SketchUp for Design

SketchUp AI Explorer version 3.3 now supports local LLMs via software like LM Studio, allowing you to run AI models directly on your hardware. This free, private approach avoids token costs and supports models like Gemma or DeepSeek. Learn how to set up your local server and configure the extension for a powerful, custom AI experience.

SketchUp 2026.2 introduces the powerful new Analysis Hub, bringing environmental design tools like Advanced Shadows and daylighting analysis directly into your modeling workflow. This update also marks the official launch of the new LayOut graphics engine and adds versatile Group Clipping Masks. With performance enhancements and streamlined extension migration, this release significantly boosts architectural design efficiency.

As you may know, in addition to my SketchUp book, I am the lead author on the book “Fundamentals of Residential Construction” (now in its fifth edition) as well as the co-author of the recently published book “Mass Timber: Materials, Design, and Construction“. Both books are published by John Wiley & Sons and are available […]

In this video tutorial I give a first glance overview of the new SketchUp Diffusion tool. Throughout, I am combining a basic how-to tutorial for SketchUp Diffusion with my various thoughts on the tool (given several different use case scenarios) and the general usability of AI for visualization and ideation.

Although I had recorded some introductory videos about point cloud modeling with Scan Essentials in SketchUp that are included at the end of this playlist, those didn’t go into sufficient detail on a bunch of the features. Based on my presentation “From Points to Polygons” at the recent 2024 3D Basecamp, I decided to rectify […]

In this tutorial I create a parametric massing component (as a Live Component) completely from scratch in Trimble Creator. This allows me to cover geometry, parameters, Boolean operations and various user interface details and general processes.