. This allows you to continue adding without the worry of overcomplicating your model.
3. Pull inspiration from 3D Warehouse
For design inspiration, Isolina likes to look at catalogs and go into showrooms, especially the Milan Furniture Fair, the largest trade show of its kind in the world. The exhibition showcases the latest in furniture and design trends from around the globe. One of her favorite features of a piece of furniture? It’s available in 3D Warehouse! If Isolina can easily use a piece in her models, it will be much easier to use in a final design as well.
4. Don’t be afraid to iterate
She recommends trying to think into the future of a design: is a design choice a trend that will look outdated in a couple of years, or will it stand the test of time? Finally, Isolina uses the time she saves with SketchUp to experiment, trying bold new ideas that are a hallmark of the spaces she designs.
Exploring the world through interior design
Isolina’s bold, modern style and penchant for taking creative risks have led her to places she never would have gone if she weren’t an innovative interior designer, including a Masonic lodge. The interior meeting rooms in Masonic lodges are typically only seen by members, but the lodge members knew they needed outside help in refreshing their space.
It was a challenging task for Isolina because there were some tight constrictions on the end design product, and many stakeholders to make happy. When she redid the interior meeting hall, she created models and renderings that allowed a group of people without design experience to reimagine their space and get on the same page about the big changes. They loved Isolina’s design vision, and the interior work went smoothly thanks to the precise information her models conveyed to contractors and collaborators.
SketchUp models and V-ray renderings of a Masonic lodge meeting space. Click arrows to scroll through images. Images courtesy of Isolina Mallon.
I always say: no risk, no glory.
– Isolina Mallon, interior designer
Isolina’s empowered to take risks with her designs — for glorious outcomes. Incorporating SketchUp into her interior design workflow makes it easy to test new ideas and get client buy-in. SketchUp also helps her communicate innovative design ideas with other design/build professionals so they can help her create custom work.
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About Isolina Mallon Interiors
Isolina Mallon Interiors is an award-winning, full-service interior design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The studio specializes in modern, high-end residential interiors in both Northern California and Spain. They collaborate with clients, architects, builders, landscapers, and artisans to create innovative and practical interiors with seamless cohesion throughout. By considering all aspects of a client’s life, each room becomes a unique narrative. The spaces they create reflect the people who inhabit them while weaving in Isolina Mallon’s passion for modern design and her European roots. She shares an overview of the design journey from a client-facing perspective on her blog. You can also check out more of the models she’s uploaded to the 3D Warehouse.
A master’s graduate explores adaptable buildings and mass timber construction
Lidia Proykina explores the potential for reusable building materials and adaptable timber construction in her Master’s thesis, which is rooted in her passion for sustainability.
Portrait of Lidia Proykina
In her thesis project, Lidia Proykina, a recent master’s graduate, explores the concept of reusability in timber construction. Her passion for sustainability and innovative building practices led her to this project and some potentially groundbreaking solutions for the future of design. We sat down with Lidia as she starts her career and continues to explore sustainable ideas to learn more about SketchUp’s role in her journey and the insights she’s learned from the project.
Who is Lidia Proykina?
Proykina, originally from Bulgaria, pursued her passion for architecture by undertaking her bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto in Canada. Following graduation, she gained valuable experience working for approximately two years for a high-end retirement home company in Canada on the design team before taking a significant step in her career, enrolling in the prestigious KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden to pursue a Master of Architecture degree.
During her time in Canada and Sweden, Proykina became deeply interested in wood architecture, given the prominence of timber production in both countries. She appreciated Sweden’s sustainability-focused approach to life as reflected in the thriving wood industry and the advancement of mass timber buildings. During her studies in Sweden, she worked with architecture and engineering students to design and detail a ten-meter-long wooden bridge for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A committee selected a winning proposal, which the students were then able to build at full scale. This design-build experience only strengthened her passion for working with wood and reusable building materials helped shape her thesis project.
“I wanted to create a building that was proactive in its adaptability, meaning that it was essentially like a living organism. I designed a structural system model out of wood that allowed for easy assembly and reassembly of each element.”
Model of the wooden bridge designed for pedestrian and bicycle traffic
Proactive adaptability
Adaptability is fundamental when designing buildings in any dynamic urban environment. Cities are constantly evolving, experiencing growth and transformation over time. However, the current approach to urban design often prioritizes permanence. Proykina recognized this challenge and designed a modular building system with adaptable timber construction at its core.
Dynamic building in neighborhood
To achieve her vision, Proykina focused on developing a structural system model that facilitated easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration to enable efficient reuse and repurposing. Her approach to dividing up the building into separate layers allows for flexible modifications and replacements.
“Cities are growing organisms; they keep changing all the time. They expand. They shrink. It’s not very intuitive to have things that are permanent in an urban environment that is [constantly changing].”
