NOVEDGE blog

The Edge: Bill Eubanks's Urban Edge

Novedge: Tell us about yourself and your role at urban edge studio

Bill Eubanks: I am a landscape architect with a little over 30 years of experience, which is really hard to believe because I feel like I am still learning. I am the Creative Director at urban edge studio. This is supposed to free me up to mostly design and not manage projects. It works better on some days more than others. I love public meetings, public workshops and the energy of a design charrette. It was a super cool day for me when I became a Fellow of ASLA.

 

Novedge: What drew you to work with the public rather the private space as an landscape architect?

Bill Eubanks: Actually, we do a lot of both. I prefer public work, though, because it benefits and affects so many people. I also love the public process. But some private work can be really rewarding and oftentimes the private sector has a huge impact on the public realm.

Novedge: There are four fun videos on Vimeo around the issues of walkability, community, frontage, land use and traffic. Can you explain your studio's approach to them?

Bill Eubanks: I think we place a lot of emphasis on the public realm -- especially streets. This includes how architecture addresses the street and helps form the public realm. It includes how a pedestrian feels on that street. However, we do very little traditional streetscape kind of work. We prefer to get them right the first time. While we avoid "isms" for the most part  most of our work boils down to what I would consider form based not because it's a trend but because it works and makes sense.

 

Novedge: What software do you use?

Bill Eubanks: Our favorite software is our brain. We try to use that the most. Daily if we can. We use lots of trash and sharpies. Markers are still part of our world. When we do go digital, we use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, SketchUp, and AutoCAD. We also abuse things like Excel to do things that are very graphic - not just spreadsheets.

Novedge: What is it like to work at urban edge studio? What do you look for in an intern and/or an employee?

Bill Eubanks: We work hard but we try to keep balance in our lives. We have fun. We joke around a lot. We also collaborate constantly. It's like breathing for us. Our studio is open, literally and figuratively. We are highly creative and that sneaks out in all kinds of ways. Right now we are listening to the new Sunvolt album, Honky Tonk. We listen to a lot of music. We don't really like cheap beer. Ever. Pretty much, if an intern can hang in that kind of environment and has the ability to make us laugh and to make us think, they will fit in just fine.

 
Novedge: As a small studio, what has been most important in developing and growing a successful practice?

Bill Eubanks: I think consistency in who we are and what we do is so important. We have a reputation to maintain, whether we like it or not. And we live and die by that reputation. So, integrity, ethics, creativity, and professionalism are key to our existence, every day.

Novedge: What innovations do you find most exciting in your field?

Bill Eubanks: Urban agriculture, eliminating food deserts, introducing green infrastructure, embracing urbanity, density, walkability, complete streets, repairing sprawl. These are some of the things we talk about and try to embrace in our practice.

 

Check out more of Bill's work at urban edge studio and connect with him on Twitter.

Would you like to be interviewed for our blog? Do you know a passionate artist or innovator that would be a good fit for The Edge? Tell us on Twitter at @Novedge!

The Edge: Headless Animation

Novedge: Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do

Headless: We are three directors/creators from Spain: Adrian Garcia, Alfredo Torres and Victor Maldonado. We´ve been working in animation for many years and five years ago we decided to get independent and create our own studio, Headless.

Headless is a very small studio specialized mainly on design and the production of very small animation pieces. We work for other companies (Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, Disney…) while we keep developing our own ideas and projects. Currently we´re trying to finance a 2D European animation feature that hopefully will see start of production during this year.

HEADLESS DEMO REEL 2011 from Headless Productions on Vimeo.

Novedge: How important is team work in your field?

Headless: I think it's essential. It's very difficult (with few exceptions) to imagine animation without team work. I guess we're the living proof of that as all the work we produce is made by the three of us. We have a very organic way of working that consists on sharing and working together all through the different stages of production. For instance, when we are trying to find the style of a project or designing the characters we take each other's work and rework, change it over and modify it in order to improve the result. There's no problems with ego as we know that's the way to achieve a great result.

Novedge: You have a very distinctive style. How did you develop it and why?

Headless: I think it's been a matter of years and years working the three of us together. Separately we have different styles but when we work together we use the strengths of each other in order to create what you might call Headless's style. Also the fact that we have similar taste in animation and art in general makes it easy to create a coherent style. We are obviously drawn to a very stylized sense of design, we like our work to be cheerful and happy and we pay special attention to color and light…

Having said all that, it took time, effort and getting to know each other to reach a solid style. Needless to say, we still have a long way to go, of course!

"MY FAMILY AND THE WOLF" teaser from Headless Productions on Vimeo.

