Welcome
db3D provides fast and affordable 3d modeling solutions for all design types as well as conducts the highest quality of Google SketchUp training available. From conceptual architectural models to photorealistic renderings, we create any type of 3D model. db3D also provides onsite and web-based Google SketchUp training to further educate any designer.
Scroll down to view selected work, take a look at the design services offered, read about the latest updates from the blog, and check out a video tutorial.
"Dan really knows SketchUp and has a very nice Architect/design eye. Definitely use him for any and all of your 3D modeling projects. He’s fast, detail oriented, and good price point."Design Services
Design Services
Architectural Models
Using architectural plans, pdfs, or CAD files, we can quickly transfer any 2D design into a 3D model. If you have plans and elevations and need a basic mock-up or rendering, consider our affordable cost and fast delivery.
- Model Types:
- Residential, Commercial, Landscapes, Products, Structural, Custom Furniture, etc.
Renderings
db3D works closely with clients to create realistic renderings. Renderings could be of prototypes, conceptual designs, or existing projects.
- Software used:
- Google SketchUp Pro 8, SU Podium 2, Photoshop CS5
Shadow / Solar Analysis
Using SketchUp and Google Earth, db3D can quickly give you a 3D model from any address to determine a location's solar potential.
Provide the specifications for what type of solar panel you are using and it will allow you to determine the approximate total daily power generated.
Geomodeling
Gain exposure for a new project by placing it within a realistic 3D environment: Google Earth. Models can be created by using photographs, satellite imagery, and renderings to create an accurate depiction and model of any building.
db3D can also upload the model to Google's 3D Warehouse. This allows the model to be visible to millions of Google Earth users and shares any links or marketing associated with the model.
Animations / Walkthroughs
Need to go a step further for a client? Animations are a great way to showcase your project. db3D can create various types of animations like interior walkthroughs, shadow study sequences, or building construction development.
Products / Furniture
Have a concept or design idea? Inquire for a quote to develop or render the product.
SketchUp Training
Private Training
On-site Training
Offering various types of training in SketchUp, classes are typically structured in half day or full day sessions. Topics range from beginner workflow to advanced techniques and tools. Other topics may include sessions creating photo-realistic renderings, presenting models in LayOut, or creating animations. Inquire for specific needs.
Web-based Training
Save travel cost and expenses by having web-based training. Whether you have a problem with your current workflow or would like to learn SketchUp from the ground up, web-based training has no limit in content or length. Using Skype as a free platform for sharing, in a short time you will become more efficient in SketchUp.
10 Week Course at the University of the Arts
Course Description
Ideally suited for designers, broadcasters, architects, engineers, woodworkers as well as anyone who would like to learn to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional study models with ease and sophistication, this course delivers a well-rounded introduction to the power of Google’s SketchUp. Students are able to draw using a familiar pencil and paper paradigm in a software context, as Google SketchUp makes 3-D modeling easy enough for anyone to learn, and fast enough to use under real-world time constraints. SketchUp allows students to demonstrate to clients what a new building will look like, recreate and fly through the scene of an accident, or visualize a theatrical set before it’s built. At the conclusion of this course, students can be comfortable creating, animating, and displaying 3-D environments at a sophisticated level. Basic computer skills are assumed. Students should be comfortable with MAC OS X, keyboard and mouse commands.
Dates
January 24, 2012 - April 03, 2012
Tuesdays ( 7 - 10pm)Register Here
October 5, 2011 - December 14,2011
Wednesdays ( 7 - 10pm)Register Here
June 8, 2011 - August 10, 2011
Wednesdays ( 6 - 9pm)Register Here
Cost
CE 0812N Non-credit $570, Fee $35
Location
The University of the Arts
Terra HallPhiladelphia, PA
Classes at the Philadelphia Center for Architecture
Beginner Class
This workshop is an introduction to 3D modeling for use in a design office using Google SketchUp. See how this fun to use and easy to learn software can be implement throughout a project. SketchUp bridges the gap between 2D drawing and 3D modeling by enabling you to draw using familiar pencil and paper paradigm in a software context. Architects, Interior Designers, Kitchen Designers, Builders and Landscape Designers will benefit from this workshop.
Intermediate Class
This workshop is an intermediate course of 3D modeling for use in a design office using Google SketchUp. The course is designed for experienced SketchUp users (approximately 4 months of use) or for students who have completed the “Learn 3D Modeling using SketchUp” course. Students will investigate further into 3D topics and skills for successful integration of the software within a design practice.
Next Classes
Saturday: September 17, 2011
Beginner: 10am-1pmRegister Here
Intermediate: 2pm - 5pmRegister Here
Additional Information
Location
Center for Architecture
1218 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Promotional Discount
Participants will be eligible to receive $100 off the Pro version of SketchUp 8.
Video Tutorials
Creating a Sign in SketchUp
A video tutorial showing the process of creating a sketchup model from an illustrator elevation for a sign.
Using Podium in SketchUp
Using podium to create a rendering and then doing post editing in Photoshop to achieve the desired effect.
Google Building Maker Into
An introduction in using Google Building Maker to model cities.
Construction Sequence Animation in SketchUp
How to use scenes and section cuts in SketchUp to create an animation sequence.
Add Colored Google Earth Imagery into SketchUp 7
How to import imagery from Google Earth into SketchUp with the color instead of the grayscale image.
Latest Presentations / Lectures
- University of Delaware, Civil & Environmental Engineering, November, 2011
- Guest lecturer for Senior Design Class showing SketchUp.
- Design Philadelphia, September 2010
- Presentation focused on new features of SketchUp 8 and differences between the free and professional license.
- Main Streets Conference, 2010
- Ways in which historic downtowns can utilize SketchUp and Google Earth to market and bring awareness of the area.
- SEGD Conference & Expo, 2010
- Showcased ways to use SketchUp in the process of Environmental Graphic Design.
- RDC Boston, April 2010
- Showcasing the processes and different ways SketchUp can be used in a design firm. Demonstration of Google Building Maker and Google LayOut.
- University of Delaware, Civil & Environmental Engineering, October, 2010
- Guest lecturer for Senior Design Class showing SketchUp.
- AIA Convention, May 2009
- Workshop on the Energy Plus SketchUp plugin for building energy analysis.
- AIAS Forum, 2008
- Workshop on the uses of SketchUp in the design studio.
Portfolio
3D Modeling Projects
Office Renovations
Office renovation design by EHBD Architecture, LLC. db3D was tasked to create a 3d model from images, dwgs, and sketches of a design concept.
St. Boniface Complex
Renderings completed for the Community Design Collaborative of a derelict church that was closed by the Diocese of Philadelphia in 2006. Primary role was to create an appealing visualization of the potential the site offers and it's link/connection to adjacent Norris Square. Designs were by 119 Degrees Architects.
Benefits Data Trust
Renderings completed for the Community Design Collaborative of an office/call center. Design layout by SFS Office Design LLC.
Other Examples
Photography
About DB
db3D launched in 2008 by Daniel Brown (not the author of course). Dan served as a Software Trainer for Google, Inc. before starting db3D. At Google, he taught hundreds of architects, designers, and general 3d modeling enthusiasts worldwide in SketchUp and Google Earth. He has also written several classes for Google SketchUp’s worldwide Authorized Training Centers and continues to develop his own tutorials outside of Google.
Dan received his degree in Architecture from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he was also a National Director for the American Institute of Architecture Students. When he’s not drawing up a 3d model or training, he enjoys photographing the Philadelphia area.