Video:How to Use Instant Architect Software

Transcript:How to Use Instant Architect Software

Hello, I’m Brian Smith for About.com here to get you started with IMSIDesign’s Instant Architect for Windows.

Starting an Instant Architect Project

Instant Architect can be purchased and downloaded right from the IMSIDesign.com website.  This is a content rich program so let's hop right in to design a simple ranch-style house.

To get things going, I’m going to use the House Builder Wizard that will pop up automatically when starting a new Instant Architect project.  The wizard begins by asking us the number of floors, ceiling height and foundation type that you want to use. This is followed by asking to select the general building shape, if we want a garage and where it will be located.  I’m going to skip the garage for this example.  Next it will ask for a length and width to start with.  And finally some information on the Roof style, Wall Style and Flooring we would like to use.

Detailing the Design with Instant Architect

Now we have a basis to add the rest of the information.  We’ll continue with the interior walls.  To add a wall, select the Building Tab at the top of the interface and then select the Wall button.  I’ll choose Interior Walls then 4” Wood Walls from the options. I can now pick where I would like to walls to be placed.  You’ll see that the ends and corners of the walls join and clean up automatically.  To be more precise with the placement of the wall, select the wall which will activate temporary dimensions that you can edit to put the wall exactly where you want it.

I’ll just finish up some more walls and we’ll move on to adding doors and windows.  Again from the Building Tab, I’ll click the Doors button.  You can see there are many different styles of doors to choose from.  I’ll select a Hinged 32” Door from the menus.  Instant Architect knows that a Door must be placed within a wall so by selecting the wall, the door will be inserted and all the linework will adjust accordingly. Same for Windows.  Once you select the window type and size that you want, you can place them the same way.

Now, from the Interiors tab, you’ll find a library of cabinets, appliances, furniture and other accessories including trees and other landscaping.  After placing an item in the house, you can move it around or rotate it by clicking and dragging on the markers.  I’ll add some more furniture and appliances to finish up the design.

Different Views in Instant Architect

Finally, although we have been constructing this small house from a plan view, if we change our display to a three-dimensional view you can navigate your structure outside and inside in 3D by using these navigation controls.  I’m using the Walk Around control and dragging my mouse in the direction I would like to move.

So there’s a quick overview of the Instant Architect software.  For more tips, be sure to visit us on the web at homegarden.about.com