I am an HVAC contractor but I can tell you that with a little practice you can generate visually stunning models of the clients project in a fairly reasonable amount of time with this suite. I guarantee my competition cannot make a better presentation for my clients. Even if I do not get the job? The client will remember me. That alone made it well worth the investment. The profit on one job a year can more than pay for the plug ins. Just a great suite and I look forward to more videos such as these and more refinement of the Medeek suite. Great job Matt and Nathaniel!
Let me say this straight out: what this guy is doing, on his own, is incredible. I’ve been doing very detailed, high end, high design residential work for some years with these extensions. You really have to put the time in and get familiar with how much is possible with them, but you will be rewarded. Matt, what you say about doors is actually already possible with windows. You can make a window just as you want, give it a name, and use it as a loadable window style. When you make a change, you simply regenerate all the windows of that style and they change for you. I have no doubt this will be extended in the future to other elements. Working with Nathaniel is like being involved in a sophisticated beta test: you have to learn each new thing he adds, as he adds it, but you are almost always happy you did. He is also totally approachable and answers questions. I have sent several feature requests and, with a little time and patience, there they are.
I completely agree with what you're saying about Nathaniel. I've also presented numerous suggestions and comments, some of which were no small feat, and he has incorporated pretty much all of them into the next release. I've never experienced that before with any sort of software. Regarding custom window styles, are you talking about being able to load custom window components? Doors can do that too. Regardless, any global change you want to make requires you to manually reload each window individually. What I'm talking about are global attributes that can be used to control many attributes from one place. For example, if I create a custom global attribute "Trim" to control window trim style, I can associate that "Trim" global to all the windows in my project, and if I want to change the trim style of all the windows in my project, I just update it from one location, and all windows associated with that global get updated in one step. This concept can be applied to nearly every parameter. Imagine setting a global for 1st floor wall height, or header heights. Now you can change the height of all your first floor walls in one step, or all your header heights.
I may be talking about something different, but your point is still valid. There is an option for both windows and doors, not just for custom components, but for Preset Door and Window names. I typically create one style for each of my doors on a project, then when I add a new door, I choose an already produced door style, with all of its parameters, and load it. Very simple and consistent. If I want to make a change in a door style, say in the width of the door, I make the change once and reload the style. True, you have to go to each door individually and reload the style, but you dont have to go down into the menu to make the change. Much faster. You probably already know this and being able to make the change globally would of course be a great step forward. Thanks.
Thank-you for a very honest and candid assessment of the plugins abilities and usability. I can see there is certainly room for improvement and the need for certain tools that will make specific tasks easier to perform. I’ve already got some great ideas just watching this video the first time.
Here is a brief demo of the Opening Tool which will allow for quicker door swing manipulation and changing of window and door types: ruclips.net/video/B2issf7xlI0/видео.html
Tbh I’m both impressed, and a little dismayed at this. It’s probably more to do with the fact that I haven’t been at sketchup in over a year. But when I did I (back then) I was modeling everything *everything* by hand. Using native tools within SU 2016. I had a ghetto laptop and I just pushed it in the directions I needed.but reallly, I spent an incredible amount of time on details which were either unseen or inefficient in terms of time investment… This model was for a client. A trial by fire (against time), and also learning SU at this point.. I spent a long time etching this one out. Creating 3 layers for the outside walls (cladding/plank, brick, internal(cavity), and internal plaster boards. This was based off the drawing. Amazing to see that this tool/suite can create struts as well, and seeing that library of windows is impressive. I suppose there is always a dichotomy: why re-invent the wheel? vs what can be learned by going the hard road first? making matters trickier: I used Eneroth’s tools, fantastic to see this was my option but, essentially I had created 3 bits of geometry (the walls) stacked back to back of each other, and used the tool to cut through all 3 at once (using the basic cutter of the window frame I had created). --it worked…. But the processing time was horrendous with my (then ageing dual-core CPU). On another model, I would set a process going, and it might have taken 45mins before a cut was complete. However, I know know that this was due to my working methods. I was nesting groups within groups within groups…. My approach needed to be more isolated. Anyway here is the model in the end… A block of flats. skfb.ly/oMAqA skfb.ly/oMAqA
Beautiful model. I've caught myself in the same situation. Modeling details that no one is ever going to use or see. It's just the way my brain works, I need to fully understand and accept the construction method so I know the thing can actually be built. But yeah, that project would be quite easy with the Medeek Suite.
