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Our Classes

Bootcamp - LayOut 101

View scheduled datesBootcamp - LayOut 101

Comprehensive one-week long LayOut training course for film and stage designers.

Full Description:

This comprehensive one-week long SketchUp training course is geared for Architecture, Interior Design, and FIlm & Stage professionals.

It is highly recommended that students have a strong working knowledge of SketchUp Pro, prior to enrolling in this LayOut course. Prior knowledge of LayOut is a plus, but not required.

Students will: Learn to use LayOut's drawing tools, dimension tools, and text tools; Create a custom LayOut Template; Create multi-page presentation documents and/or storyboards with artistically rendered perspective views; Create working drawings comprised of scaled/dimensioned orthographic views (e.g. plan, elevation, section); Manage their workflow efficiently between SketchUp and LayOut; Create product schedules/reports; Explore workflow options for importing and exporting to/from LayOut from other design and CAD software; and a whole lot more!

One-Week intensive Class: Monday through Friday from 9AM - 4PM (8/20/12- 8/24/12)
Price: $1500 (ONLY $500* if you qualify and are pre-approved for the CSATTF grant)
Prerequisite: None, but knowledge of the computer and graphics is highly recommended.
*Based on 2/3rds reimbursement of full price after class completion. You MUST apply and be approved by CSATTF prior to start of this class.

Click here for more information on ETP grant.

Click here for more information on CSATTF grant.

Bootcamp - SketchUp 101

View scheduled datesBootcamp - SketchUp 101

Comprehensive one-week long entry level SketchUp training course for film and stage designers.

Full Description:

This comprehensive one-week long SketchUp training course is geared for Architecture, Interior Design, and FIlm & Stage professionals. Whether you are new to SketchUp or have been using it for years, this introductory course is designed to establish the core, fundamental skills that SketchUp users need to know in order to be proficient with SketchUp in a professional setting.

One-Week intensive Class: Monday through Friday from 9AM - 4PM (1/14/13- 1/18/13)
Price: $1500 (ONLY $500* if you qualify and are pre-approved for the CSATTF grant)
Prerequisite: None, but knowledge of the computer and graphics is highly recommended.
*Based on 2/3rds reimbursement of full price after class completion. You MUST apply and be approved by CSATTF prior to start of this class.

Click here for more information on ETP grant.

Click here for more information on CSATTF grant.

Bootcamp - SketchUp 201

View scheduled datesBootcamp - SketchUp 201

Comprehensive one-week long intermediate level SketchUp training course for film and stage designers.

Full Description:

This comprehensive one-week long SketchUp training course is geared for Architecture, Interior Design, and FIlm & Stage professionals. This course focuses on supplemental workflows that increase productivity and save time. Attendees will learn to: Import custom image textures; Work with CAD files (import/export); Create photorealistic renderings with the Shaderlight rendering plugin; Work with Google’s mapping, and imagery databases to create geographically specific site models; Work with Dynamic Components and the Product Connect plugin to create schedules, and plenty more...!

One-Week intensive Class: Monday through Friday from 9AM - 4PM (8/13/12 to 8/17/12)
Price: $1500 (ONLY $500* if you qualify and are pre-approved for the CSATTF grant)
Prerequisite: None, but knowledge of the computer and graphics is highly recommended.

*Based on 2/3rds reimbursement of full price after class completion. You MUST apply and be approved by CSATTF prior to start of this class.

Click here for more information on ETP grant.

Click here for more information on CSATTF grant.

Class - Google Earth Pro

View scheduled datesClass - Google Earth Pro

Google Earth Pro Class

Full Description:

Our instructor-led training class is designed for professionals who want to get the most of the Google Earth Pro's features for geo-based visualization, collaboration and presentation.
This beginning course gives a systematic overview of the basic data import (GIS, .shp and simple spreadsheet), annotation and measuring capabilities (Placemarks and Overlays), 3D content placement and generating visually powerful presentations.

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA, ASLA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here.

