I'm new to the forums here, its been a treat to see all the good work. I thought it might be worth weighing in on this conversation. I also wish Sketchup and layout developers would consider adding true 2D documentation abilities. I've been using Sketchup for many years, well before Googles introduction. My desktop changed dramatically the day the CD showed up, Sketchup 1.3. I had ordered it through Architectural Record (I think) It was a quirky little program that seemed like a good fit for the planning work we were doing. Never did I relise the true implications of adding this to the firms list of programs. Sketchup literally has changed the process of how we work, the presentations, and the products we create. Nothing in 26 years has had anything close to the impact of on our work; and more specifically, me. I'm fortunate to now make a living creating stuff, presenting stuff, and building stuff. One of the real un-intended problems with Sketchup is how it now dominates my daily work-flow. Autocad, Datacad are all history for me. As a architectural illustrator I have no issue with Sketchup, as an architect I need more. I feel that Google almost owes to us to develope a professional 2D program that in theory, works like Layout3 with yet more capability. I do use layout regularly, especially when post processsing of isnt an issue. When used in a modest way, specifically formatting conceptual or schematic designs and their multiple iterations Layout is magic. Sometimes I feel that Googles purchase of @Last software was both a blessing and a curse. I like the fact that Sketchup is popular, I also like Googles mantra, 3D for everyone. I just wish they would consider that we users are acually professionals trying to make a buck and we need to evolve. I had expectations of a faster Sketchup, a faster layout. I envisioned a render component and a better 2D document tool. What exactly is Google going to do with Sketchup? Are we forever going to be regarded as those "fringe" 3D folks. You know, "thats not a real 3D program", yadda, yadda. Where does Sketchup go from here? Is this it? As a professional I feel its becoming a one trick pony, or maybe its me having become, a one trick pony. Sometimes I feel like Sketchup is a game complete with addons, mods etc. A plug-in for that, and app for this. I'm to old and grumpy to spend all my time investigating and downloading different plugins etc. I wish Google/@last was able to bring us what we need and less of what we want. Will openGL be used as a platform forever? Where was Sketchup going before the Google entered the picture. I don't have any issues with Google, a great company for sure. I just wish they would consider more and that they meet our expectations going forward.

Hi all. I've just joined the forum and have been checking out all the great work. I also was using Maxwell. A great compliment to Sketchup. Sadly the work-flow at the office doesnt play well with Maxwell as a result the long time it takes and the learning curve. I wish I had more time to devote to it. This was a project I did a few years ago. It was acually a development in Florida but these images suggest the Middle East or Africa theme. Thanks to whoever shared the Land Rover on the 3D warehouse. TheBrewery was another project in boston.