Sketchup For Landscape Design

This year, I started designing with Pro Landscape design software and Sketchup . Pro Landscape is an excellent program for creating 2d and photo-realistic designs. While Pro Landscape can be used for creating 3d designs, it requires significant re-working of the Planner design to achieve a viable design. The transfer from 2d to 3d is not seamless.  The amount of work required to reach an acceptable 3d design does not seem worth it at this point.

Though it is possible to create photo-realistic designs from digital photographs. It is not possible to create these designs starting with previously created 2d or 3d design.  I believe Landscape Pro needs to add to its training videos.  At this point they provide only remedial training via videos.

The following is a sampling of my Pro Landscape designs in the program's Planner and Image Editor modes:

Landscape Design in Grand Rapids, MI
Landscape Pro Planner

Landscape Design - Grand Rapids, MI - Landscape Pro Planner

Landscape Design Alt. - Grand Rapids, MI
Pro Landscape Planner enables user to choose among several design styles rapidly by selecting an button on the screen.

Driveway Island Landscape Design - Richland, MI -
Pro Landscape Design - Photo Realistic Image Editor

Asian Inspired Relaxation Garden - Holland, MI
Pro Landscape Design - Photo Realistic Image Editor

Sketchup, on the other hand, is intuitive and highly useful for creating 2d, 3d designs and walk-throughs and photo-realistic pictures. There is no need to switch between 2d and 3d modes. 2d designs can be transformed into 3d designs using simple actions. Really getting to realistic looking designs takes a lot of practice and time, but it's worth it. Photo-realistic pictures can be shot from within the design by adjusting the view of the built-in camera. This program is made easier because it is an open source program used by thousands of professional architects, landscape and interior designers, engineers, artists, etc. constantly tweaking and adding to available models.  These models can be submitted to Sketchup and integrated into the designs of other users.  Check out some of my new Sketchup landscape designs:

Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space in Dowagiac, MI

Outdoor Kitchen Side View - Sketchup

For professional landscape design services, 
call Brent Langley at (616) 328-3258.

Outdoor Kitchen - Sketchup

Landscape Design - Holland, MI
Sketchup Camera Top View