Packing a Punch: Interior Design Programs for the Computer Savvy
by Sarah Christensen
Sarah.Christensen@hqpublications.com
Computer Animation School Review Columnist
We all have interior design jobs ranging from simple redecoration through to major rebuilds. Here, we take a look at how an interior design computer program can help.
Where's the Muscle?
Over the years, I've tried various interior design computer programs. Initially computers were just too wimpy to cope. Now that the games industry has given the hardware boys a dusting down, we now have some good stuff on the market with much needed improvements in memory capacity, processor speed, and graphics card performance - a boon for any interior design job.
Round One
Writers of interior design software programs have been slow to take on the challenge. One of the best packages several years ago (and perhaps the only reliable one if memory serves) was iDREAM Realism 3D ™.
Apart from the stultifying slowness, I found the package a joy to use, nothing else even came close. I also felt that it was intuitive. Not being a reader of manuals, I felt this was a great bonus.
Of course, it doesn't suit everybody and indeed, it stumped a software wizard friend of mine who failed to ever get his head round it. Unfortunately, what should have been a great success appears to have withered on the vine.
Round Two
I have since discovered Punch! Super Home Suite. You begin designing a plan for home, garden, or even decking within minutes. Components such as walls, doors and windows are drag and drop. You can even plan cabling and specify distance between studs in stud partitioning!
There is a downloadable evaluation copy of Punch!, as you would expect, and the package comes in at an affordable price too!
Below the Belt?
You cannot save designs in the evaluation copy, which thwarts rigorous testing. Not only that, but some attributes have been deactivated…so how are you supposed to test it?
Rather than aggravating potential customers, surely it would be better for all concerned to offer full software, which is time limited. A customer merely purchases a 'key' to convert evaluation into full software.
Knockout! Interior Design Software at an Affordable Price
All in all, Punch! is a total knockout for all interested in a fashion design program.
About the Author
Sarah Christensen graduated from King's College, University of London with a degree in Chemistry and Business Studies. After many years of corporate sales and marketing, Sarah devoted her time to business development specializing in small start-ups and software. As well as writing a regular design column, she is also the managing director of an Internet based business.
Posted on February 28, 2005 at 09:27 PM
