CAD Practice Exercises

These exercises are in the process of a revamp! If you have any comments or suggestions, please e-mail Katie Black (kblack@calclosets.com). I’d love to have your feedback!

 

The following exercises will have the user apply what they have learned at various points of their ClosetCADPro training. Each exercise will build on their new skills as they work through the manual/training. The scenarios will help the user understand what designing in the field will be like with real customers and their personal items as they require problem solving and planning.

 

Although it may be tempting to jump ahead, all exercises should be completed in order as the user learns each topic.

Getting Started

Create a new project titled “Practice” to hold all exercises. The user can fill in the customer details using their own information or create a fictitious customer.

Do not worry if the exact shelf spacing or partition heights are not exactly as shown in the images below. The exercises are to have the learner apply what has been covered in each section and to prove they have an understanding of the program.

If any issues or concerns, refer back to the coordinating chapter for a refresh.

 

Have feedback or an idea for a practice exercise? E-mail Katie Black (kblack@calclosets.com).

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 


SECTION 3 EXERCISES (Start a Project)

Exercise 3-1 The Setup Wizard

Using what was learned in Section 1 through Section 3, create a design for a reach-in closet in the “Practice” project. Create a “default” space that matches with the information shown below. Use the plan view below for additional clues if needed. Save when complete.

  1. Using the setup wizard, enter the information below to create a simple space.

image-20240126-155555.png
Click to Enlarge

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

Room Type: Reach-In
Collection: None (Classic)
Ceiling Height: 96”
Top Shelf: 87”
Wall Type: Sheet Rock
Floor Molding: Notch Around, 2.5”H x 0.5”D
Opening Type: Sliding Doors - Opening Height 82”, Frame Width 2.5”, Frame Thickness 0.5”

NEW SKILLS USED

Exercise 3-2 Drawing Aids & Snap Settings

Using the design created in Exercise 3-1, locate the following settings and make the suggested changes. If you have already made these changes, move onto the next exercise.

  • Locate where to edit Snap Settings in both the Plan and Elevation views.

    • Set the Plan snap settings to 0.25

    • Set the Elevation snap settings as follows:

      • Spacing: 0.25

      • Tolerance: 1

      • Center Tol: 1

  • Locate where to edit grids for both the Plan and Elevation views.

    • Set the Plan grid to 12

    • Set the Elevation grid to 6

       

NEW SKILLS USED

Exercise 3-3 Copy & Edit Space Details

Use the design created in Ex 3-1 and open the job manager to perform the following steps.

  1. Right click on the space from Exercise 3.1 and make a copy of it.

  2. Right click on the design to edit the space properties, and rename it to “Ex 3-3”.

  3. Rename the original space “Ex 3-1” and disable it using the box to the far left of the job manager.

  4. Next, make additional edits to the new “Ex 3-3 space”. Edit the wall lengths, ceiling height, wall molding, and the space type (hint: this can be done in space properties or the job manager) to match the design details below. Use the plan view below for additional clues. Apply certain changes to the room as needed.

  5. Save when complete.

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

Room Type: Laundry
Ceiling Height: 98”
Floor Molding: None

 

This project is ready to be opened again at the beginning of Day 1 of CAD Training and will provide a space to start designing and practicing on!

 

 


SECTION 4 (Beyond the Setup Wizard)

Exercise 4-1 Draw a Manual Space

Building on what was learned in Section 4, draw a manual space.

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 4-1”.

  2. Fill in most fields of the setup wizard, using the information provided below (the obstruction field can be skipped), and select “Manual”.

  3. Draw walls, including angled walls, as seen in the plan view below.

  4. Add all obstructions, including doors, windows and outlets, as shown below (obstructions do not have to be labelled as seen, this is for information purposes).

  5. Add design zones to walls D, G, H and I. Adjust depths, align in angled corners, and/or extend over other walls to achieve the layout below.

  6. Save when complete.

  7. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

Room Type: Walk-In
Collection: None (Classic)
Ceiling Height: 96”
Top Shelf: 87”
Wall Type: Sheet Rock
Floor Molding: Notch Around, 3”H x 0.5”D
Opening Type: None

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 

 


SECTION 5 (Templates)

Exercise 5-1 Using Templates

Building on what was learned in Section 5, design a space and design it using component templates. There are no right/wrong answers; Just create the best design based on the customer’s needs and what has been learned so far.

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 5-1”.

  2. Using the setup wizard, create a space according to the Design details below.

  3. Add component templates based on the fictional customer inventory below.

  4. Save when complete.

  5. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

NEEDS DISCOVERY

NEEDS DISCOVERY

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

Exercise 5-2 Create User Templates


Applying what was learned in this section, create at least one user template. This may be a template that the may be used a lot in designs but isn't currently available in the template library. Complete this task by either:

  • Adding parts to an empty empty components

  • Editing parts on an existing template

An example may be a wall-mounted component with a hamper or XL basket on bottom and shelving above. The possibilities are endless!

Ask a manager for suggestions on a naming convention for these new templates to make them consistent and easy to find.

