Spotlight: Susan Moses – Google SketchUp User Series

TDC: Please tell us who you are and how you got into the world of 3D Visualization.

Susan Moses: My background is in the field of design & architecture…. knowledge gained via academia, but mostly by work experience.  I started my path in the world of 3D Viz when an architect suggested I take a course in formZ at UCLA.  I was instantly hooked.

TDC: When did you first hear about Google SketchUp and what was your first reaction?

Susan Moses: I first heard about SketchUp in 2005 when I took an ArchiCAD course at UCLA.  It was suggested by the instructor that we look into the software.  I downloaded the free version, watched all the tutorials, read the @last forum posts back to front, and the rest is history.

TDC: Do you think that the world of 3D Visualization has changed because of Google SketchUp? And if so, do you think Google’s role in that has made it more accessible for people?

Susan Moses: SketchUp’s intuitive interface and small tool set makes 3D modeling a breeze.  What takes hours to model in another 3D app takes minutes in SketchUp.  For that reason it makes it possible for many disciplines to feasibly hire a SketchUp modeler to convey their ideas in 3D.  Let me put it this way: SketchUp expanded my options in the work field instantly.  It was much harder to land a single design job than it was to land ten jobs requiring SketchUp knowledge.  I built my 3D Visualization business on the spine of SketchUp and I have never looked back.  I have been told that my knowledge of design and architecture gives me an edge when architects, designers, event planners, etc. consider hiring a 3D person as a team player. Resolving unanswered questions relating to the design in the process is a serious plus.

With the integration of Google Earth and 3D Warehouse, as well as the free version option, Google has undeniably made SketchUp more available to the masses.  I think the question is. ‘Has Google done a good job in creating a buzz?’  To that I say, even with the contest collaborations with industry giants ‘Dwell’ and ‘Guggenheim’, I am still surprised at how many people I know and/or meet that know nothing about SketchUp.  It is a powerful little app with so much maiden potential.  Google knows that or they wouldn’t have made it a part of their portfolio.

TDC: What is your favorite subject of modeling in your profession? In other words, what kinds of projects have your preference?

Susan Moses: I’m all about the challenge.  I love modeling complex architectural stuff.  Some of the ORDOS 100 houses or Sagaponac House No. 26 by MVRVD (Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries) are top of the list.  If it requires using the Bezier curve tool… I’m all over it.

TDC: What do you think the future of 3D design with Google SketchUp holds? Will the application continue to mostly support Architects, or do you think it will pan out to other areas as well?

Susan Moses: The future is absolutely auspicious and untapped.  With the right course of action: sound R&D and marketing teams could pull rabbits out of SketchUp’s hat.  The world of gaming could wield an avalanche of opportunity for SketchUp.  Coincident to gaming Google SketchUp could have an indelible impact on idea creation and communication in disciplines such as filmmaking and animation.

In support of architects, it is a dream of mine to head up the think tank that packages comprehensive sets of cutting-edge modern and contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories.  The fields of architecture and design constantly demand the use of furnishings by avant-garde designers in the form of components and there is not currently anything like that in the marketplace.  Evidenced by my custom component library, containing countless models that many a SketchUp professional would die for.

TDC: What are your thoughts about some of Google SketchUp’s ‘lesser qualities’, such as speed and limited tool set?

Susan Moses: SketchUp’s management of LOD (level of detail) has always been it’s biggest challenge.  A plugin for creating a proxy would definitely be useful.

SU’s limited tool set is a plus in my book.  Too many tools equals too much time spent navigating the interface.  If I want to do something outside the tool set capabilities, I use the Ruby scripts, which brings us to the next question I see.

TDC: Do you use any Ruby scripts/Extensions/Plug-ins and do you think Google should include more of these in their default install?

Susan Moses: I use them extensively.  Early on I took the time to read the Ruby forum posts and what was Chinese to me in the beginning became an exciting second language.  The best way to learn Ruby is to create an object and perform a Ruby function.  I did this exercise over and over in my spare time until I had a good working knowledge.  The ultimate downside to Rubies is the fact that they are created by third-parties who leave a lot of the guesswork as to which folder to install to (Plugins or Tools) and ultimately where they show up in the menus is a big guessing game.  A Ruby script that arranges plugins/tools alphabetically would be a big plus.  So yes, Google should definitely devise a script handling strategy in the near future.

TDC: So which Rubies do you use?

Susan Moses: I think I have almost every working Ruby script/Plug-in freely available installed in the program.  My faves (not in any order) include:

Plug-Ins

1. Weld (which has disappeared on my Mac) or Repair Broken Lines
2. Move to Origin (essential)
3. Get Dimensions (another essential)
4. Page Layers
5. Push Pull faces along a vector
6. Stray Lines
7. Pipe Along Path
8. Tube Along Path
9. Rafter Tool

Tools

1. CenterPoint
2. makeFaces
3. Left Click Reverse Face Tool
4. StairMaker
5. Champher Along Path
6. Elevation 45 Shadows
7. Delete Coplanar Edges

It would be a good day if/when Google SketchUp 8 Pro Version came installed with a set of cleanly organized (maybe a secondary tool set with identifying icons) sine qua non rubies/plugins that when hovering over the tool would give a brief description of their function.  Add to that a comprehensive set of video tutorials on the official site.

TDC: What is it that you like/don’t like about Google SketchUp?

Susan Moses: Many Google SketchUp users have complained that it becomes an addiction… I find this to be entirely true.  It does have a way of taking over your life… but that’s a good thing when it’s your job I guess.  Hmmmm…. ‘Where did my social life disappear to?’

Susan Moses’ web site is here: http://3dblur.blogspot.com/

Short URL: http://news.sketchucation.com/?p=1526