With environmental impact in mind, Proykina opted for wood as her design’s primary construction material. Her project employed a hybrid system with prefabricated modules using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for the main structure and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) for the floor plates. While the latest structural advancements have resulted in wood becoming an amazing and sustainable material option for building, it is important to be mindful of the raw resource itself, manage it well, and not be wasteful with its use in construction. That is why Proykina opted for a hybrid wood structure using LVL modules in the floor and a CLT skeleton of CLT beams and columns, to reduce the overall amount of wood used in her structural system.
Proykina used metal connectors between wood elements to ensure structural integrity and longevity during assembly and disassembly. This approach not only prolonged the life of each component but also facilitated easy replacement in case of any damage or wear. The result was an innovative residential building standing eight stories tall, with the potential to expand to 12 stories as needed.
Proykina’s design embraced adaptability and sustainability, combining wood and metal to create a flexible and environmentally-conscious building. In working towards these types of novel and innovative solutions, she’s asking a series of critical questions about the evolving needs of urban environments and highlighting the importance of responsible construction practices in an ever-changing world.
3D model of an apartment layout
“We could take this building apart, move it to a new site, and reconfigure it. It can serve a new purpose and have a new life instead of just tearing it down. The idea was to reduce waste as much as possible and to create a building that you can theoretically move to a new site.”
Exploded Axonometric of the apartment building
Inspired design
During her time in Canada, Proykina witnessed the emergence of mass timber construction and sustainable architecture in her surroundings. The innovative concept of mass timber buildings intrigued her and planted the seeds of her passion for sustainability. Upon moving to Sweden, a country renowned for its eco-friendly initiatives and wood-centric architecture, Proykina’s fascination with sustainable design flourished.
During our conversation, Proykina explained how these experiences motivated her to embark on a thesis project with the goal of revolutionizing sustainable architecture. She wanted to design a building that showcased the sustainable potential of wood while highlighting its ability to create a beautiful, harmonious balance between nature and urban environments.
Living in Sweden also allowed Proykina to immerse herself in rich architecture, which significantly shaped her creative vision. She encountered a wide range of architectural expressions that left a lasting impact on her design ideas.
Section perspective of apartments in an adaptable building
Getting started with SketchUp
Proykina attended a series of Trimble workshops, including the Visiting Professionals Program, where she discovered firsthand the benefits of 3D modeling software. She appreciated how SketchUp enabled her to effortlessly create and export plans, sections, and elevations in LayOut. Moreover, the automation feature impressed her. Any changes made to the 3D model were automatically reflected in LayOut, eliminating the tedious task of redoing drawings every time a minor adjustment was made to the building design.
“[In Sketchup,] everything is streamlined. You can export within the different software. If you make a change [in the 3D model], everything is directly reflected among the [integrated] software, such as in LayOut.”
The flexibility of SketchUp
Proykina used many SketchUp features to elevate her design process. Working with components and groups let her experiment with different elements while maintaining consistency and efficiency throughout the project.
“My project was very component based; I had many of the same elements repeated. When I wanted to change something, it was great because if I changed one, all of them changed. I didn’t have to go in and change every single one of them. ”
SketchUp’s Extension Warehouse also opened up new tools to add to her workflow. With tools like 1001bit tools, Proykina could expedite complex design features like spiral staircases with a few clicks. CG Impact Report and Trimble Scan Essentials were also useful for handling the complexity of the project.
In addition to the Extension Warehouse as a time saver, Proykina also relied on SketchUp tutorials and resources to streamline her workflow.
Layout preliminary design development floor
Real-world collaboration
As part of the thesis, Proykina collaborated with companies such as Rothoblaas and Klara Byggsystem to further assess the feasibility of her project. Rothoblaas, a company specializing in metal connectors for mass timber buildings, helped by providing durable, easy-to-install and assemble metal connections. Klara Byggsystem specializes in prefabricated CLT foundation modules and provided essential technical information to help integrate their products into Proykina’s sustainable design. She believes such collaborations are crucial to expanding sustainable architecture boundaries and embracing innovative technologies.
Advice for aspiring architects
When envisioning her future in architecture and design, Proykina emphasizes the importance of using one software ecosystem. The way that Trimble products seamlessly work together allowed her to transition into different types of software such as V-Ray, LayOut, Tekla, and SketchUp for Desktop. Since this connectivity of products streamlined her master’s thesis project workflow, she’s looking forward to leveraging connected technologies in her professional future. Proykina recommends SketchUp for both simple designs and complex architectural projects.
“SketchUp is simple to work with, but it definitely can handle the complexity of the models in big or small projects. I could even import [IFC and RFA] BIM files into SketchUp and work with them. ”
Proykina envisions a world where sustainable architecture flourishes, and timber construction becomes more prevalent. Using wood as a fundamental material brings more than just sustainability; she believes that wood’s natural beauty fosters a deep connection with nature and will create pleasant environments for people — an all-important consideration in the design process.
Building for the future
Looking ahead, Proykina is determined to pursue a career in sustainable architecture, focusing on wood-centric design. She aims to continue designing eco-friendly, visually stunning, and practical structures. Proykina hopes to develop her thesis project further and eventually see it come to life as a real-world solution.
SketchUp screenshot of the building that Lidia Proykina designed
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