@@Mastersketchup hi mate. It sounds like we might be in similar boats, I don't know? I've been thinking about where to apply my skills and from everyone I talk to, they generally say 'this would be useful in the construction process at some point'. It's broad strokes but I think I might be similar to yourself... I know a few CAD designers and one or two construction/DIY dudes who work with SketchUp, and the response from CAD ppl is: this is great, you should pursue it. And from the DIY crowd: really cool mate, keep at it! Are you on linkedin at all? I have a section on my profile pointing ppl toward my projects. It's only a recent thing I've decided to do.. currently in process of nailing an ideal spec for computer to get more practising again. Winter months may be tough..
I really am always impressed by the plug ins Nathaniel writes. I use all of them - except for the wall plug in. I use John Brock's for the simplicity of it. I think Nathaniel may try to put too much into his extensions, making them fairly complex to learn and understand. But I get a lot of work done with his foundation and truss plug ins. Nice review, Matt.
Maybe we can simplify the menus a bit and convert you yet. To be honest most of the settings or parameters in the Draw Wall Menu (or Edit Menu) are not used unless one is doing a more specific task or really customizing the wall(s). You will see that even when I use my own plugins in my tutorials I rarely even adjust settings, I just run with the default settings/parameters. I think I should probably employ more collapsible menus to simplify the look and feel of the plugin and not scare people with all of the parameters at once.
@@medeekdesign hi, Nathaniel. The difficult part of all parameters available is that if I haven’t used a plug in for awhile, I have to relearn what and how they operate. Tool tips might be a handy solution.
A good example for collapsing menus could be the wall start/end settings. Most times your extension handles the configuration correctly automatically. But I would consider these types of things low priority. I'm sure you have more important features to work on, lol.
I have madeeks suite as well and it's great for what it is but yes you really need to know those architecture details to dial it all in and it's still complicated because architecture itself is complicated especially when you have to deal with the details. I suspect that because Wilkerson is still working through all the variables of architecture that the automation aspects haven't been factored nearly as much because he is still building out the primary tool of just giving anyone whatever functionality that may want/need. It seems to be the best architecture parametric tool for SKP and certainly at it's price point.
You are mostly correct. Core functionality has been the focus as well as adding features that 80% of the user base wants or needs. Only recently have I begun to focus on what I call convenience tools. I really like the idea of a tool that will toggle through the different door swings, I will seriously take this under consideration. As Matt has noted I’m still a one man army, but I’m working hard to push the plugins even further. At this stage most of the core functionality is there when it comes to the Wall plugin, now it just needs further refinement.
Perhaps there is a way in which I can better construct the current menus (Draw and Edit Wall) so that they are collapsible and appear less complicated at the outset.
I'm thinking I need to create a Door Copy/ Window Copy tool similar to what I have for the Walls, this would serve the same purpose and allow one to quickly go through the model and apply the same settings to the desired doors and windows. It is now on my todo list, near the top. I've also created the "Opening Tool" which will have some quick set abilities (ie. door swing).
If you'd used Revit in anger you'd know this extension is way more akin to what we need as Architects and Technicians. Revit is a nuclear sledgehammer to crack a tiny nut on anything below small commercial projects and fllas on its face when extending existing buildings. Revit is also hellishly bloated and way too over-complicated. Autodesk just don't listen to their users and have never done so....but I suppose you could put that argument against Trimble too. There's a theme.....they all know better! Remember that!!
In 2018 I met Aaron Deitzen for the first time at the Basecamp in Palm Springs. I distinctly remember telling him that my goal was to make an extension better than Revit. I don’t think I’m quite there yet, but when you combine some carefully crafted extensions with the 3D drawing environment of SketchUp, I think you have something that is pretty hard to beat.
Just as an aside... I think one of the best things you've done with your extensions is made sure the user can still use native SketchUp tools to customize anything not available in your extension, WITHOUT having to "explode" or otherwise break functionality of entities created by your extensions.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I am an HVAC contractor but I can tell you that with a little practice you can generate visually stunning models of the clients project in a fairly reasonable amount of time with this suite. I guarantee my competition cannot make a better presentation for my clients. Even if I do not get the job? The client will remember me. That alone made it well worth the investment. The profit on one job a year can more than pay for the plug ins. Just a great suite and I look forward to more videos such as these and more refinement of the Medeek suite. Great job Matt and Nathaniel!
