"On the board" indicates a design is in process. This phrase has particular significance to me because I have been working on a drawing board of some type since I was a child. I was a draftsman for many years before becoming a senior designer and later a packaging engineer. I was one of the first to be trained on a CADD system, but I still have my oak four-poster table and my old, once state-of-the-art Mutoh drafting machine and electric eraser in storage. As I gain more space and free time, I hope to be able to return to my mechanical pencil and lay some lines. Process I still begin most designs with several hand sketches, but I quickly move to the accuracy and speed of digital 3D design. Most of what I design is in a compressed or confined space, so function and human factors must be carefully considered. The digital process also permits me to see and experience in virtual reality (VR) how a space will work, look, and feel. My clients can either download a virtual headset tour to explore their design and use it through their Internet browser on their phone or PC, or we can use our equipment. Once the client and I are comfortable with the design, I provide a few general renderings of the project. If required, I create an actual scale composite of my design and/or a virtual tour. While I would not consider any of my images to be truly photo-realistic, I feel all are more than adequate to convey the design concept with dimensional accuracy. Achieving true photorealism in a rendering is achievable but can often consume more time than the actual 3D modeling does! If you need an artistic or true photorealistic rendering, we can certainly provide it using your 3D model or ours. Advantages Some of the key advantages of the 3D design process include the ability to detail individual parts and assemblies and create CNC machine code. I can also estimate materials, costs, weights, the center of gravity, lighting, and sun shadows. We can also freely experiment with colors, materials, and textures. All of this without disturbing the owner or their property or creating any sawdust! Planning to Succeed. Design in 3D can virtually eliminate indecision, confusion, wasted time, money, and materials. Because everyone involved knows what is to be built and how, everyone wins. The property owner is less inconvenienced because work goes faster. The work is more profitable for the builder because there are more labor hours applied to the actual work and available to do other projects. Perhaps even more importantly, with the current supply chain issues and costs continuing to escalate, it is wise to invest in 3D design for your next project. Today, it takes longer to secure materials and tradesmen. Pre-plan your project well in advance of actual construction, and you’ll be better able to control times and costs.