For those of you intrested in doing some design!!!

[Cole]

I highly recommend AutoDesk- AutoSketch9. It is easy to use, I promise you will not be let down by this software.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/home?siteID=123112&id=129446

[crimeSTAR]

Thanks. I'll try it out when I purchase a laptop to take back to school with me.

[mjpliv]

DWG Support: Because AutoSketch drawings are DWG format compatible, you can create and view AutoCADŽ drawings for enhanced collaboration with colleagues and clients

This makes it appealing to me. It would allow me to do quick sketches for clients and use those as a basis for my Architectural Desktop drawings later on in the design process. I may purchase a copy or see if I can get my hands on a demo.

[Rich]

A friend of mine designs in 3d - I think he uses Rhino in connection with Autocad (I'll ask him if that's it). Then does "cuts" through the house for plan and elevations. I don't particularly like the plan views because they add in all the materials on the exterior of the house - siding and window/door trim.. take quiet a bit longer to dimension the plan for framing dimensions - but otherwise works very nice.

[sawdust]

I came across this yesterday www.sketchup.com
(better late than never)

[Rich]

sawdust - I've used sketchup before - just messing around. It's very interesting the methods they use for the program. Some of the stuff on their website is downright amazing.

[Cole]

A friend of mine designs in 3d - I think he uses Rhino in connection with Autocad (I'll ask him if that's it). Then does "cuts" through the house for plan and elevations. I don't particularly like the plan views because they add in all the materials on the exterior of the house - siding and window/door trim.. take quiet a bit longer to dimension the plan for framing dimensions - but otherwise works very nice.

I do this with ArchiCad 9.

[Rich]

I found out that he's using architectural desktop.

[Sweep]

SketchUp has worked well for me and it's available for the Mac.