Novedge: What is a recent project that you worked on? 

Headless: The last project was this little promo called Strange Oaks. It´s something we did on spec just for the pleasure of developing our CGI skills. It´s a fake commercial for witches.

"STRANGE OAKS" from Headless Productions on Vimeo.

Although the piece is a separate thing that we made for fun to promote the studio, there's a story in the world that we're developing. The premise is simple: Strange Oaks is this little town where they've gotten used to every night protect their kids from the attack of relentless witches.

At the same time we're developing what we want to be our first official Headless short film. It´s a story called Kingdom of NO that will be traditionally animated. It’s a project quite ambitious for a short film and so we´re preparing a Kickstarter campaign in order to finance it. I guess in the upcoming month you'll know more about it. We´re very excited with this, because we believe it will be something very special and cool.

Novedge: What software do you use? Why?

Headless: Strange Oaks was made very traditionally in terms of CGI. We are no experts so we needed guidance from a CG artist, and Javi Verdugo helped us through the process. The piece was made with XSI, the render is with Arnold and then we took care of the post production in After Effects.

The reason of using this software is 100% practical. These are the software titles we had available and we know how to use.

When we do traditionally animated pieces (most of them, really) that we animate on a Wacom tablet with a software called TVPaint, a very simple but great software that mimics the way you'd animate on regular paper. Then we paint the animations on the same software and compose the scenes in After Effects. Again, a very basic, normal way of doing things.

Novedge: What are some of the rewards and challenges of owning your own business?

Headless: The reward obviously is you are the one deciding the direction that you want to take your business, your studio. Having the power to decide what you do and what you don't, when to focus more on certain area and less on some others. Ultimately you're the one responsible for the image of the company and that's really great.

The challenge I think is pretty obvious… surviving, keeping the studio alive. These are definitively very hard times and work never comes easy, even if you have some reputation. We are in a peculiar situation as we are officially a studio but we don´t work as other studios, meaning we offer very little services and we are very picky about the jobs we accept.

Novedge: What advice do you have for young people who would like to work in animation? 

Headless: I don´t think we can give much advice, particularly in CGI, as we don't have much experience in that field. We can talk about animation in general. What we always tell people is to be very open-minded and try to develop their own personality, world, style (call it what you will) at the same time as they develop their technical skills. Some people get really obsessed on the technical stuff and forget that what will make the difference at the end of the day is their personality.

Also, try to absorb as much as possible from all types of artistic disciplines, be open minded about cinema in general, art, sculpture, literature… that´s only going to help you being a better and more complete artist.

 

Would you like to see more? Check Headless work online, on their website, Vimeo channel and blog.

 

 

Meet Jim Newton, Founder of TechShop: "TechShop was created because I wanted my own dream shop"

Jim Newton, an uber-DIYer and lifelong maker, created TechShop because he needed a place to build his own inventions. His ideas are now more relevant than ever, so I asked him to share his story and philosophy with us.

Novedge: Tell us about yourself and TechShop. 

Jim Newton: TechShop is a membership-based workshop and fabrication studio where we teach hands-on classes to equip anyone to operate industry-standard machines and technologies for use on their personal projects. Each of our facilities includes a full wood shop, metal working shop, machine shop, plastics and electronics labs, welding stations, and laser and water jet cutters. No experience is necessary to take a class or become a member at TechShop.

Members are given unlimited access to the space, which is open daily from 9AM to midnight. They can use any of the tools after taking a one-time Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class. These classes typically run between one and three hours and prepare members to safely explore a machine's capabilities on their own. They also have open access to high-end design software including the entire Autodesk Design Suite.

TechShop also offers personal consulting and prototyping for an hourly fee. All locations are staffed with experts who can be paired with members who require special help or guidance.

We teach hundreds of classes every month at each TechShop location.  Classes cover topics in everything from laser cutting to sewing to electrics design to stained glass and injection molding.  We also offer a variety of CNC classes including the ShopBot wood router, Tormach CNC mill, and the FlowJet CNC waterjet cutter. We will be opening our seventh location in March.

TechShop was created because I wanted my own dream shop, so I tried to think of a way I could put it together, that would not require me to perform prototype work and fabrication services for customers.  I thought about the health club membership model, and applied it to a do-it-yourself workshop.  The rest is history.

Novedge: What inspires you? 

Jim Newton: Ben Franklin inspires me, and people who become brand new makers. 

Novedge: What is a recent project that you worked on?

Jim Newton: Here are three recent projects.

