Shopping for design software

Designer Training’s Lisa Chapman offers her advice on how to choose design software, a must for every designer’s toolkit

Lisa Chapman is highly regarded in the kitchen and bathroom industry Australia-wide. Having spent her formative years involved in her family’s Mitre 10 stores and, subsequently, their large cabinetmaking business in Brisbane, it was inevitable that her young, creative mind would be drawn towards some aspect of the building industry and that she would quickly and profoundly make her mark.  Having formalised her study in the faculty of Built Environment, she turned her energy towards the specialty field of kitchens and bathrooms. With a fundamental knowledge of construction methods and her design background Lisa built her career, soon achieving a national design management role with a strong focus on training and development, as well as computerised design.  In 2010, Lisa joined the Designer Training team and now leads student support as Senior Trainer, while remaining active and up to date through private practice in her own kitchen, bathroom and interior design business.

With Lisa’s contemporary experience in computer aided design, we asked her to share some general information about design software and factors to consider when purchasing new technology.

“Design software is one of the most important tools in the designer’s toolkit. It is a substantial investment, partly due to the initial expenditure, but also due to the time that the correct software can save during the design and manufacture process,” Lisa says.

"Similar to a client buying a kitchen to suit their needs, wants and desires, designers should methodically consider software packages by applying a needs analysis. I’d like to share my top three tips when considering the purchase of design software:

1. Consider how the software can be applied in both front stage (designing, presenting and pricing) and back stage (cutting list, nesting and manufacturing) applications. Factor in the potential for growth of the business and therefore, find software that allows for upgrades to a more fully featured version so that you neither lose your initial investment nor need to retrain your staff in the use of a new program.

2. Ensure support and training is available locally should it be required. There is nothing worse than having to work with support in another country with time differences and delays.

3. Check to ensure that you can create your own library of objects and not be curtailed by the supplier’s pre-determined objects library. This will allow you flexibility to customise your manufacturing requirements.”

“Like any substantial investment you need to do your research,” Lisa adds.  “Ask other designers about the advantages and disadvantages of their software and how they use it within their businesses. Ask for referrals from people working with the software you intend to purchase. Finally, do not rush into buying a software package if it does not meet your core needs. Consider accessing a free piece of software, or an economical download to use as an interim measure, to ensure that when you make your investment it is the best decision for you and your business.”

© 2022 Universal Media Co. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Universal Media Co.