New Version Alert: OpenAI Explorer 2.4

I have just released version 2.4 of my OpenAI Explorer (Experimental) SketchUp extension. This version features some smaller fixes of which the thumbnail that gets shown with the prompt (see image above) may be the most apparent one. Here is the complete list of changes: As before, you can download the extension from my site […] Read more..

AI Vision is Now Possible in SketchUp with OpenAI Explorer 2.3

OpenAI’s latest model “gpt-4o” is an “omni” AI model that adds vision capabilities. This means that it can analyze images as part of the request. In the context of 3D modeling in e.g. SketchUp, this capability gives us an additional set of eyes that can help us fix errors or analyze feasibility. I have now […] Read more..

Fundamentals of Residential Construction, 5th Edition is Here!

I am very happy to announce that after a full year of editing, writing, photographing, reviewing, proof-reading, and then proof-reading again, the new edition of Fundamentals of Residential Construction by Allen/Schreyer/Thallon is now available! As before, it comes in an eBook version as well as a hardcover. For this edition, I was able to implement […] Read more..

Introducing my new web-project: A construction mockups archive

When I recently organized my many construction images, I realized that I had a rather large collection of pictures of various construction mockups. Those structures typically only serve a temporary purpose during construction and are then removed once a project is complete. It always seemed to me (as an educator) to be quite a waste […] Read more..

Merry Christmas, Joyful Holidays, and a Happy (and Much Better) New Year 2021!

Dear friends and colleagues, I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy, and successful new year 2021! After the current year turned out a bit differently than everyone expected, there is certainly much hope and some certainty that next year will be better […] Read more..

Just Added Features and Squashed Bugs

I just updated three of my most popular SketchUp extensions: Scale By (Image/Attractors/Equation) Tools, Random Tools, and Unwrap and Flatten Faces. Beyond squashing a handful of bugs, these are the most important new features: Scale By (Image/Attractors/Equation) Tools now lets you transform objects by proximity to other objects (“attractors”). Not sure what this means? Check […] Read more..