1. GETTING A VISUAL - using CAD drawings as a sales tool
By Patricia Gaylor

4. I've been an interior designer for many years, and I still think it's
hard for me to realize that my clients don't see what I see when
it comes to visualizing what their finished project will look like. I
guess that's why I'm a designer, because I can see the entire
project finished in my head before it's even committed to paper.
Sometimes I forget that most people can't do that, and it takes a
LOT of drawing, talking and shopping for materials for them to
finally 'get it' and feel good about moving forward. The key
phrase is 'feel good' because I feel it's so important for my
clients to feel good about each and every decision made in the
process, or they will continually question whether or not they've
done the right thing, and might possibly have a regret down the
road.

5. I have seen some CAD drawings in the past that were very well
done. I know that this type of drawing has come a long way, and
continues to evolve. About a year ago I put an inquiry out on
Craig's List for a CAD renderer for some projects I needed to
have drawn up, and received many responses. When I received
some sample images from computer artist Randy Daynard, I
knew I had hit paydirt. There's really no reason for me to go on
and on about how great they are, I think the images speak for
themselves. What these drawings do for me as a designer trying
to land a job is nothing short of miraculous. I think it gives me a
huge leg-up on any other designer submissions, and usually gets
me the job. An added benefit is having the contractor and related
trades see the finished project as well, answering many
questions before the job even begins. It's helpful for me also,
making sure I review every detail and eliminate ordering
mistakes.
These images are for projects I'm currently working on, and I'll
post 'after' photos when the design becomes a reality.