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 


SECTION 6 (Components)

Exercise 6-1 Add & Manipulate Components

Building on what was learned in Section 6, design the mudroom nook as shown. Users will start with empty components which will be manipulated to fit the design below. See the Design Details below for more information.

 

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 6-1”.

  2. Using the setup wizard, create a space according to the design details below.

  3. Add empty components to the design zone.

  4. Pick a main finish for the design in the Materials tab.

  5. Change component widths, depths, heights and/or partition lengths to match what is shown in the elevation view below.

  6. Save when complete.

 

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 

 


SECTION 7 (Parts)

Exercise 7-1 Add & Manipulate Parts

Building on what was learned in Section 7, add parts to the reach in closet space created in Exercise 6-2. Make a copy of that space and rename it “Ex 7-1”.

  1. Using the parts menu of the ribbon toolbar, add the parts as shown in the elevation view below.

  2. Manipulate parts (types, sizes, etc) as needed.

  3. Select material or finish options for the design.

  4. Save when complete.

  5. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

Exercise 7-2 Design a Pantry

Building on what was learned in Section 7, design a pantry. Use the design details listed to create a space and custom design for a fictional client based on the listed needs. There are no right/wrong answers; Just create the best design based on the customer’s needs and what has been learned so far.

 

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 7-2”.

  2. Fill in the required fields of the setup wizard using the information provided below.

  3. Add additional design zones to walls where needed. Feel free to make use of the bridging components or delete/manipulate a needed.

  4. Design a system based on the customer needs listed below. Users can start with templates or from empty components.

  5. Designate/change the main materials/finishes. Apply these changes to the space as needed.

  6. Save when complete.

  7. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

NEEDS DISCOVERY

NEEDS DISCOVERY

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 

 


SECTION 8 (Cabinetry & Trimwork)

Exercise 8-1 Recreate the Wardrobe Closet (NEW!)

Building on what was learned in Section 8, recreate the walk-in closet shown below. Use the design details listed to create a space and custom design for a fictional client based on the listed needs. The plan and elevation views will provide additional clues.

 

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 8-1”.

  2. Fill in the required fields of the setup wizard using the information provided below.

  3. Add additional design zones to walls where needed.

  4. Add components and parts as shown in the elevation view below. Manipulate them as needed.

  5. Select material or finish options for the design. Use a contrasting backing finish.

  6. Save when complete.

  7. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

 

ELV VIEWS

3D VIEWS

Finishes may vary by designer

Click Images to Enlarge

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 

 


SECTION 9 (Wall Beds/Islands/Stacked Comps)

Exercise 9-1 Recreate the Wall Bed Unit

Using what was learning in Section 9, design the wall bed unit below. Use the design details listed to create a space and custom design for a fictional client based on the listed needs. The plan and elevation views will provide additional clues.

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 9-1”.

  2. Fill in the required fields of the setup wizard using the information provided below.

  3. Add components and parts as shown in the elevation view below. Manipulate them as needed.

  4. Select material or finish options for the design.

  5. Save when complete.

  6. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

ELV VIEW

3D VIEWS

Finishes may vary by designer

Click Images to Enlarge

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

Exercise 9-2 Design a Walk In Closet

Building on what was learned in Section 9, design a shared walk in closet. Use the design details listed to create a space and custom design for a fictional client based on the listed needs. There are no right/wrong answers; Just create the best design based on the customer’s needs and what has been learned so far.

  1. Start by creating a new design in the Practice project file. Name this design “Ex 9-2”.

  2. Fill in the required fields of the setup wizard using the information provided in Design Details.

  3. Add additional design zones to walls where needed.

  4. Design a system based on the customer needs listed below. Users can start with templates or from empty components.

  5. Designate/change the main materials/finishes. Apply these changes to the space as needed.

  6. Save when complete.

  7. Share with a sales manager or a veteran designer for feedback.

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN DETAILS

CUSTOMER REQUESTS/INVENTORY/NEEDS DISCOVERY

CUSTOMER REQUESTS/INVENTORY/NEEDS DISCOVERY

Customer 1

Customer 2

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 

 


SECTION 10 (Finish & Present Project)

Exercise 10-1 Present Your Designs

Building on what was learned in Section 10, it is time to prepare designs for presenting to a mock customer. Ensuring that all previous exercises are complete, users will work with another designer, manager, or plan reviewer to present previous exercises to, as if they are the customer.

  1. Complete the exercise(s).

  2. Add 3D objects and/or room objects to the completed design.

  3. Create a customer drawing (DWG) for the design(s) following local protocol.

  4. Pick a time to present to the mock customer and set up either an in-person meeting or zoom room. If training in a group with other users, this can be done together.

  5. During the presentation, review the design with the mock customer.

    1. Show them the design in all views and walk them through the design in detail - Treat this like a real consultation.

    2. Ask for feedback or any changes that they may want to see.

    3. Make changes as needed, working with the customer and asking for support as needed.

  6. When the final edits (if any) are complete, e-mail the designs to the customer. Copy and paste the link generated with the Share Button into a formal email format. Check with a manager for local protocol if needed.

  7. Meet back with the mock customer and solicit feedback on how the presentation went and how it can be improved upon.

 

 

NEW SKILLS USED

NEW SKILLS USED

 

 

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