The SketchUp for Garden Design Foundation Course is a one-day course designed for students who are either completely new to SketchUp Pro or for those who have some experience in the software but need a bit of guidance on how to use it better. If you've always wanted to use computer-aided design (CAD) as part of your garden design process but feel a little intimidated by it, then this is the course for you.
The course is delivered one to one and can be taken in-person at the student's home or office, or live online using screen-sharing technology.
By the end of the day, you'll have had a thorough introduction to all of the basic tools and best-practices that you require in order to start working in SketchUp Pro and you'll be able to go away and start working on your own garden design models with confidence.
The morning session is spent covering:
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An introduction to SketchUp and how it's used by Garden Designers and Landscapers.
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Setting up the program to your own preferences and saving a default template so that SketchUp will always look the same for each new project that you start.
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How to navigate around your SketchUp model.
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Getting to know all of the key tools that you will be using in your work and how to use them.
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Understanding the importance of using of groups, components and layers in your SketchUp work.
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Sourcing and using suitable models from the 3D Warehouse in your own work.
Then in the afternoon, we go through a step by step walkthrough to create a basic garden so that you can start using all of the tools and techniques that are covered in the morning while getting used to working in SketchUp in a useful and relatable way.
Throughout the day, it will be you using the software with your tutor talking you through the work while he watches you using SketchUp. You will be given exercises to complete that are designed to get you used to the particular techniques that you are being taught. You'll also be given a comprehensive set of notes to take away with you and offered ongoing support once the day is over so you don't have to worry about forgetting anything you've learned.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
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A Windows PC or Mac that satisfies the minimum requirements for SketchUp use.
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SketchUp Pro (2024 or later)
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A microphone and webcam connected to the computer you will be using to study on.
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A mouse with a central scroll wheel. PLEASE NOTE: trackpads are not suitable for working in SketchUp Pro and you won't be able to take the course without a physical mouse.
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A good command of spoken English.
EXPLORE OUR OTHER COURSES.....
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY.....
John's an excellent teacher and delivers an amazing curriculum to get you up to speed with using SketchUp in relevance to landscape design. Sketchup is a really great extensive design tool and with John's teaching you’ll be stoked on your results!
James Curnock
Construction Manager, Pika Landscapes (Whistler, Canada)
Myself and my Daughter spent an amazingly insightful day with John, on the foundation course, learning loads of really useful "shortcuts" and tips. It has enabled us to really get to grips with Sketchup, filled in lots of blanks as to the hows and why's of the system and led us to a greater understanding of this really usefull tool. Much appreciated John, thank you for you patience, clarity of instruction and a really amiable style of presenting what could be a seemingly complicated system to get to grips with. A really worthwhile days training, and looking forward to putting our new found knowledge into practice.d with John's teaching you’ll be stoked on your results!
Michael Grinham
Avalon Landscapes & Design Ltd (UK)
The course was thorough and John was friendly, patient and able to tune in to what I wanted to get out of the course. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn or extend their knowledge of sketch up. I look forward to more sessions to help increase mine.
George Butler
Two Oaks Landscaping Ltd (UK)