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Design tools, presentation devices, and more
By Deborah Snoonian, P.E.

Interior designers can use ICE to simplify layouts, specifications, and costing for flexible office spaces.

ICE
Dirtt Environmental Solutions
www.dirtt.net
Windows only

Despite the rather unfortunate name of the company that makes it, ICE helps interior designers chill out about arranging modular workspaces. This Java-based program, which can be used on its own or as a plug-in to Autodesk or Bentley products, enables designers to explore and compare different layout concepts (e.g., linear or clustered arrangements of cubicles) using a library of interior components from manufacturers who subscribe to ICE’s service. Here’s the best part—the software automatically generates specifications and a cost estimate based on each layout that’s explored, obviating the need for error-prone manual calculations and revisions.

The PowerLite S3 has different viewing modes for still photos, animations, and video, as well an integrated speaker for broadcasting music or sounds.

PowerLite S3
Epson
www.epson.com
Windows and Mac

With a price under $1,000, this multimedia projector is a budget-friendly option for solo practitioners and small design firms who need a way to present still and moving pictures. The S3 has various settings for viewing photographs, videos, or even sports films to help make images crisp and clear. An internal speaker lets sound come through, and a port for plugging in a computer monitor allows a presenter to see images on-screen while facing the audience. Users can personalize the S3 with start-up graphics and assign security codes to keep unauthorized users from tapping in.

The VersaLaser VL-200 cuts, engraves, and marks a wide variety of materials—and is compatible with most graphics programs.

Cutting model parts by hand is so 20th century. Leap into the digital age with the VersaLaser VL-200, which uses a computer-controlled laser beam to cut, score, and contour sheets of paper, plastic, wood, fabric, and other materials into any shape you desire. The printer can accept files from many popular drafting and graphics programs, including AutoCAD, Photoshop, and CorelDRAW. Retailing for around $8,000 or leasing for under $200 per month, the VL-200 is less costly than 3D printers used for model making—and while it’s still not the cheapest piece of office equipment you’ll ever buy, just think of what you’ll save in X-Acto knives.

Archway Systems has released a version of VersaCAD specifically for Mac users running OS version 10.3 or later.

VersaCAD for Macintosh
Archway Systems
www.versacad.com
Macintosh only

VersaCAD has been available for Macs and Windows-based computers for several years, but the developers launched a new version a few months ago designed to run on Macs using OS version 10.3 or later. The software takes advantage of the Mac’s graphical interface and offers users the ability to import files created in AutoCAD and other programs. Other features include an extensive library of symbols and a special pulldown menu for architectural drawings, with functions handy for creating doors and windows. With a retail price of under $700 per seat, it’s a modestly priced addition to the even more modest number of CAD products available for Macs.

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