and experience before the operator becomes fully productive. Consequently, skilled CAD operators are often divorced from the design process. Simpler software such as SketchUp and Vectorworks allows for more intuitive drawing and is intended as a design tool. CAD is used to create all kinds of drawings, from working drawings to photorealistic perspective views. Architectural renderings (also called visualizations) are made by creating a three-dimensional model using CAD. The model can be viewed from any direction to find the most useful viewpoints. Different software (for example Autodesk 3ds Max) is then used to apply color and texture to surfaces, and to represent shadows and reflections. The result can be accurately combined with photographic elements: people, cars, background landscape. Building Information Modeling Building information modeling (BIM) is the logical development of CAD drawing, a relatively new technology but fast becoming mainstream. The design team collaborates to create a three-dimensional computer model, and all plans and other two-dimensional views are generated directly from the model, ensuring spatial consistency. The key innovation here is to share the model via the internet, so that all the design functions (site survey, architecture, structure and services) can be integrated into a single model, or as a series of models associated with each specialism that are shared throughout the design development process. Some form of management, not necessarily by the architect, needs to be in place to resolve conflicting priorities. The starting point of BIM is spatial design, but it also enables components to be quantified and scheduled directly from the information embedded in the model.. Building information modelling can be characterized into 3 different levels ranging from 0-3. These levels represent BIM maturity and distinguishes the amount of cooperation in projects. They gauge information being shared throughout the whole process. Level 0 is individualized with no collaboration. Individuals are working on their own CAD files separately and working using their own standards. These are known to be more traditional ways which are being phased out therefore no longer being used today. Level 1 is a mixture of 3D and 2D work. Project teams are required to manage and share data amongst the team. Aspects such as “naming conventions” should be adopted. Level 2 involves all team members using 3D models. Although they might not being using the same information, the built environment is shared through a similar file formats. This level also introduces construction sequencing and