Medeek, ConDocs and Nick Sonders

SketchUp Pro
1

Greetings, I come in peace and am looking for advice on my efforts to improve my workflow.
I’ve been using the Medeek suite of plugins for about a year and a half and love them. The ease of use and ability to quickly modify details related to almost everything in my models is incredible. Nathaniel responds quickly to questions and issues and I plan to continue using them in the future.
I was very excited to discover Mike Brightman’s ConDoc extension and immediately tested them out with some existing models but ran into some strange problems no matter how I tried to modify my model. I consolidated the Medeek tags into simpler groups (roof_dim, roof_2d, roof_outline, etc.) into a single ROOF tag knowing that I would lose the ability to modify the model using the Medeek plugins. I did the same with Walls and Foundation. I tried using ConDoc’s Architecture LAB and a few other tweaks but continued to get error messages in the Ruby console and odd corruptions of my models. Sadly I was not able to find a solution and had to give up on ConDoc with Medeek models.
I next dove into Nick Sonder’s templates and was able to create the scenes I needed and modified his styles to match what I wanted to display in Layout (Black and White, lighter use of fog, etc.). This maybe be how I continue moving forward.
I guess I’m looking for input from others using these methods to create their construction documents.

Thanks

2

I know Mike has put forth quite an effort to better mesh his ConDoc tools with my extensions. Of course I don’t have access to any of the ConDoc code base but whatever I can do on my end to help facilitate your workflow is my intent.

I usually don’t get too specific when it comes to the workflow used to generate construction documents. The reason is that most of my energy has been focused on the 3D model and it’s geometry. Additionally, there is not real time API for Layout so I really can’t automate anything. It also seems like there are an infinite variety of workflows that can be used to generate construction docs.

2 Likes
3

Mike is awesome and I learned a lot to improve my workflow and understanding of Layout. He took the time to do an online meeting with me to discuss questions and concerns.
I do not rule out my own mistakes with my models.

I can’t say enough about your response to questions and problems as well. I have no idea how you have time to make constant improvements to your extensions and cover customer service to boot!

I hope to meet you in Vegas at Basecamp.

2 Likes
4

I’m an architectural consultant and contractor, and I’ve developed a unique workflow using SketchUp, Medeek, and ConDoc. My process is fully streamlined for precision and accuracy, producing beautifully detailed drawings that clients often compliment. I’d like to give a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Brightman and Mr. Wilkerson for uniting these exceptional tools. I’ve had the pleasure of introducing SketchUp, Medeek, and ConDoc to architects, engineers, drafters, and others eager to improve their work. One architect even shared that a project taking them 19 days was completed in just 5.5 days using my workflow! I truly love these tools—they’ve completely transformed how I work.

2 Likes
5

And I can’t forget to thank Mr. Sanders—he was the one who got me started using SketchUp for construction documents. His guidance was the jumpstart I needed, and it’s made all the difference in transforming my workflow.

2 Likes
6

Please provide more details on your workflow and how you are able to achieve this. I’m very familiar with my own plugins and how they work but I’m really no expert when it comes to Layout or actually creating construction drawings from these complex and detailed models.

7

Here’s a workflow integrating Medeek plugins and ConDoc for architectural design and construction documentation. This process will maximize efficiency, precision, and accuracy using SketchUp as the base platform. This workflow is particularly well-suited for architectural consultants and contractors like you, focused on creating comprehensive construction documents and detailed models.

  1. Initial Project Setup in SketchUp

Project Preparation: Start by organizing the SketchUp file with a proper naming convention and folder structure. Set up your default units, layers, and tag structure in line with ConDoc standards for efficient model organization.

ConDoc Template: Open the ConDoc template within SketchUp. This template provides a predefined structure with layers, tags, and scenes aligned with ConDoc’s Layer System, which helps keep models clean and organized.

  1. Modeling with Medeek Plugins

Medeek’s plugins offer specialized tools for structural elements like walls, roofs, foundations, and trusses.

Walls and Foundations:

Use Medeek Wall to lay out walls with precise dimensions, window and door placements, and other details.

Medeek Foundation is perfect for creating foundation types like slabs, crawl spaces, or stem walls. For complex foundations, utilize Medeek’s ability to add footings and rebar detailing as required.

Framing and Roofs:

For framing, Medeek Truss helps create complex truss and rafter systems. Define pitch, overhangs, and spacing to ensure that the roof’s structural details are accurately represented.

Use Medeek Floor for laying out floor joists, beams, and columns, ensuring alignment with ConDoc tags.

MEP Layouts:

Medeek MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) lets you lay out utilities, ensuring that MEP systems comply with local codes and fit within structural designs.

  1. ConDoc for Documentation & Annotation

ConDoc’s power lies in automating construction documentation, which will help streamline the creation of drawings and reports for permits and approvals.

Set Up Scenes and Styles: Using ConDoc’s scene templates, generate standard views such as floor plans, sections, elevations, and isometric views. These scenes are automatically tagged and organized, reducing manual setup.

Annotation and Detailing: With ConDoc, add standardized annotations, dimensions, callouts, and hatches for different materials and components. This gives your drawings a clean, professional look.

Layer System: ConDoc’s Layer System will ensure all elements created by Medeek (walls, roofs, foundations, MEP) are automatically tagged according to discipline. This separation by tag simplifies later steps like scene creation, layer visibility, and exporting.

  1. Collaboration & Review

Exporting for Review: Export scenes as PDFs or LayOut files for client reviews, contractor collaboration, or municipal permit submissions.

Client and Contractor Communication: ConDoc’s clean layering and organization help create easy-to-understand documentation for non-technical stakeholders.

  1. Final Adjustments & Documentation

Refining the Model: Make final adjustments based on feedback. Medeek’s components (such as windows, doors, and structural members) allow for easy modifications without disrupting the layer structure.

Generate Complete Construction Documentation:

Create full construction document sets, including plans, elevations, sections, and MEP drawings. ConDoc will assist with professional layout and standards compliance.

Export these documents for final permit applications, ensuring accuracy and completeness in your submittal package.

  1. Permit Submittal and Construction Management

With all documentation in hand, proceed to submit permit applications and manage approvals. Track the status of each permit and keep all documents organized for the construction phase.

By combining Medeek for structural and MEP modeling with ConDoc’s documentation capabilities, this workflow not only improves accuracy and precision but also ensures that each phase of design and documentation meets industry standards and local code requirements.

4 Likes
8

Glad to hear this is working well for you Alyce! Thanks for sharing!

1 Like