I'm currently working as a group leader for the NYC Theatrical Users Group and have had tremendous satisfaction with both the product as well as the consistently excellent service support. I'm very happy to give the program and the company a five-star rating.
Our office has been using Vectorworks for decades. Every few years we look at other BIM software, but immediately conclude Vectorworks is the best overall solution, hands down. The complete workflow from programming , design and construction documents is both highly flexible and efficient.
The program is intuitive, letting you do your design without constantly thinking of how to use the program. The graphics are superior!
I am a long time user of Vectorworks, for both architecture and the exhibit industry. I first started using the program in 2007 and immediately found it enjoyable and intuitive to use. I especially like how it's structured in such a way to help keep my work flow organized and efficient. It is such a fluid program that takes care of all my design, drafting, and 3D visual and graphics work - an all in one package. I am starting a Vectorworks User Group in Chicago with another architect, Odile Compagnon. It will be exciting to meet other like-minded professionals who use or are thinking of using Vectorworks. We are welcoming more members to join our group! If interested, you can find us on the User Group map on the Vectorworks website.
This company is incredibly unfair to its clients. I am being obligated to pay a renewal fee, when in fact I do not want to or can renew at this time, because I have not used the program for a single project (not their issue of course). I signed a contract a couple years ago and apparently I also agreed to terms and conditions that I have no record of receiving, that states I was to renew unless I notified by writing 90 days prior! This is small print in a second page to the contract that I never received and was just now sent to me by a rep. The page also only says "terms & conditions" in grey at the bottom of the page, in small print. I also never received the emails they claim to have sent me 90 days ago... I am certain I would have remembered a 90-day cancellation policy.
Overall, I am disappointed with the seemingly sneaky way they do business. I was hoping to eventually use the program in place of AutoCAD, and had in fact recommended it to various colleagues and students. I think it is always best to give clients/customers the benefit of the doubt, and simply treat people with kindness.
I have been using Vectorworks since 2008, and I continue to use the program with a great deal of pleasure. The program for me acts as a catalyst, helping to extend and develop my ideas further than they would otherwise have gone.
Any CAD program has a steep learning curve, but Vectorworks feels intuitive. One of the more recent changes in the program has been to revise the help features in a way that is actually useful.
The program as it has evolved has made its design potential more exciting, and this has only been possible because the team at Vectorworks keeps a close ear to the ground.
I m a long time use of VW, having taught it to architecture undergrad students in the 90 s and ever since then in my (mostly residential) practice. I like its versatility, I ve used it at different times for basic 2D drafting, 3D modeling (as a base for sketch overlays) and for robust 3D rendered models utilizing some of its BIM features and even for graphic design (I designed my business cards in VW). And the tech and moral support provided by the folks at VW is exemplary. Highly recommend!
I am a long time user of Vectorworks, and my experience continues to get better. I spend most all of everyday in the application designing scenery, lights, and projection for entertainment and experiences. I could not do my work as well, quickly, or efficiently without the software.
I own and use the full Designer package, while the Spotlight Product is industry specific, I also use the Architect and Landmark products. These tools give me options and allow for me to include things like digital terrain models for creating unusual scenic elements and/or film landscaping or outdoor concert venues.
My work and success are predicated on my presentations, my Renderworks renderings 'sell' my ideas and show clients EXACTLY what we will be delivering. Modeling and rendering in one package creates a smooth workflow and revisions/changes are tracked through.
I can never recommend Vectorworks enough.
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