The Trimble Technology Lab is pleased to highlight a project by Mackenzie Gordon, a sophomore in the Interior Design program, whose work bridges the gap between physical design intent and digital modeling.
Her featured project originated in the fall semester sophomore interior design studio, taught by Carrie Vielle, where students were tasked with designing an accessible residence inside an existing structure in Colfax, Washington, based on the specific needs of a real client. The following semester, in ID 297 (Design Communication II), Mackenzie brought her floor plan into SketchUp, using the platform to explore digital design workflows and visualize her design decisions more fully.
“Being able to apply materials in SketchUp was especially helpful,” Mackenzie noted. “I used the materials I had already specified in my original project, and seeing them applied digitally gave me a better idea of what the space might actually look like once built.”
Through the project, Mackenzie gained practical experience with SketchUp that she expects to carry forward into future coursework and eventually into professional practice. “There are many interior design firms that use SketchUp,” she explained, “so now I can confidently include it on my resume.”
To students learning SketchUp for the first time, Mackenzie offers this advice:
The internet is going to be your best friend. There are a lot of helpful shortcuts and commands in SketchUp that can save you time. A quick online search can go a long way.
Mackenzie’s project illustrates how digital tools like SketchUp can enhance spatial understanding, support material decision-making, and bridge analog and digital phases of design.