Minicad Training

Minicad, a 2D/3D computer aided design program by Diehl Graphsoft, is the most popular CAD program on the Macintosh platform and is now available for Windows. In Minicad, information can be attached to drawing objects and managed with a built in spreadsheet/database. Minicad also allows the user to automate repetitive or complex tasks with a built in mini pascal editor and imports and exports DXF  and DWG files for exchanging drawings with Autocad users. Even though Minicad is inexpensive (about $600) and easy to learn, most architects use their CAD software inefficiently due to poor training. A few training sessions will easily pay for themselves in increased efficiency and comfort in using CAD.

FileMaker Database Design

For many years, I have been doing database design using FileMaker Pro by FileMaker Inc. Many offices use spreadsheets or work processors for tasks that are better suited for database software. Keeping track of time, clients, contacts, and projects can be simplified by using carefully designed databases.

Office Automation

Based on a survey I took of 100 Bay Area architects, about 95% use computers in their offices but only about 5% use them to their full potential. Large offices can afford to hire someone to manage their computers, In order to compete, smaller offices must rely on consultants to provide the knowledge required. Offices that continue to struggle with inefficient computer skills will be left behind.

Web Site Design

Get on the Web, you know you'll have to one of these days.