Class - Layout

View scheduled datesClass - Layout

LayOut 3 Course

Full Description:

The LayOut 3 course will cover the fundamental principles of LayOut as a 2D drafting and presentation tool. You will learn the necessary basic, intermediate and advanced tools to present your 3D SketchUp models in several different 2D formats. You will also learn to navigate the LayOut 2D environment as well as how to be accurate while drafting within the environment. You will learn the process of importing several file types into a LayOut document and organizing information for presentation on standard sheet sizes set to architectural scales. The LayOut 3 course ultimately provides you with the strategies and techniques you need to effectively and efficiently present your 3D SketchUp models in digital and print formats.

Course Objectives: LayOut 3 provides a dynamic link between your 3D models and your 2D presentation. Participants will explore many of the popular features of LayOut by walking through a mock project and creating a 2D document optimized for print and digital presentation.

Prior Skills
To be successful in this course, you should already be able to:

  • Define fundamental geometric terms including: polygon, parallel, perpendicular, axes, and arc.
  • Define 3-dimensional drawing terms including: rendering, field of view, and point of view.
  • Demonstrate mouse skills including: double-click, single-click, drag, and right-click (context-click).

You will need a basic 3-button scroll wheel mouse to use SketchUp efficiently.

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • Create and manipulate 2D geometry in a 2D drafting environment.
  • Import 3D SketchUp models into the 2D LayOut document and set to an architectural scale.
  • View and navigate a SketchUp model in 3D, and 2D.
  • Modify a SketchUp model and update it’s dynamic link within LayOut.
  • Utilize a variety of file types to create comprehensive presentations.
  • Utilize strategic render settings based on the viewport style; raster, vector, or hybrid.
  • Leverage scrapbooks to quickly annotate a document.
  • Export a presentation as a slideshow, .pdf, and .dwg/.dxf.

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA, ASLA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Class - SketchUp: Advanced Skills

View scheduled datesClass - SketchUp: Advanced Skills

Mastering SketchUp: Advanced Skills

Full Description:

This course introduces advanced modeling techniques, layer management, section tools, and the import/export of CAD files. You will gain the confidence and the know-how to try just about anything in SketchUp – AND GET IT DONE! Due to the rigorous pace of the course and the complexity of the information that is covered - It is highly recommended that students take the Essentialls 1 and Essentials 2 courses prior to enrolling in the Advanced Skills course.

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA, ASLA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here. 

Class - SketchUp: Essentials 1

View scheduled datesClass - SketchUp: Essentials 1

SketchUp Essentials 1 Course.

Full Description:

This Course is specifically designed to deliver a well rounded conceptual framework for anyone wanting to discover the power of the most exciting 3D modeling tool on the market today! Whether you are new to SketchUp, or whether you already consider yourself an experienced SketchUp user – this course offers the fundamental knowledge and skills which are essential to have you modeling your latest project in no time.

Know before you go: You should be comfortable with the material in the following video tutorials available on the SketchUp web site: 1. Using the Mouse, 2. Basics of SketchUp. Completing the tutorials should only take about 15 minutes. 

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA, ASLA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Class - SketchUp: Essentials 2

View scheduled datesClass - SketchUp: Essentials 2

SketchUp Essentials 2 Course.

Full Description:

This course will build upon the basic fundamentals skills learned in the Essentials 1 course while expounding upon topics such as the difference between groups and components. The use of organizational methods that utilize the component browser, outliner, and layer control functions of SketchUp. This course will also demonstrate modeling techniques that will help you model more complex projects while increasing speed, accuracy, and efficiency. It is highly recommended that students complete the Essentials 1 course prior to taking Essentials 2.

Know before you go: You should be comfortable with the material in the following video tutorials available on the SketchUp web site: 1. User Interface Overview, 2. Basic Geometry in SketchUp, 3. The Offset Tool, and 4. Multi-Copy. Completing the tutorials should only take about 15 minutes.

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA, ASLA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here. 

