3DS Max for Architecture?

Question

Im a drafter, only 19, with 2 yrs work experience and 1 1/2 years in a votech school.
So the job i am at now, my boss wants me to draw 3d models of our homes for clients. he wants photo-realistic pictures and walk-throughs.
So he decided to buy the most expensive program, 3DS Max, and send me to NYC for 3 days to take a course to leanr to use it.
the class didnt teach me much. All we did was the basicsof the program. I asked about how I would draw a house but the instructor wouldnt really go into detail with us.
he said i could take a 2d model and extend it. but thats it. i dont know what to do after that.
currently i use autodesk 2007 and do all my work in 2d. i dont know how to use autodesk for 3d.
i tried looking online for tutorials for modelling a house but they all show you how to make an ugly box.
Can someone please help me out? Give me a good tutorial site, tell me what i need to do ANYTHING i need help.
my boss on me about this so ide appeciate any help! thanks

I AM NOT ASKING FOR WHAT PROGRAM I NEED. We have already invested over $4000 in 3ds max. I need help with this program.

Answer 1

well Max is a very good software and it has lot of tools to help u do ur architectural work.
- starting from importing 2d DWG files then extruding these lines to get walls but don't forget to setup ur units first in both acad and max ( i won't tell every detail of course this would take pages and hours to tell so u have to do some search in the help files on your CD if u didn't already set it up on your hard drive)
- you can open windows and doors using booleen
- or you can draw from scratch in max using lines and rectangles ect. then extrude it OR draw elevations for every wall specially when it has windows and doors if not u can use boxes and cylnders for columns and maybe tubes for arcs walls.
- my own very best way for closed walls is drawing a single line for the wall then insted of making an offset to give it thikness i'd extrude the height then apply Shell modifier to make the thikness.
- so Think like u are using cad but with different tools use lot of Help search and you'll find all that u need.
- for materials and maping, as a start try to use materials from the library till u get to edit your own material. and for the texture size ( starting from max 7.5 ) you have an option in the material editor in the bitmap "use real world units" this will make the texture file u r using fit in the units you specify.say like a tile 50 x 50 ( and again make sure u and ur whole team you all use the same appropriate system units ) so u can exchange objects and scenes easily.
- lights ? u can find lot of tutorials for lights and materials too on the net start searching at http://www.3dvalley.com or http://www.3dtotal.com
- furniture !! buy models :o)
good luck

Answer 2

I'd recommend maya, because it's a lot more general and there are a lot of general tutorials around for maya, but most of the 3dsmax i've seen are related to games, although i've heard they are being merged into one product, due to autodesk buying alias. My favorite modelling tool is XSI though, as it can support a lot more polygons, so you can make awesome buildings. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Advanced 3D Animation Software - http://3dAnimationCartoons.com/?qhmg

Answer 4

sorry, thats tough. the tutorials for max are on discreet's website, they are videos. 3 days is not enough time for any human being to learn max, even if you didn't sleep.

if you have a floor plan, trace it using splines. then use the bevel modifier to make it as tall as you like. if you have specific questions, id be happy to help through email, but its far too complicated to ask general questions.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

You need Archicad software - it is made for modeling buildings.
Autodesk sells Revit that is similar.

Answer 7

i use lightwave myself, my email is [e-mail]
ive worked for animation companies such as hatchling studios
in portsmouth nh.