Let me say this straight out: what this guy is doing, on his own, is incredible. I’ve been doing very detailed, high end, high design residential work for some years with these extensions. You really have to put the time in and get familiar with how much is possible with them, but you will be rewarded. Matt, what you say about doors is actually already possible with windows. You can make a window just as you want, give it a name, and use it as a loadable window style. When you make a change, you simply regenerate all the windows of that style and they change for you. I have no doubt this will be extended in the future to other elements. Working with Nathaniel is like being involved in a sophisticated beta test: you have to learn each new thing he adds, as he adds it, but you are almost always happy you did. He is also totally approachable and answers questions. I have sent several feature requests and, with a little time and patience, there they are.
I completely agree with what you're saying about Nathaniel. I've also presented numerous suggestions and comments, some of which were no small feat, and he has incorporated pretty much all of them into the next release. I've never experienced that before with any sort of software.
Regarding custom window styles, are you talking about being able to load custom window components? Doors can do that too. Regardless, any global change you want to make requires you to manually reload each window individually. What I'm talking about are global attributes that can be used to control many attributes from one place. For example, if I create a custom global attribute "Trim" to control window trim style, I can associate that "Trim" global to all the windows in my project, and if I want to change the trim style of all the windows in my project, I just update it from one location, and all windows associated with that global get updated in one step.
This concept can be applied to nearly every parameter. Imagine setting a global for 1st floor wall height, or header heights. Now you can change the height of all your first floor walls in one step, or all your header heights.
I may be talking about something different, but your point is still valid. There is an option for both windows and doors, not just for custom components, but for Preset Door and Window names. I typically create one style for each of my doors on a project, then when I add a new door, I choose an already produced door style, with all of its parameters, and load it. Very simple and consistent. If I want to make a change in a door style, say in the width of the door, I make the change once and reload the style. True, you have to go to each door individually and reload the style, but you dont have to go down into the menu to make the change. Much faster. You probably already know this and being able to make the change globally would of course be a great step forward. Thanks.
Thank-you for a very honest and candid assessment of the plugins abilities and usability. I can see there is certainly room for improvement and the need for certain tools that will make specific tasks easier to perform. I’ve already got some great ideas just watching this video the first time.
Here is a brief demo of the Opening Tool which will allow for quicker door swing manipulation and changing of window and door types:
ruclips.net/video/B2issf7xlI0/видео.html
I’ve also added the Opening Copy Tool which is similar to the Wall Copy Tool. See tutorial video #44.
Thanks Matt. Always enjoy your infectious appreciation for all things SU. Keep up the good work!
Great work on this Matt, as always you give a presentation on relevant Industry subjects! Really good extension for sure!
Thanks Larry!
Tbh I’m both impressed, and a little dismayed at this. It’s probably more to do with the fact that I haven’t been at sketchup in over a year. But when I did I (back then) I was modeling everything *everything* by hand. Using native tools within SU 2016. I had a ghetto laptop and I just pushed it in the directions I needed.but reallly, I spent an incredible amount of time on details which were either unseen or inefficient in terms of time investment…
This model was for a client. A trial by fire (against time), and also learning SU at this point.. I spent a long time etching this one out. Creating 3 layers for the outside walls (cladding/plank, brick, internal(cavity), and internal plaster boards.
This was based off the drawing. Amazing to see that this tool/suite can create struts as well, and seeing that library of windows is impressive.
I suppose there is always a dichotomy: why re-invent the wheel? vs what can be learned by going the hard road first?
making matters trickier: I used Eneroth’s tools, fantastic to see this was my option but, essentially I had created 3 bits of geometry (the walls) stacked back to back of each other, and used the tool to cut through all 3 at once (using the basic cutter of the window frame I had created). --it worked…. But the processing time was horrendous with my (then ageing dual-core CPU).
On another model, I would set a process going, and it might have taken 45mins before a cut was complete. However, I know know that this was due to my working methods. I was nesting groups within groups within groups…. My approach needed to be more isolated.
Anyway here is the model in the end…
A block of flats.
skfb.ly/oMAqA
skfb.ly/oMAqA
Beautiful model. I've caught myself in the same situation. Modeling details that no one is ever going to use or see. It's just the way my brain works, I need to fully understand and accept the construction method so I know the thing can actually be built. But yeah, that project would be quite easy with the Medeek Suite.
