Software literacy
We rarely use pens, pencils, erasers, and we switch those for electronic buttons. In these times of fast paced industry, software literacy is as relevant as ever.
BIM modelling
When it comes to BIM modelling, Archicad is my go-to software of choice when drafting anything related to architecture. Opposed to Revit, it has been developed for far longer and still has that first mover advantage. It is diminishing though, as only major thing that Revit does better is easier library/family creation and management. I started using ArchiCAD since version 10, which is 15 versions/years ago. One of many projects that I did in ArchiCAD was one in Vienna, Austria.
Complex modelling / drafting
When it comes to complex 3D modelling, Autocad is, obviously, industry’s standard. About 4 years ago when I was working on Zaryad’ye concert hall, I came across Rhino, and so far, I prefer it. It has far more options for complex modelling, but still lacks drafting and layouting possibilities of AutoCAD. People still prefer AutoCAD because they are far more accustomed to DWG format and drafting commands, user interface and such. zBrush is the latest software that I’ve added to my portfolio. In comparison to Rhino or Autocad, it enables me to use tabled and pen, and do freehand sculpting. Latest project that I used zBrush for is for a private villa in Russia. I was directly or indirectly involved in about 250 ornaments out of more than 500 on this project, and zBrush was irreplacable when I needed to do some quick adjustments to the 3D model before production stage starts.
Rendering
As for rendering, I opt for Maxwell render 95% of the time. In my experience it offers by far most realistic approach to physical light, best material system, easiest setup, but at a cost of slower than usual rendering times. Some alternatives that I have used over the years are Artlantis, lately Twinmotion, and Corona renderer. They are all developing in the same direction for some reason and they all look alike more and more. Note that I always stayed away from VRay, since it is based for speed and not accuracy. I guess that I always love working with software that has specialized for something, and VRay is jack of all trades, has largest community, and by far biggest library database. It is just not my cup of tea in regards to photorealism and workflow.
Presentation
Often, I am tasked with presenting my work to final clients, and for presentation purposes I do some image adjustments in Photoshop or in Lightroom, and make moodboard or graphics in CorelDraw. If video is needed, i use DaVinci Resolve, which is intuitive, free, and industry’s standard.
As for other specialized software literacy, Flowwaterjet for programming waterjet machine, Arkitech when working with LGS systems, MS Project when I need to do GANTs or other management.
Side note
During my studies, I had the idea that the more I know, the easier I will get a respectable job. I’ve had a lot of programs to learn, and that was the best time to get some useful startup knowledge. Little did I know that architectural studios use only one, or two software packages at most. Who would have known that in year 2008?
Obviously, using so many programs enabled me to ask the right question to see if other users are advanced in regards to software literacy, or not, in pretty much any area in my line of work. Everyone can boast about their skill, the reason for that is that words are cheap, and anyone can talk, but few can answer a tough question.
Education & Accomplishments
*Notable stuff, to update everything else
- Reconstruction of ancient 800 year old Hilandar monastery, Nenad Šekularac as a mentor.
- Project exhibition within 36th Architecture salon, Belgrade at Museum of applied art. We have showcased Pharmaswiss project that I was a part of during my younger years.
- 2nd prize architectural competition, 9000 sqm mixed use complex, Montenegro. Competition was closed type, 4 studios were invited to participate, and I did it with Vladica Aćimović and his studio Europrojekt at the time.
- LEED GA certificate training, Lauren Yarmuth as a mentor.
- Scholarship – one of top 10 students from Obrenovac municipality
- Several publications on energy efficient architecture, prof. dr. Aleksandra Krstić Furundžić as a mentor.
- Average mark 9,87 during studies.
- Urban renewal specialization graduation with mark 9, dr. Eva Vaništa Lazarević as a mentor.
- Student workshop in Germany as one of 50 top students of architecture, Vladimir Lalo Nikolić as a mentor.