Class - SketchUp: Geomodeling

View scheduled datesClass - SketchUp: Geomodeling

Mastering SketchUp: 3D Geo-Modeling

Full Description:

This course will help participants understand fundamental principles of SketchUp as a 3D Geo-Modeling software. Participants will create 3D objects quickly and precisely using basic and intermediate tools. Using image texuring to depict details of a model, participants will learn to reduce geometric detail and file size, as well as other methods for editing optimized image textures. This course also explains the the process of tagging a 3D model with geo-referenced information and posting finished models to the Google 3D Warehouse.

To use SketchUp effectively, you will need a basic 3-button mouse with a scroll wheel.

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • Create 2-dimensional (2D) geometry in a 3-dimensional (3D) environment
  • Create and manipulate surfaces from lines, circles, polygons, arcs, etc.
  • Create and manipulate surfaces in 3D.
  • View and navigate your model in 3D
  • Understand and leverage stickiness in the model
  • Maintain coplanar geometry and use/lock inferences
  • Use the Push/Pull Tool, and Follow Me Tool
  • Generate forms quickly and apply materials
  • Create and use Groups and Components
  • Understand the difference between a Group and a Component
  • Edit Groups and Components
  • Utilize photographs in your model
  • Manipulate images/textures with Texture Tweaker
  • Create materials and use the Materials Browser
  • Align building to terrain data
  • Upload your model to the Google 3D Warehouse
  • Import site information (imagery and topography) from Google Earth
  • Position and export models to Google Earth

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Class - SketchUp: Landscape Design

View scheduled datesClass - SketchUp: Landscape Design

Mastering SketchUp: Landscape Design

Full Description:

Landscape Design is a discipline that encompasses many workflows that result in designs ranging from human-scale site fixtures to regional masterplans. While many of these designs can be created from scratch, often AutoCAD files, surveyor data, hand renderings, and existing photography are all incorporated in the design process as well as the end result. Expressing all this information in three dimensions will greatly facilitate communication of the design to others.

You will need a basic 3-button scroll wheel mouse to use SketchUp efficiently during the course.

To be successful in this course, you should already be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency with a standard three-button mouse.
  • Demonstrate proficiency navigating within a SketchUp environment.
  • Understand “Click-Release-Click” and “Click and Drag” methods when using SketchUp tools.
  • Be able to create linear and radial arrays within SketchUp using the Move/Copyand Rotate/Copy functions.
  • Have a basic understanding and ability to navigate in Google Earth.
  • Model terrain utilizing functions of the “Sandbox” tools.
  • Create custom face-me components of plant material from image files.
  • Reload and Replace components.
  • Import and Export your SketchUp model to and from Google Earth.
  • Utilize various plug-ins and ruby scripts such as “drop.rb” and “SimplifyContours.rb”.
  • Understand advanced techniques for working with large files.
  • Import file types from other software packages including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Adobe Photoshop.

Students who enroll in this course will be eligible to receive 3 Continuing Education Learning Units (AIA, ASLA).

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free three-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Class - SketchUp: Rendering with Shaderlight

View scheduled datesClass - SketchUp: Rendering with Shaderlight

This course is geared toward all levels of SketchUp enthusiasts who are interested in taking their presentations to the next level. Shaderlight is a powerful, yet intuitive, photorealistic rendering plugin for SketchUp.

Full Description:

Render Settings

This session will explore the General use of the Shaderlight rendering Plug-in for SketchUp, including a thorough walk-through of the render settings dialog. The session will cover Settings for still renderings as well as rendered animations. We'll also discuss workflow tips for managing revisions and saving rendered images.

Material Settings and Basic Lighting

This session will explore the sourcing and application of realistic material textures from various websites and the Google 3D Warehouse. Attendees will learn about the Shaderlight materials dialog, which includes reflectivity and bump settings. We'll also explore options for adding basic light objects, such as Area lights, Point lights and Spot lights.

Advanced Lighting and Background Settings

This session is intended to explore advanced lighting options and background settings. Attendees will learn how to create accurate light objects by importing IES lighting profiles. We'll also explore options for using HDR images as the source for a lighting environment. Lastly, we'll discuss various background settings and the ability to import background images.