@@Mastersketchup hi mate. It sounds like we might be in similar boats, I don't know? I've been thinking about where to apply my skills and from everyone I talk to, they generally say 'this would be useful in the construction process at some point'. It's broad strokes but I think I might be similar to yourself... I know a few CAD designers and one or two construction/DIY dudes who work with SketchUp, and the response from CAD ppl is: this is great, you should pursue it. And from the DIY crowd: really cool mate, keep at it! Are you on linkedin at all?
I have a section on my profile pointing ppl toward my projects. It's only a recent thing I've decided to do.. currently in process of nailing an ideal spec for computer to get more practising again. Winter months may be tough..
I really am always impressed by the plug ins Nathaniel writes. I use all of them - except for the wall plug in. I use John Brock's for the simplicity of it. I think Nathaniel may try to put too much into his extensions, making them fairly complex to learn and understand. But I get a lot of work done with his foundation and truss plug ins.
Nice review, Matt.
Maybe we can simplify the menus a bit and convert you yet. To be honest most of the settings or parameters in the Draw Wall Menu (or Edit Menu) are not used unless one is doing a more specific task or really customizing the wall(s). You will see that even when I use my own plugins in my tutorials I rarely even adjust settings, I just run with the default settings/parameters. I think I should probably employ more collapsible menus to simplify the look and feel of the plugin and not scare people with all of the parameters at once.
@@medeekdesign hi, Nathaniel. The difficult part of all parameters available is that if I haven’t used a plug in for awhile, I have to relearn what and how they operate. Tool tips might be a handy solution.
@@clearplan1971 You make a very good point, I will work on adding more tool tips into the menus, that would definitely help.
A good example for collapsing menus could be the wall start/end settings. Most times your extension handles the configuration correctly automatically. But I would consider these types of things low priority. I'm sure you have more important features to work on, lol.
I have madeeks suite as well and it's great for what it is but yes you really need to know those architecture details to dial it all in and it's still complicated because architecture itself is complicated especially when you have to deal with the details. I suspect that because Wilkerson is still working through all the variables of architecture that the automation aspects haven't been factored nearly as much because he is still building out the primary tool of just giving anyone whatever functionality that may want/need. It seems to be the best architecture parametric tool for SKP and certainly at it's price point.
You are mostly correct. Core functionality has been the focus as well as adding features that 80% of the user base wants or needs. Only recently have I begun to focus on what I call convenience tools. I really like the idea of a tool that will toggle through the different door swings, I will seriously take this under consideration. As Matt has noted I’m still a one man army, but I’m working hard to push the plugins even further. At this stage most of the core functionality is there when it comes to the Wall plugin, now it just needs further refinement.
Perhaps there is a way in which I can better construct the current menus (Draw and Edit Wall) so that they are collapsible and appear less complicated at the outset.
It'd be nice if you could select all doors and change the parameters of all of them at once.
I'm thinking I need to create a Door Copy/ Window Copy tool similar to what I have for the Walls, this would serve the same purpose and allow one to quickly go through the model and apply the same settings to the desired doors and windows. It is now on my todo list, near the top.
I've also created the "Opening Tool" which will have some quick set abilities (ie. door swing).
The opening copy tool now allows for this mass editing of windows and doors and even garage doors.
Would love that somebody could make a course for a fully house project with this extension. Gladly pay for that.
Sounds like a Revit clone......
If you'd used Revit in anger you'd know this extension is way more akin to what we need as Architects and Technicians. Revit is a nuclear sledgehammer to crack a tiny nut on anything below small commercial projects and fllas on its face when extending existing buildings. Revit is also hellishly bloated and way too over-complicated. Autodesk just don't listen to their users and have never done so....but I suppose you could put that argument against Trimble too. There's a theme.....they all know better! Remember that!!
In 2018 I met Aaron Deitzen for the first time at the Basecamp in Palm Springs. I distinctly remember telling him that my goal was to make an extension better than Revit. I don’t think I’m quite there yet, but when you combine some carefully crafted extensions with the 3D drawing environment of SketchUp, I think you have something that is pretty hard to beat.
Just as an aside... I think one of the best things you've done with your extensions is made sure the user can still use native SketchUp tools to customize anything not available in your extension, WITHOUT having to "explode" or otherwise break functionality of entities created by your extensions.
@@Mastersketchup It took me a while to figure out how to do that, even though it is still a bit cumbersome in setting it up, in my opinion.
Agreed!!!@@grandmasterplank