Learn to design and model like a licensed architect with this step-by-step SketchUp course led by Brandon A. Gibbs, AIA—an award-winning architect with over a decade of experience designing and managing residential projects across the U.S. and abroad.
Whether you're new to SketchUp or looking to refine your workflow, this course teaches you how to create professional, accurate, and visually compelling models that are ready for collaboration, documentation, or client presentation. You’ll learn not just what to model—but why it matters in a real-world design and construction context.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
<ul>
<li>
How to build clean, accurate 3D models from real architectural plans
</li>
<li>
The importance of using groups, components, and proper alignment
</li>
<li>How to use advanced Sketchup tools like Geolocate, AI Render, Section Boxes and Details.</li>
<li>
How to structure your model for team collaboration and efficient edits
</li>
<li>
Strategies for passive design, site modeling, and smart decision-making
</li>
<li>
How to generate compelling visuals using SketchUp Diffusion
</li>
<li>
Scene setup, tag management, and workflow best practices for project delivery
</li>
</ul>
💡 Why This Course Stands Out:
<ul>
<li>
Taught by a practicing AIA architect with built residential work around the world
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<li>
Real project thinking: Model what you’d actually build
</li>
<li>
Clear breakdowns of both design concepts and technical execution
</li>
<li>
Includes bonus tips on sustainable strategies and LEED-aligned thinking
</li>
<li>
Comes with ready-to-use templates, site files, and model resources
</li>
</ul>
This course has everything to help commercial and residential designers master SketchUp. So if you want to continue your mastery with SketchUp, then sign up and get started today!

Ultimate Guide To SketchUp Trailer

Principles To Follow

Chapter 1: Intro to Sketchup 2026 - Welcome to SketchUp  Architecture Overview

Reviewing The Interface

Chapter 2 - Site Design in Sketchup - Geolocating The Site

Site Placement

Preparing Layers

Generating Topo Lines

Choosing Site Elevation

Setting Up Views

Creating A Site Section

Adding Levels

Program Sizing Considerations

Framing The Structure

Adding The Floors

Creating Floor Views via Section Cut

Adding Remaining Floors And Adjustments

Adding structural Piles

Adding Vertical Circulation

Planning Programming Space

Reviewing Light Access and Phasad Form

Adjusting Structure for Circulation

Sketching  Vertical Circulation

Modeling Vertical Enclosure

Refining Site Top With Subtraction

Sandbox Workflow for Stamping A Site

Adding In Context

Modeling A Road From Topo

Fixing Tags

Exterior Design Overview

Planning Exterior Elements

Modeling An Exterior Deck

Modeling The Upper Deck

Calculating and Modeling Stairs

Modeling 3D Stairs

Adjusting Floors and Landings

Modeling 3D Stair Stringers

Adjusting Stair Components

39 Planning Exterior Walls

40 Planning Wall Type Details

Modeling Walls

Setting Wall Materials

Planning Retaining Wall Design

Modeling The Retaining Wall

Fixing Model Accuracy

Creating A Working Layer For Walls

Checking Exterior Wall Geometry

Planning Windows & Door Components

Cleaning Up Alignment Elements

Adding Window Components

Adding A Door Component

Adding An Exterior Storefront

Adding Exterior Panels

Subtracting Envelope Openings

Organizing Model Levels W Tags

Planning A Storefront Wall

Modeling Storefront Components

Modeling Upper Exterior Wall Elements

Modeling The Stair Tower   Base

Adding Section and Views For Modeling

Modeling A Storefront Envelope

Final Modeling Envelope Edges

63 Fixing Interior Clearance

Adjusting Storefront To Add Door

Planning Exterior Railing

Modeling The Basic Rail

Detailing Rail Look and Finishes

Duplicating A Rail System

Adjusting The Detail Across The Rail

Updating The Site Road Geometry

Reviewing Envelope Design & Views

Reviewing Envelope Design

Modeling An Inset Door

Planning Exterior Enclosure Detailing

Modeling Exterior Envelope Edge Wall

Updating Site Footprint

Updating Rail Edge

Reviewing Exteriors

Planning Interiors   Level 1 Update

Importing The 1st Floor Sketch

Planning The 1st Flr Modeling

Modeling Interior Walls

Adjusting Modeling View

Planning Interior Modeling

Adding 3D Doorways

Adding Secondary Interior Walls

Modeling 3D Casework Prototype

Integrating 3D Casework In Model

Adding An Interior Perspective

Adding A 3D Island

Modeling Space For Stove And Hood

Intro To SketchUp AI Render

AI Render Interface

Customizing AI Render With Brush

AI Render For Interior

Refining Model For Best AI Render

Refined Interior Render

1st FLOOR PLANS.zip

05 Site Planning.zip

SAMPLE MODELS-per development.zip

GROUND FLOOR SKETCH.zip

The Ultimate SketchUp 2026 Guide For Architecture

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The Ultimate SketchUp 2026 Guide For Architecture

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