Many things possible with SketchUp subscription

Design8 is proud to be the official distributor of SketchUp for the Benelux. For this 3D design package, the company from Tiel offers sales and support, but also a wide selection of affordable and easy-to-use plug-ins to add extra functionality to the software. Such as photorealistic rendering software, which takes the presentation of 3D designs to the next level. SketchUp can now only be purchased on a subscription basis, but this has many advantages, according to Design8.

Marketing and Communications Manager Robert van Dee explains, "Already in 2020, the switch to the new subscription format began. Since November of that year, SketchUp licenses are no longer sold. The subscription, which is taken out annually, offers many more features on a 'pay when you use' basis. Like on-demand services like Netflix and Spotify, you pay for as long as you want to use the software. With a subscription, the user gets several additional options, such as Trimble Connect, PreDesign and viewers for VR (Virtual Reality) and Augmented Reality. This really adds value."

Making design decisions quickly

Jack de Moel, Training and Support at Design8: "As mentioned, a SketchUp subscription offers several additional functionalities. From 3D modeling software and 2D documentation tools to online collaboration in the cloud and climate insights with PreDesign." 

De Moel elaborates on PreDesign, an online research tool is for the initial design stage. "Within PreDesign, you can quickly determine the geographical location of your design. Based on the position of the building, PreDesign provides insight into climate data, such as the direction of wind and sun. This is useful for determining the location of glass panes to decide which climate and shading systems are needed to minimize energy costs. Energy conservation and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, also in view of regulations from the municipality and government. A design can be further developed in SketchUp Pro based on the climate data generated in PreDesign," explains De Moel.

"Another great benefit of subscription-based SketchUp is Trimble Connect Business, which is included with a SketchUp Pro or Studio subscription. Through this collaboration platform, clients, designers, implementers and other stakeholders work together on BIM projects. Trimble Connect is integrated into many Trimble products, but also works with files from external parties. This makes it possible to work with both the structural engineer, estimator, installer and MEP engineer on the same project. It is no longer necessary to mail versions back and forth endlessly. One model is leading. As a result, construction errors are significantly reduced. This in turn saves time and money and results in a satisfied customer."

Local support

Van Dee stresses the importance of switching to Sketch-Up on a subscription basis and recommends that everyone do so especially with their local vendor in the Benelux. "You can of course stay on the Classic license form, but you'll miss a lot of new developments. All new versions are only available to users with a valid subscription. With hybrid working in mind, it is also just incredibly convenient that SketchUp is no longer linked to a device, but to an e-mail address. So that way you have access anytime, anywhere."

As a distributor, Design8 BV supports SketchUp from A to Z. "Because we are in the same time zone and speak the same language, we can help users easily and directly. We offer service, contact and support, without getting into an English-speaking ticket system and having to wait for support to be active in another time zone. That saves a lot of time," he concludes.