This course will explore the features and benefits of Shaderlight Pro. Attendees who have not yet purchased a license of Shaderlight Pro are encouraged to download the free, 14 day trial. (note: after the trial expires, Shaderlight will continue to operate, but some of the tools will be restricted). The trial version offers a great way to learn and explore the features of shaderlight before making a purchase decision.

SketchUp Essentials for Interior Design for Instructors

View scheduled datesSketchUp Essentials for Interior Design for Instructors

Six hours of hands-on Google SketchUp training at a special rate for instructors. Our SketchUp Essentials training customized for interior design.

Full Description:

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn SketchUp in one day. Whether you're already using SketchUp, or are completely new to the program, Essentials for Interior Design is guaranteed to give you the skills you need to master Google SketchUp for use in Interior Design and related disciplines. Join our seasoned instructor Mike Tadros as he shows you how to unlock the power of Google SketchUp.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here.

SketchUp Essentials for Interior Design for Students

View scheduled datesSketchUp Essentials for Interior Design for Students

Six hours of hands-on Google SketchUp training at a special student rate. Our SketchUp Essentials training customized for interior design.

Full Description:

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn SketchUp in one day. Whether you're already using SketchUp, or are completely new to the program, Essentials for Interior Design is guaranteed to give you the skills you need to master Google SketchUp for use in Interior Design and related disciplines. Join our seasoned instructor Mike Tadros as he shows you how to unlock the power of Google SketchUp.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here.

Workshop - Applied Skills: Advanced Skills

View scheduled datesWorkshop - Applied Skills: Advanced Skills

Apply Google Advanced SketchUp skills to actual kitchen and bath design examples

Full Description:

This workshop applies information from our Advanced SketchUp class to practical examples for professional designers. Mike Tadros (author of Real World Google SketchUp and host of The SketchUp Show) guides this hands-on experience.

Through this workshop, you will:

• Learn advanced features of SketchUp Pro such as exporting a model to Google LayOut to produce scaled drawings with added notes and dimensions.

• Learn how to save and export views of your model.

• Learn how to create fly-through animations of your model.

• Explore photorealistic rendering plug-ins for SketchUp.

Prerequisites: Completion of our Advanced SketchUp class, as well as completion of either both of our SketchUp Essentials classes, or completion of both of our SketchUp Level One and SketchUp Level Two DVDs. Students are welcome to attend individual courses. Architects, Kitchen & Bath designers, and Interior designers are encouraged to take all six of the courses offered in the professional design curriculum.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Workshop - Applied Skills: LayOut

View scheduled datesWorkshop - Applied Skills: LayOut

Apply LayOut skills to actual kitchen and bath design examples

Full Description:

This workshop builds on the LayOut class by applying your new skills to actual examples of Kitchen and Bath design. Mike Tadros (author of Real World Google SketchUp and host of The SketchUp Show) guides this hands-on experience.

Through this workshop, you will:

• Apply different presentation options to your SketchUp model

• Learn best practices for using the tools within LayOut.

• Learn about layers and exporting from LayOut.

Prerequisites: Completion of SketchUp Essentials One class or SketchUp Level One DVD.

Completion of Google LayOut 3 class or LayOut for Everyone online training video available to our Pro Account members.

Students are welcome to attend individual courses. Architects, Kitchen & Bath designers, and Interior designers are encouraged to take all of the courses offered in the professional design curriculum.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Workshop - Applied Skills: Shaderlight

View scheduled datesWorkshop - Applied Skills: Shaderlight

Apply Shaderlight photorealistic rendering skills to actual kitchen and bath design examples

Full Description:

This workshop applies information from our Shaderlight for SketchUp class to practical examples for professional designers. Mike Tadros (author of Real World Google SketchUp and host of The SketchUp Show) guides this hands-on experience.

Through this workshop, you will:

• Create a photorealistic rendering of your SketchUp model.

• Apply different lighting options to your model.

• Import background images to create more realistic models.