Electric Cargo Trike

This was a project that I built as transportation for myself for the 2011 Burning Man event.  I took a new electric bike that I bought at a local auto parts chain store, and hacked off the motor, controller and drive train and fabricated a frame and box that looked a lot like an ice cream vendor trike.  It had a large cargo box in the front with two wheels, and had one wheel in the back.  It worked great, but I only had 4 days to pack for the trip and build the trike.

Extreme Pinewood Derby Cars 

My sons were both in Cub Scouts so they built Pinewood Derby cars each year.  In our pack, we also had what we called an "Outlaw Derby" and the reason was so the dads would build their own car to compete with the other dads, and they'd let their son build his own car.  It worked great.  I have build a number of "Outlaw" cars over the years, but in the last few years I made a self-steering car that would sense the center guide rail and steer away from it to reduce drag and friction, and my car from last year was designed in Autodesk Inventor and printed on a 3D printer.  That car also had jewel bearings on all four wheels, which reduced the wheel and axle friction to practically zero.  I am now working on my car for 2013 that has both active automated self steering and jewel bearings, as well as a ducted air induction system that directs incoming air onto vanes on the wheels to add a small rotational force.

Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier

Before I started TechShop, I build an amphibious armored personnel carrier for one of my clients.  It was a scaled version of a Marines troop carrier.  It had tank-style steering, eight wheels, propellers in the back, a machine gun turret, and could carry 6 adults with full combat gear.  Since I didn't have a TechShop yet, I built it in the driveway of my house.  I'm pretty sure the neighbors loved it.

Novedge: What software do you use?

Jim Newton: I use Autodesk Inventor for 3D design, and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for 2D designs. I like Inventor because it really is a virtual workshop, and feeds particularly well into 3 printers and into CNC equipment.  Illustrator and Photoshop I use because I produce a lot of 2D graphics work, and I have been using each of those programs since before they were released so I know them really well.

Novedge: What innovations do you see in your field?

Jim Newton: I think there are a lot of future tools that have not even been dreamed up yet.  Laser cutters and 3D printers are very new in the history of tools, and it was not very long ago when nobody had thought of those yet.  We are going to see some amazing tools come out in the near future that are going to add capability that humans have never had before.

Also, I think that we will see 3D printing technology advance to the point that it is competitive with traditional injection molding.  A lot has to improve with 3D printers for that to happen...specifically print speed, print quality including the ability to print smooth glossy surfaces without any "pixel" resolution, and the ability to print objects that match the color and luster of objects with which they will need to mate in the final product assembly. I think we are a long way from any of these things happening, but it will happen at some point.

Are you a member of TechShop? Leave a comment for Jim.

Interview with Mark Perrett, Founder of Tips for Architecture School: "Take what you have learned from one genre and apply it to everything else you do in life"

I discovered Tips for Architecture School, while looking for great blogs to follow on Tumblr. Mark Perrett has built a great resource for anyone currently studying architecture or planning to do so. His blog is also a useful reminder of what it means to start on this path and how much things have changed. Here's what he shared with us.

Novedge: Tell us about yourself and your blog Tips for Architecture School. How did it start and why?

Mark Perrett: I started Tips for Architecture School out of pure necessity. My love for teaching pushed me to become a graduate teaching assistant at my university and my first day with the class was not what I expected. I knew I would be helping people with their designs, and teaching them new methods of drawing and construction they had never seen before, but I did not expect there to be so many questions about even the most basic things like what kind of glue to buy and what pencils to use. I began writing every question the students asked in my sketchbook and when I gave the class an answer, I would fill it in next to the question. After the first two weeks, my sketchbook was almost full with words, phrases, quotes, and questions answered from all my students. I showed it to a friend of mine and he, almost as a joke, said “You should save some paper and write a blog.” So I did. :)

Novedge: What inspires you?

Mark Perrett: I’m 26 now, but I died at age 5. When I was younger, I was thrown off of a horse and
trampled. I was rushed to the E.R. and became clinically dead for a few seconds before the doctors got to work. After a year, I completely recovered.

The older I get, the more I can’t help but think that I got a second chance to take advantage of life, and so inspiration comes in abundance. Over time, I have tried to develop a filter for greatness. I look at the world around me and sift through to find the good in everything. If I had to choose one person in particular who inspires me the most it would be my mother. She was, and still is, a great role model for me. Growing up, we lived a modest life, and didn’t really have much, but she taught me how to be positive, innovative, intuitive, and imaginative under any circumstances. This encouraged a fascination with learning and how things work in life in general.

