Architectural Design with SketchUp:

3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and Scripting

(2nd Edition)

TAP INTO SKETCHUP’S REAL-WORLD, REAL-WORK FUNCTIONALITY

Architectural Design with SketchUp, Second Edition, is the leading guide to Trimble SketchUp, an easy-to-use, yet incredibly powerful tool for architects, interior designers, construction professionals, and makers. It provides the SketchUp user with step-by-step tutorials that explore every aspect of SketchUp Pro and Make’s functionality, from common tasks to advanced operations. This new second edition covers the latest products and plugin extensions, 3D model creation features, Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, import/export options, and 3D web content generation to ensure the reader has an up to date understanding of how to make SketchUp help them meet any project goals. It also adds a new chapter on physically making things with SketchUp, which covers 3D printing, design to fabrication, CNC milling, and laser cutting—a must-have resource for any maker.

Architectural Design with SketchUp, Second Edition helps users:

  • Create accurate 3D models with step-by-step tutorials backed by full-color illustrations
  • Design in 3D with SketchUp’s tools, plugin extensions, and Ruby scripting
  • Create amazing photorealistic renderings right inside SketchUp
  • Use SketchUp’s efficiency and precision for digital fabrication
  • Integrate SketchUp into any AEC and BIM workflow
  • Excel quickly with video tutorials, sample files, and Ruby scripts found on the companion website

SketchUp is the essential tool for today’s designers, and Architectural Design with SketchUp is the leading resource for users who are ready to go beyond the basics and use its full potential.

You can now get this book from:


and many others (including in Italian). E-Book and Kindle versions are also available.

Reviews and Testimonials

“I recommend this book without hesitation to anyone who really wants to be able to make SketchUp do everything it’s capable of doing. It’s clearly written, well-illustrated and comprehensive.”

Aidan Chopra, SketchUp Evangelist on the SketchUp Blog

“Overall, Alex’s book on Architectural Design with SketchUp is a winner. Well structured, illustrated and most of all easy to read and understand. While the overall theme is based in architecture, the techniques can be applied to any discipline and the wide range of topics covered are excellently delivered.”

Review by the SketchUcation folks

“Architectural Design with SketchUp is a must have for any level of designer, artist, student or architect.”
“I am finally in the possession of a salient, perhaps the best manual on SketchUp!”
“Purchased literally the day it was available… and it just gets better and better in its deep information and value. Hands down “the” best SketchUp publication in some time.”

Reviews on Amazon

On this Site

This section of the site serves as companion to the book “Architectural Design with SketchUp”. It provides updated links, free resources, downloadable SketchUp files, videos, corrections, and more. Feel free to browse it by chapter while you are working with the book (using the links below). In addition, there are a sample chapter, a page on changes and errata, and a collection of freebies.