Prerequisites: Completion of our Shaderlight for SketchUp class or familiarity with Shaderlight. Completion of one or both of our SketchUp Essentials classes, or completion of both of our SketchUp Level One and SketchUp Level Two DVDs. Students are welcome to attend individual courses. Architects, Kitchen & Bath designers, and Interior designers are encouraged to take all of the courses offered in the professional design curriculum.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Workshop - Applied Skills: SketchUp Essentials 1

View scheduled datesWorkshop - Applied Skills: SketchUp Essentials 1

Apply Google SketchUp Essentials One skills to actual kitchen and bath design examples

Full Description:

This workshop builds on the Google SketchUp Essentials One class by applying your new skills to actual examples of Kitchen and Bath design. Mike Tadros (author of Real World Google SketchUp and host of The SketchUp Show) guides this hands-on experience.

Through this workshop, you will:

• Model an interior space (including floor, walls, ceiling and window/door openings) from a dimensioned set of as-built drawings.

• Learn best practices for using Groups and Layers to organize your model.

Prerequisites: Completion of SketchUp Essentials One class or SketchUp Level One DVD. Students are welcome to attend individual courses. Architects, Kitchen & Bath designers, and Interior designers are encouraged to take all six of the courses offered in the professional design curriculum.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here

Workshop - Applied Skills: SketchUp Essentials 2

View scheduled datesWorkshop - Applied Skills: SketchUp Essentials 2

Apply Google SketchUp Essentials Two skills to actual kitchen and bath design examples

Full Description:

Drawing from the SketchUp Essentials Two class, this workshop helps solidify your new SketchUp skills by applying them directly to Kitchen and Bath examples. Mike Tadros (author of Real World Google SketchUp and host of The SketchUp Show) guides this hands-on experience.

Through this workshop, you will:

• Source, import, and configure specific products from catalogs on the Google 3D Warehouse including cabinets, sinks, appliances, fixtures, windows, surfaces, and finishes.

• Explore features and time-saving uses of Dynamic Components.

Prerequisites: Completion of SketchUp Essentials One and SketchUp Essentials Two classes, or completion of our SketchUp Level One and SketchUp Level Two DVDs. Students are welcome to attend individual courses. Architects, Kitchen & Bath designers, and Interior designers are encouraged to take all six of the courses offered in the professional design curriculum.

Students who enroll in this course will receive a free one-month Pro Account membership. For more information on Pro Account benefits, click here



Our Trainers

Our real-world designers have collectively taught over 200,000 professionals and businesses how to use SketchUp, Google Earth, and related applications. Click on the images below to learn about our staff.

mtadros
I'm the principal and co-founder of Igloo Studios (www.igloostudios.com), an AEC Industry Media Company, established in 2004. My work experiences have been focused on the uses and implementations of CAD applications and digital media throughout all stages of the design + build process. I'm the lead educator for School (www.go-2-school.com) - Igloo's Continuing Education Studio, and I manage a team of 3D Specialists at Blue Marble Project (www.bluemarbleproject.com) - Igloo's 3D Media Production ...more
heyjodi
Jodi Has been working in the realm of architecture since 1991. She has her Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Austin and has been an expert contract trainer for Google Sketch Up since 2004. She is passionate about travel, working with community-scale projects and the non-profit organization she helped establish; Providence Children's Home in Kenya. You can check out both www.scribesforwarding.com or www.providencekenya.org to see what Jodi does with her time and experience.
atotheo
Alex Oliver is the CEO of Igloo Studios (www.igloostudios.com), a pioneering media firm that specializes in creating innovative solutions for AEC industry companies. Igloo Studios is the team that is responsible for creating interactive 3D models for Google Earth and the Google 3D Warehouse (www.bluemarbleproject.com), powerful new media experiences which are being leveraged by Building Product Manufacturers, Real Estate Developers, and Designers. Alex is also the Executive Producer for two web ...more
kerribadura
Kerri Badura has been a certified SketchUp and Google Earth trainer since March of 2007. Kerri's passion for SketchUp was sparked in 2003 while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Design and Psychology at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. As an Interior Designer, Kerri used SketchUp in combination with AutoCad, 3DViz and Photoshop to create effective visual presentations. Kerri is knowledgeable of how to integrate SketchUp and Google Earth to enhance visual design, and she is capable of trans...more
AIA Google Authorized Training Center NKBA