When I got older, I marched in marching band and also toured all over the country for four seasons with a Drum and Bugle Corps. Still to this day most of my mentors, values, and work ethic come from all of my years with music. It is funny when my musician friends read my architecture school blog because they can point out the principles I learned from music as they read each post. Especially as I come close to graduating with my Master’s degree and entering the “Real World”, the need for inspiration and encouragement is growing by the day.
Whenever I am feeling inadequate, or that the work I am doing is not sending me in the
right direction, I have a few key players in my box of inspiration. And for the record, everybody should have a box of inspiration.

Here's what is in my box:

Eric Thomas | The Secrets to Success
Will Smith | Talent vs Skill
Morgan Freeman | Oprah’s Master Class
Robert Kiyosaki | Rich Dad Poor Dad
Barry Green | The Inner Game of Music (Self 1 and 2)
and Bruce Mau | Incomplete Manifesto for Growth
Just to name a few...

Novedge: What have you learned by writing your blog and answering questions from
students?

Mark Perrett: This blog has taught me not only a lot about others, but a lot about myself. In fact, Iwrite every post as if I am addressing myself from the past, which keeps me honest. It is almost like I am going back in time and sharing all of the secrets to life I have learned through experience, but instead of talking to myself, I am talking to the prospective students within my field. That is what teaching is, in a way, a real-time form of time travel. I am in the present, passing on my knowledge from the past, to help people in the future.

Originally this blog was meant to be a place for my intro students to go and read the tips I was writing for them, but the blog started becoming more popular within the Tumblr community and people from around the world began to follow. The questions started pouring in from Singapore, Serbia, Australia, France, Iran, England, The Philippines, and much more. It was surprising to see that I could answer a question from one student and it was beneficial for thousands of other students around the world.
It's not just architecture students either. The information can be applied across many platforms of design and life in general. In fact, I believe that application is the most important attribute to all education. Being able to take what you have learned from one genre and apply it to everything else you do in life is a key trait in maxing out your current knowledge to its full potential.

Novedge: What software do you use? What software do you recommend to architecture
students?

Mark Perrett: Software is undoubtedly one of the most integral parts of an architect’s education. Through school I have learned and used the following programs: AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, Adobe Illustrator,  Google SketchUp, V-Ray for SketchUP and Adobe Dreamweaver.There are many more programs out there like Kerythea and Adobe Lightroom that I seeused a lot, but If I had to pick three programs to prepare you for architecture school they would be AutoCAD, Photoshop, and SketchUP. Here is why:

AutoCAD is one of the most widely used in the industry, but it is so much more than just a software for making clean plans and sections. I use AutoCAD with our laser cutters and CNC Router to build accurate 3D models and prototypes. Another great feature is the 3D modeling capabilities to create high quality 3D graphics. If you are getting into the field of architecture, you will need to be able to use this program.

Adobe Photoshop is a great equalizer. You don’t have to be a wizard of rendering software to produce beautiful graphics. A proficient amount of skill in Photoshop can help you produce stunning graphic representations of your work even if you are not a pro at too many other programs.

SketchUP is the “McDonald’s of software” in the design profession. Everyone uses it, it works great, but it is not as “healthy” for you as some other 3D modeling software because of its brutal simplicity. Other 3D modeling software can do much more, but this is a great place to start. I have heard plenty of snide remarks from professors about this program, but I love it. I can either quickly sketch out an idea or spend hours detailing my entire model, but the program as a whole allows me to make quick, easy digital models for my projects which can later be exported to many other programs for further development. Plus, I can mass a model out in SketchUP and import it into Rhino if I want to use complex forms, parametric modeling, or print on a 3D printer.

Novedge: What innovations do you see in your field, now or in the future?

Mark Perrett: Of course we will always be improving on things like renewable resources and energy
efficiency, but I think the innovations for the future of architecture will focus more on architectural amenities. And I’m not talking about bathroom tile.
I imagine that, as technology becomes more advanced, so will the way we inhabit space and interact with architecture. Interactive architecture is a growing interest in this field. Architecture has such a broad spectrum it really shapes the way we eat, sleep, work, play, and live life in general. Here is a video that always gets me thinking when looking into the future of architectural design: A Day Made of Glass... Made possible by Corning.

A section of my thesis also deals with interactive architecture in the public realm. A group of four students (including myself) from the University of South Florida School of Architecture + Design has developed an urban design collaborative called The Urban Conga. We activate public spaces by installing interactive installations in downtown/urban settings, creating arenas for exploration, and promoting free choice learning. Learn more about The Urban Conga here.

 

You can see Mark's personal work on his website and you can read his Tips for Architecture School on his blog. You can purchase his book Architecture Terms | A Guide for Students on How to Speak like a Designer here.

