As we await the return to normal work life, there are still plenty of ways to keep your skills sharp. And what better way than free courses?
Alex Altieri

Recent Posts
Boost Your Skills with Free Training Opportunities
Topics: COVID-19
Custom Marionette Script: 2D Polygon to Massing Model
A common workflow in the early stages of landscape architecture/design is to represent structures with 2D geometry to provide the site with a frame of reference. You’d import 2D GIS shapefiles like roads, topography, and buildings, then maintain the geometry’s data in what Vectorworks calls “records.”
When you're ready to work in 3D, though, manually converting shapefiles to massing models can be time-consuming. What if there were a way to automate it?
Topics: Tech Tips and Workflows
May Webinars: Sustainability, Remote Work, and GDTF
Looking for opportunities to upskill with Vectorworks? Tune into one of our FREE industry webinars this month!
Topics: Events, BIM (Architecture)
What Is Marionette? A Look at Vectorworks' Algorithms-aided Design Tool
If you’re familiar with our Marionette Monday series, you’ve likely seen many posts on all of the fabulous designs Marionette has been a part of producing as well as various tips for using the program. But what exactly is Marionette, what is an Algorithms-Aided Design (AAD) tool, and why is a Vectorworks feature exciting enough to get its own blog series?
Topics: Tech Tips and Workflows
In a Big BIM workflow, there's a complexity that comes with coordinating information between multiple contractors and various models. The larger the project gets, the more complex it gets. Which begs the question—on a large project, how large does the firm need to be for successful completion?
Topics: Project Highlight, BIM (Architecture)
Architecture Education at Birmingham City University
There’s a real buzz surrounding the School of Architecture and Design at Birmingham City University (BCU) these days. According to BA architecture course leader Victoria Farrow, BCU has become a hub for architectural education worldwide—due to its intimate, hands-on education strategy, close involvement with industry practitioners, and state-of-the-art labs, BCU proves itself to be the best in preparing students for architecture careers.
Topics: BIM (Architecture)
Introducing Service Pack 3: What It Means for You
Quality and performance are tremendously important to us. Each year we release a new version of Vectorworks, and each year we release a number of Service Pack updates to supplement the major version change.
Topics: Product Launch, BIM (Architecture), Partner Products, Production & Lighting Design
Custom Parametric Object: Festoon Strings
This Marionette Monday, we have something special — a custom object for Spotlight users!
Topics: Tech Tips and Workflows
Why Updating Preferences Makes Design Work Easier
*This article was written by Neil Barman, Architect Product Specialist at Vectorworks Canada.
When a new version of Vectorworks arrives on my computer, even before I get too far into its new or enhanced features, I dive into the Vectorworks Preferences. These preferences control a number of aspects that makes the installation of the new version work for me and feel like it's my design workshop, no matter what file I'm working in.
Topics: Tech Tips and Workflows
AIAS Competition Winners Share Outstanding Student Architecture
In 2018, we partnered with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) to run the In Studio Render/Sketch competition, where students can post their best sketches and renders to share with our Instagram account. 2019’s competition saw tons of stunning entries and the winners are in.
Topics: BIM (Architecture)
Marionette Monday: What Is a Gravity Wall?
Topics: Tech Tips and Workflows, BIM (Landscape)