KraftMaid Cabinetry just launched an Education Channel on
YouTube to help architects and designers stay current with the latest design technology. The company’s first video offerings are a series of
Google SketchUp screencasts, digital videos explaining how to use Google SketchUp, and the collection of more than 1,000 3-D KraftMaid cabinet models in the Google 3D Warehouse.
The series consists of several 90-second videos with tips for a variety of digital design-related topics, such as how to download and install the free version of Google SketchUp, how to access KraftMaid's catalog of 3-D cabinet models and how advanced users can create stunning client presentations that help sell their kitchen, home or multi-family designs. Igloo Studios, producers of the popular “SketchUp Show” series, created the new screencasts for KraftMaid Cabinetry.
The KraftMaid Education Channel makes the video series easy to access on YouTube and share from a computer, smart phone, or the Apple iPad.
Of note, the company’s models on SketchUp are “dynamic components,” which means each component is configurable by SketchUp’s Component Options dialog box, so instead of having to download dozens of models for each size and material combination for each cabinet, designers can download a single model that represents all possible configurations. The doors and drawers have built-in animation, too.
KraftMaid's kitchen designers—together with experts from
Igloo Studios—have added many inspirational kitchens to its collection of 3-D room models. These include two LEED certified home models called the 723 and 729 Spring Street projects, and the ReVISION House, a net-zero energy show home featured during the 2010 International Builders' Show.
To access the screencasts, visit
Masco Cabinetry and view the KraftMaid Education playlist.
To try out the Sketchup product and room models:
n Download the free or professional version of
SketchUp Version 7 from Google.
n View free SketchUp Show video tutorials by visiting
Igloo Studio's "School".
n Download KraftMaid Cabinet 3-D product and room models at the
Google 3D Warehouse and searching "Collections" using the key words, "KraftMaid Cabinetry by MASCO."