 

 

President and CoFounder of Novedge, Franco Folini, Talks with DataManager TV (Italian only)

Franco Folini, President and CoFounder of Novedge, was recently interviewed by the DataManager TV, an Italian online magazine that focuses on ICT news. The interview is in Italian. You can read the article here.

From our CEO Cristiano Sacchi: New Year, Same Wish

We asked Cristiano Sacchi, our co founder and CEO, to share some thoughts for the end of the year. Cristiano loves to look ahead and decided to write about a wish he has had for many many years...

"Another year has gone by and for the design community it was a very interesting one indeed. The fast spreading of desktop 3D printing alone makes 2012 a year to remember.

As we look forward to an even more interesting 2013 I have my usual, still unfulfilled, wish for the software development wizards out there: Will we finally see a good initial stage design concept tool? As a matter of fact, the back of any envelope, or a napkin, still beats any software for very early stage concept design. Can we finally do better than pen and paper to help creativity at every stage?

Over the years we have seen great progress in the conceptual design software space. Products like bonzai3d, Moment of Inspiration (MoI), and SketchUp offer good early stage creativity tools to industrial designers, architects and engineers, but they have not replaced the napkin yet.

The ultimate early-stage design tool would be something that you grab for an impromptu brainstorming session instead of pen and paper when pen and paper is readily available on your desk. If such a tool were available, the benefits would be incredible: the resulting draft model could be used downstream to create many things, such as accurate designs and 3D printouts. Early analysis tools (like like rendering and stress) and remote communication would also be very easy (e.g., you could Skype in a colleague from a remote location to have a quick opinion). And that would be just the start.

I have had this same wish for the past quarter of a century and one thing that gives me hope is that tablet computers have now gone mainstream. Will this new device finally inspire somebody to find a way to replace pen and paper for conceptual design? Maybe the lack of a proper device was the problem – as long as computers only sit on your desk and can only be operated with a keyboard and a mouse they might be intrinsically less appealing than pen and paper – and certainly you cannot bring them with you at breakfast or lunch when suddenly you start brainstorming about a new design idea. Will the tablet be the game changer?

So, will this be the year when I get my wish? Can I get my wish at all? Are napkins inherently better than today’s computers and software? What do you think?"

 

Race to Advanced Support on Autodesk Suites with this Free Upgrade.

I am proud to announce that Novedge is offering a very special deal on many Autodesk Suites. You can see the full list here. From now until the end of January, when you buy a full suite with maintenance, we will give you a free subscription to Autodesk's Advanced Support. This upgrade will give you access, for one year, to "unlimited, priority, one-to-one, extended hour global phone support from senior Autodesk support specialists."

If you are thinking of purchasing seats for one of the suites in the special, take advantage of this offer before it expires. There is always so much to learn and and this premiere level of support from Autodesk is the best way to connect with their amazing team.

And don't forget to become a member of WikiCAD, our online community for users of Autodesk products and plugins. You can sign up here, and connect on twitter and Facebook to participate in forum discussions, connect with other design professionals, read the latest news and discover new videos and projects.

Novedge at the San Francisco Autodesk Gallery

Yesterday we had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco, with Jeff Farr, Autodesk Senior Partner Manager. 

So much of what we use and interact with has been designed with CAD software and often with an Autodesk software.  We saw samples of designs from different applications, from architecture, to film and entertainment, from product design to 3D printing technology.

Below are some of the highlights of our visit.

Here's the model of the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SMO). 3D printed models were widely used to plan the building, making the use of natural light a central feature of the cathedral. Software used: AutoCAD, DWF Viewer, 3ds Max, CSI SAP2000 Nonlinear, CSI SAFE, form-Z, PTC Mathcad, Rhino3D, S-CONCRETE, SOM Proprietary Image Processor.

3D printed model of the Shanghai Tower by Gensler.

Applications for the gaming and entertainment industries, including a motion capture suit, used in movies like Avatar.

The Pi Cycle, by Pi Mobility, an electric bike that Cristiano couldn't resist trying! Software used: Inventor, 3ds Max, Showcase

More fun with a car driving simulator, taking Cristiano to a virtual Golden Gate Bridge.

At the end of the visit, we saw a 3D printer and some samples created with it.

From entire action figures printed all at once, to actual usable tools, 3D printing is an exciting new technology.

As a parting gift, we sat at the photo station to get our "3D" photo taken.

Here's Cristiano's photo in Autodesk 123D Catch, ready to be 3D printed!

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, take some time to visit the Autodesk Gallery. There's a guided tour every day at 12:30 pm, to hear more about each project. 

