Happy New Year from Between the Lines and Cascade Technology Consulting! As we usher in 2025, I want to take a moment to thank my amazing clients who helped make 2024 such a fulfilling year. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in driving meaningful transformations, and I am excited to continue our partnerships as we move into this new year. Read more →

SolidWorks has had a major milestone birthday. In November of 1995, SolidWorks 95 was released changing the 3D CAD market. I had one of the first commercially purchased packages which at the time cost about $4000 a seat. Read more →

In keeping with my long CAD history documentation hobby, I have updated my AutoCAD Timeline graphic covering the main releases of AutoCAD. Read more →

Having been both a customer and user of Autodesk products, and as a member of product teams, I’ve had the unique experience of seeing things from both perspectives. I’ve been the voice of the customer, advocating for their needs, interpreting their sentiment, and translating real-world use cases into product strategy. Whether you’re a startup or scaling up, here are some lessons that might help you focus on what really matters. Read more →

Computer-aided design remains one of the indistinguishable tools in mechanical and industrial design. Well, Windows has always been on pole position as far as computer-aided design is concerned because of its comprehensive computer-aided design packages. Mac users are therefore left with few native applications to choose from. The tides, however, are changing. Driven by increasingly powerful Mac hardware, developers are bringing professional-grade CAD solutions to the Mac operating system. Two of those leading the charge include Shapr3D and Autodesk Fusion 360. This blog post will briefly explore these two native CAD solutions for Macs, showcasing their features and capabilities and how they will increasingly change the design workflow for professionals and amateurs alike. Read more →

For 30+ years, I've been the proud curator of an ever-growing collection of Autodesk product memorabilia and history. What started as a personal hobby has grown into one of the largest collections of CAD history, spanning the evolution of one of the industry's most well known design industry software companies. My collection is a mix of items I've personally acquired and generous gifts from fellow CAD geeks, former colleagues, and industry veterans. It's a time capsule of Autodesk's early days Among the gems are one-of-a-kind pieces that tell unique stories of Autodesk's development like an AutoCAD-86 or 1.1 manual or floppy disk or Revit 1.0 CD-ROM. Alongside these, I've amassed a delightful array of geeky CAD paraphernalia – the kind that brings a smile to any long-time AutoCAD user's face like an “My Other Car Was Designed by AutoCAD” license plate holder, R14 mug or beach flip flops that leaves R14 in the sand, or first edition versions of CADalyst Magazine. However, as with all good things, this chapter of my collecting journey is coming to a close. The sheer volume of items has outgrown my ability to properly maintain, store, and showcase them. With a heavy heart, I'm considering auctioning off parts of the collection to ensure these pieces of software history find new homes where they'll be appreciated. A few items may go to non profit technology museum collections to preserve and display. To my fellow CAD enthusiasts and tech history buffs: keep an eye out for upcoming announcements. You might soon have the chance to own a piece of this CAD legacy. Whether you're looking for a rare artifact or just a fun blast from the past, there might be something in this collection for you. Read more →

If you're an AUGI member who attended #AUGICON24, you should have received an email this morning containing instructions on how to access the video replays of our AUGICON 2024 event. You'll also be joining our new AUGI Community Platform! Not... Read more →

In the AEC industry, efficient project management and accurate data collection are crucial for ensuring successful project outcomes. Site Marker is a solution designed to streamline and enhance project reporting processes, bringing you and your issue reporting literally onto the map. The days of pen and paper reports are over. Field users can now leverage the Site Marker mobile app to quickly document and report daily activities with pinpoint precision, powered by real-time geolocation on the job site. Site Marker is a location-based land development platform that enables users to document and report action items from a mobile device in real-time. Forget notepads, construction drawings and hand-typed reports. Everything arrives on-site with you in the Site Marker mobile app. Read more →

Such a great time over the 2 days for the inaugural AUGI CON24 event. Thank you to the 1000+ registered attendees from over 40 countries that attended, presenters, panelists, and AUGI board. User helping Users Community and all volunteers. The... Read more →

In 1-hour, AUGI CON24 Day 2 begins with a fantastic lineup of speakers, including special guest Shaun C Bryant! I will be leading an 8-person AEC Software Industry panel later in the day and there are many great live sessions... Read more →

The first 2-day AUGI CON event by AUGI starts tomorrow is and will be full of great sessions from a community of expert users of the software products and is not marketing or sales-related. It is also FREE to attend. Read more →

Join us April 25th and 26th for the first AUGI CON event with several expert presenters and panels. Review the event schedule, register, and spread the word about this free event from the largest independent CAD & BIM users group.No... Read more →

The AUGICON24 Call For Speakers has begun, and there are two ways for you to speak. I know several have a class proposal in their back pocket that they haven't submitted to other events or had declined by other events. This is an opportunity to shine to the largest CAD & BIM user community. Read more →

SolidWorks 1995 marked the debut of SolidWorks as a computer-aided design (CAD) software. Being the first release, it laid the foundation for what would become a widely used tool in the engineering and design industries. Read more →

Explore how AI is revolutionizing architectural design, enhancing human creativity, and paving the way for sustainable, efficient buildings. Discover the challenges and potential of AI in architecture. Read more →

If you're like me, always digging around for ways to up your game in the design world, you've probably heard of AUGI. But if you haven't joined yet, you're missing out, big time. Let me break down why being part of AUGI is a game-changer, especially with the cool perks like the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN). Read more →

Explore the intersection of customer journeys and digital transformation in the AEC and manufacturing sectors. This blog post digs into how technologists, CAD, and BIM designers can enhance customer experiences and streamline processes through innovative digital strategies. Learn about integrating advanced technologies, customer-centric design, and the latest trends in CAD/BIM for improved project outcomes. Perfect for professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing looking to stay ahead in a digitally evolving landscape. Read more →

This Virtual Autodesk support assistant, offers tips, automation help, and coached training for Autodesk products. It uses content from the web and learnings abstracted from that to offer helpful info to trouble shoot issues or learn new skills for Autodesk products like AutoCAD, Fusion 360, and Revit. I also created several other assistants including one for SolidWorks and one to give love advice from a Dung Beetle named Lovebug. Read more →