Computer-aided design (CAD) is the dominant design and drawing tool used in architecture, and all students need to acquire basic skills in using it. This book CAD Fundamentals for Architecture. Portfolio Skills Architecture explains the key CAD skills required to create plans, 3D models and perspectives. Detailed text and hundreds of screengrabs and visuals are used to demonstrate the various techniques and processes.

2D skills are shown using AutoCAD, SketchUp and Vectorworks, while 3D modelling and presentation techniques also include 3ds Max, Maya, Form·Z and Photoshop. The reader will learn how to simplify the software interface and tools in order to focus on the most common and useful tasks. This is an invaluable guide for all students of architecture.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the dominant design and drawing tool used in architecture, and all students need to acquire basic skills in using it. This book CAD Fundamentals for Architecture. Portfolio Skills Architecture explains the key CAD skills required to create plans, 3D models and perspectives. Detailed text and hundreds of screengrabs and visuals are used to demonstrate the various techniques and processes.

2D skills are shown using AutoCAD, SketchUp and Vectorworks, while 3D modelling and presentation techniques also include 3ds Max, Maya, Form·Z and Photoshop. The reader will learn how to simplify the software interface and tools in order to focus on the most common and useful tasks. This is an invaluable guide for all students of architecture.


Elys John is Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture at the ‘Atrium’ Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries, Design Department, University of South Wales. Prior to that, for over 8 years he was a CAD tutor at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. He has published a number of papers on architectural computer-aided design.