Interview with Paul Bay, CEO of Punch! Software

Not all CAD companies play in the same arena. While most CAD companies stay busy talking to the press, explaining strategies to financial analysts, and placing expensive ads in magazines nobody reads anymore, some CAD companies invest their time and money in talking to customers. These companies are less likely to be on a stage under a spotlight, but they are out there in the market enjoying a strong dialogue with their customers and selling licenses by the millions. Punch! Software (website) is one of these kinds of companies. They make a powerful product line that includes products such as ViaCAD, Shark, HomeDesign, and more. It's time to invite Punch! Software's CEO Paul Bay to the stage of the Novedge blog, turn on the lights, and ask him a few questions.

Paul can you tell us a bit about yourself and your company?

I have a strong background and intimate knowledge of retail, internet, SMB, commercial, corporate, and vendor markets

Sure. I am Paul Bay, the CEO of Punch! Software and I’ve been with Punch! for over three and a half years. I have a strong background in technology distribution where I spent eleven years with Ingram Micro, Inc., the world’s largest technology distributor, headquartered in Southern California. I was Senior Vice President of North America at Ingram Micro with Executive Management responsibility for purchasing, vendor relationships, business development, category management, vendor marketing as well as the components business unit. I have a strong background and intimate knowledge of retail, internet, SMB, commercial, corporate, and vendor markets and I’ve been thrilled to bring those skills to Punch! and utilize them in the role I hold within the company in order to grow and evolve as the market around us evolves and expands.

for the past 10 years, we’ve continued to dominate the North American market in home design software

Upon accepting the position with Punch! in 2006, I relocated my family from sunny Southern California to Kansas City, Missouri and have enjoyed the opportunity to explore family life in a completely different region than I grew up within Southern California. Around the months of December through mid-March I do miss the sunshine of the west coast, but we’ve learned to appreciate many things unique to Kansas City as well. I have yet to sway my allegiance to the San Diego Chargers and my family may very well be the only ones wearing navy blue jerseys each Sunday in Kansas City!
Punch! Software was formed in 1998 with the idea that 3D design software should be as fun to use as it is productive. Everyday we are focused on our mission to be the leading global provider and destination for design solutions. For the past 10 years, we’ve continued to dominate the North American market in home design software through our retail and online sales outlets and in late 2006 we decided to expand our 3D design breadth by acquiring CadSoft Solutions and were quickly recognized as the fastest growing CAD company in 2007. Through the acquisition we were able to add to the Punch! Software portfolio an incredibly strong lineup of 2D/3D CAD software for the professional architect and engineer, via our Shark CAD product line, as well as CAD products for the hobbyist, through our ViaCAD product line.

Who is the typical Punch! Software customer? Why does he or she select Shark CAD?

we have over three million Punch! Software customers

The typical Punch! Software customer is somebody who recognizes a truly powerful 2D/3D CAD solution that’s incredibly easy to use, in addition to somebody who appreciates the affordability the Shark CAD and ViaCAD products offer. We have over three million Punch! Software customers so our ability to truly bring 3D CAD design to anybody and everybody is something we believe to be highly achievable.
Our current CAD customer base has a very broad range from high tech manufacturers to creative artists; from set designers to recreational product designers; from luxury packaging designers to architects, school districts and prestigious universities. It’s quite broad, which I believe is a nod to our ease of use and powerful product capabilities, and the good news is that it just keeps growing!

The "ease-of-use" is among the most quoted quality of your products. What are the keys to making the end-user life easier while still providing high level features?

ease-of-use is a combination of the user interface, video tutorials, and software features

We believe that ease-of-use is a combination of the user interface, video tutorials, and software features that enhance the total user experience. For new users, we provide over 80 minutes of embedded video tutorials. These tutorials can serve as a learning syllabus, a reference tool, or simply as a guide as you go through your design process.
In addition to the video tutorials, our Shark CAD products provide an extensive set of software features aimed at enhancing the user experience and unveiling high level features as needed. This is accomplished through customizing tool options, smart prompting, tips and tricks pop-ups, and intelligent snapping using LogiCursor™. LogiCursor is often noted by our users as an indispensable tool for working in 3D as well as 2D. Using the tools provided within the ViaCAD and Shark CAD products, we literally can have a beginning 2D/3D design enthusiast designing within minutes!

