Joshua P. Richardson, CPP
Landscape Designer
Ruppert Landscape
New Hill, N.C.
“We don’t have a one-stop shop for the software we use, but we really lean into the DynaScape package, DynaScape Design and DynaScape Color. They have all the normal features that AutoCAD would have … but they’ve added preset libraries for things like shrubs, plants, hardscape features and structures. When I learned how to do design work, I learned through hand drawings and renderings, which was valuable. But with the software we have available to us now and the flexibility it allows us, digital is the way to go.”
Steven Carroll
Lead Designer
Greenway Landscape Design & Build
San Diego
“We’re using Structure Studio’s VIP3D package, which sort of bundles their landscaping software with their Pool Studio product. It’s a really versatile tool, from roughing things out quickly to much more advanced designs. And you can make design changes on the fly instead of going through multiple revisions with a customer, which is what we used to have to do. We’re able to make photo-realistic changes for customers in just a few clicks. It’s really revolutionized the whole process.”
Mike McCarron
Owner
Image Works Landscaping
Fairfax Station, Va.
“We’re using DynaScape for all our high-end work, basically any work that requires permitting. It does all your multi-layering — your plants, your hardscapes, your stormwater management, your non-impervious surfaces, your turf, your trees and shrubs. You can easily move through layers to show what you need to as a part of more complex projects that require permitting. For stuff that doesn’t rise to that level, we still rely on Pro Landscapes, which is super easy to learn and put into use if you have a smaller staff or are just getting started in this space.”
Rong Rong
Director of Landscape Architecture
Curbs Studio
Wellesley Hills, Mass.
“When I first started, we did a lot of hand sketches for the concept design, then we moved those into software using AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D for 3D modeling. You had to work between softwares. But then I learned about Vectorworks, which is what we use now. It combines 3D modeling, 2D plan design software and various libraries for things like plantings and furniture. The software allows you to work with the exact dimensions of the space you’re working and the different features, which is all super helpful.”
