Before or instead of hiring a designer, I thought I would get a handle on some of the hardscape changes I want to do by using available design software. I primarily am looking at hardscape, like driveways, patios, walkways and surrounding landscape. Could you recommend a consumer software that would support this? Maybe something in the ~$100 range. I am highley skilled PC user so it can be a fairly sophisticated program. Any recommendations....thanks!
I don't find the software very good, my spouse is a Landscape Architect, and we have looked at a few programs that were a little over priced,(Cad Cam programs) but I think that you might try what we do for clients. We take a photo, then enlarge it on the computer. We take the copy, then slide it under a sheet of plastic (clear, like what you might find as a folder).(Tape in place) Then we use a marker (dry erase works for practicing, and ideas) and draw in the features we like. With the dry erase you can wipe mistakes. Switch to permenant when you know what you want The programs that we have tried are either made for designers, ($300.00 + ) then our clients can't understand blueprints, or they are made for people who like to fiddle around, and have lots of time to waste not quite getting what they want. ($100.00 or less). What we do seems to work better for the client (thats what they have told us.) Hope this helps, or maybe someone has found an amazing program, let me know if they have! Carol Ja
Dynascape is a professional piece of software that is fairly capable but the cost is considerable, I believe near the $3000 mark. Basically it is a CAD with lots of industry specific perks and abilities. Personally I used a software package I picked up at Staples for about $60 a few years ago and found it cumbersome for printing. It was reasonable suited for basic needs but I have gone back to hand drawing most of my sketches and planting plans, its faster, cheaper for the client and its usually enough for most basic residential work. try here for the software that I used: http://www.punchsoftware.com/products/MasterPro.htm