Your products run on the Win platform as well as on the Mac. Do you receive the same feedback from the two categories of users?

we provide the ability to read native CATIA and Pro/E, which is a unique solution for Mac users

Aside from the resounding “Hallelujah” from the Mac community, we do tend to receive similar feedback from the two categories of users. Both categories of users want functionality and the ability to share data with others. Our out-of-the box functionality and ability to share data precisely using IGES, STEP, DXF/DWG and SAT is much welcomed. We also provide the ability to read native CATIA and Pro/E Wildfire parts, which is a unique solution for Mac users.
Our Mac users are thrilled to see we provide a native interface to Mac, much as our PC interface is native to Windows. Neither user community is compromised by our decision to support both platforms. However, our Mac users will find some extra translators as part of the Mac OS for reading EPS, PDF, and AI files. These file formats are great for Adobe users migrating into 3D.
With respect to our price point within the CAD software market, collectively we receive raised eyebrows, lots of comments such as “really?”, and deliberate nods of approval. The functionality combined with user experience at an attractive price point is appreciated by both categories of users.

What is the level of collaboration and synergy you have with CadSoft since the acquisition in November 2006?

there were lots of similarities between Punch! and CadSoft as we both promoted a very entrepreneurial environment

Collaboration and synergies were completely integrated shortly after the acquisition. We saw a unique opportunity when we acquired CadSoft Solutions to not only obtain a great technology, but also a seasoned veteran in Tim Olson. Tim has over 25 years of management experience in this industry and brought a wealth of knowledge within the CAD space.
There were lots of similarities between Punch! and CadSoft Solutions as we both promoted a very entrepreneurial environment. Tim and his team have become a part of the Punch! family and they continue to collaborate with sales and marketing as well as the core management team on a daily basis. We’re thankful everyday for their contribution, expertise, perspective and immense knowledge of the CAD market and industry.

The Shark product line integrates 2D and 3D in an effective way. What role do you think 2D will play in the design and manufacturing industry five years from now?

We see 2D continuing to play a relevant role especially in the presentation of 3D data through engineering drawings. Our goal is to continue to provide easy and affordable tools that automate this process providing an attractive migration path for 2D users.

Integration with other CAD system is a key feature of the Shark product line. How is Shark used in combination with the "big guys" (CATIA, Pro/E., etc.)?

[Integration with other CAD system] is a key feature of the Shark product line

You’re right Franco, it is a key feature of the Shark product line and something we’re very proud of. Tim and his team developed a precise kernel that facilitates the sharing of data with the “big guys” and we’ve seen it work to the advantage of the customer in several instances. We have many customers who have existing installations of CATIA, Pro/E, AutoCAD, Solidworks, you name it, and they’ve been able to add additional CAD licenses of Shark into the existing environment to share data seamlessly, and for a noticeably more affordable price tag.

I would like to thank Paul for taking the time to answer my questions. If you have any questions for Paul or for Novedge, please leave a comment below and we will be glad to answer.

Franco Folini

Shark CAD Video Punch! Software products are available from Novedge

An Interview with Robert Green, author of "Expert CAD Management"

Robert Green is the author of the new book Expert CAD Management: The Complete Guide (288 pages, published by Sybex) and the head of the Robert Green Consulting Group. Robert is well known for his insightful articles published by the popular Cadalyst magazine. Having spent a few years myself as a consultant to support CAD users in SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), I learned how important and at times difficult this job can be. Therefore I sincerely welcome Robert Green's book as I'm sure it could help all CAD managers to fully understand the extent and limitations of their responsibilities, thus providing a better service to their companies and CAD users. I invited Robert for an interview in order to share some of his highlights from the book. Here are my questions and his answers. Please note that if you order Robert's book from his website you will receive a signed copy.

Robert, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional activities?

I’m a mechanical engineer who got bitten by the CAD bug way back in 1985. I had the opportunity to learn AutoCAD at version 2.0 while also using SDRC’s I-DEAS program to model and analyze large mechanical assemblies for semiconductor machinery. Somewhere along the way I became “the go to guy” for CAD applications and got the reputation of being the CAD manager.  I never really sought out the title, it just sort of happened.
Through the unfortunate event of a bankruptcy at the company I worked for I found myself without a job in 1991 and decided to start my own company providing CAD consulting services and I’ve been at ever since. I started writing professionally in 1996 for CADENCE Magazine which lead to my current involvement with Cadalyst Magazine and ultimately my new book. I also do a lot of teaching and public speaking on CAD management topics.

How does your book make a difference in the everyday work of a CAD manager?

CAD managers can use the book to expand their awareness and widen their skill

I’ve tried to make the book a complete guide (thus the title) on a broad variety of subjects from technology to personnel management to return on investment and budgeting. I think the breadth of topics in the book is a metaphor for how varied the CAD manager’s job really is. The best thing I can do for CAD managers is make them realize that their focus needs to be on a lot of items that aren’t necessarily CAD. After all, the word MANAGER is a lot bigger than CAD right?
I structured the book to have a unifying beginning section that every CAD manager should read then they can branch out into the other chapters depending on what’s applicable to them and what they feel are their weaknesses. My hope is CAD managers can use the book to expand their awareness and widen their skill set at their own pace.

What would be the background and personal features of a great CAD manager?

there’s no substitute for understanding the industry you work in via real experience

Background wise there’s no substitute for understanding the industry you work in via real experience. As an example, a mechanical engineer will be a better CAD manager in a manufacturing plant than an architect would be due to contextual experience. When you understand your user’s needs and how the company operates you’ll be a better CAD manager but you can only gain that perspective via experience. Exposure to some financial concepts like budgeting or engineering economics are great skills to have coming into a CAD management position, though you can learn those skills as you go.
Finally, I think the most important personal attributes of a CAD manager are the ability to learn on their own, a desire to solve complex technical problems and the willingness to take responsibility for a wide variety of tasks.

In your professional activities, do you spend more time sensibilizing people about CAD management or providing practical solutions and tips?

understanding why a problem exists will allow to remove the root cause of the problem

Actually it all seems to happen concurrently. I try to present things in the sequence of “what is the problem” then “why are you having the problem” then “what might you do to solve the problem” as the last piece of the puzzle. Typically it is during the “why are you having the problem” phase where the light bulb goes on for most CAD managers. That’s usually where they start to see their job as being more user based, more educational, more managerial and somewhat less technical than they might have thought.
When I give lectures to CAD manager groups I strive to demonstrate that understanding why a problem exists will allow them to remove the root cause of the problem. Then solutions can flow quickly once the root cause is eliminated. I do like to challenge CAD managers to think about the strategy of what they’re doing so they’ll take fresh new approaches to old problems. My goal is to have them walk out of a class emboldened to take charge and make things better.

What are the most common mistakes in CAD management in SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprise)?

(the main mistake) CAD managers aren’t talking to senior management in senior management’s native language

The most common mistake I see is the CAD manager not being involved enough in planning for future technology like hardware, networking and the new generation of design tools we see being adopted. When I hear a CAD manager complain about not having the right hardware, software or adequate budgets my first question is always, “What did you tell your management you needed?” After all, most senior management staffs know less about CAD than the CAD manager does so it behooves us to get involved in the planning early on.
The other main mistake I see made is that CAD managers aren’t talking to senior management in senior management’s native language which is all about business and money.  If you approach senior management with a solid business plan and show why that plan will generate profits for the company you’ll do a lot better than talking bits, bytes and bandwidth.

The transition from 2D to 3D can have huge implications for a CAD manager. What issues come up the most?

changing user’s software tools (from 2D to 3D) can be traumatic

The biggest issues I see are the human factors of the transition like training and desire to change. Changing user’s software tools can be traumatic and can lead to a divided user community: Some wanting to learn, some in the middle and some who simply loath change. But no matter what users think, the company simply wants their new software investment to pay off and is impatient to see the results. The CAD manager is now stuck between users who are stressed out by change and a senior management staff that wants things done immediately. Not an easy place to be!
Of course there are still the issues of upgrading hardware and software tools and fighting the budget battles that inevitably come up but in my opinion those things are easy compared to the staffing/training issues.

How does CAD management differ in a pure 2D environment from a 3D environment? What are the specific problems in the 3D environment?

3D tools require a lot more thought about data management, versioning and workgroup security

It differs in the amount of information that needs to be managed and carries a bigger emphasis on complex file to file relationships. Managing static 2D AutoCAD files is very different from managing a dynamically changing mechanical assembly with a collaborative design team, as an example. 3D tools require a lot more thought about data management, versioning and workgroup security.
There’s also the fact that 3D tools are developing/changing a lot more than the now familiar 2D systems so there’s more change to stay ahead of and bigger learning curves for the CAD manager as a result.
Finally, the interaction between 2D and 3D systems to facilitate communication with customers and vendors who use different systems is a big problem.  I call this mixture of 2D/3D the hybrid CAD office and have observed the phenomenon in all manner of private and government environments.  The translation headaches that result from the hybrid environment really keep the CAD manager hopping.

I would like to thank Robert Green for his taking the time for this interview. If you have any questions for Robert or for Novedge, please leave a comment below and we will be glad to answer. If you purchase Robert's book through his website the copy you receive will be autographed by the author.

Franco Folini