Latest news with #SketchUp
Miami Herald
21-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Spacely AI Secures US $1 Million Seed Round to Supercharge Generative AI Design for Architects Worldwide
BANGKOK, TH / ACCESS Newswire / July 21, 2025 / Spacely AI, the Bangkok-based startup bringing generative AI to architecture and interior design, has raised US $1 million in Seed funding led by PropTech Farm Fund III, with participation from Wannaporn Phornprapha (Managing Director, P Landscape Co., Ltd.), Ted Poshakrishna Thirapatana (Founder, UTC Holdings Co., Ltd.), and Mek Srunyu Stittri (former VP Engineering, GitLab). The round follows Spacely AI's pre-seed investment from SCB 10X. The new capital will accelerate product development and expand the company's footprint in key global markets. Spacely AI's mission is to help architects win more business, unlock greater creativity, and cut costs. Its cloud suite delivers AI rendering for interior and exterior spaces, intuitive image-editing tools, AI virtual staging, and automated 3D model generation. Fully integrated with SketchUp via Extension Warehouse, the platform is adding support for more leading CAD tools so professionals can work inside the software they already know. "Every architecture firm is rebuilding its workflow around AI," said Paruey Anadirekkul, CEO of Spacely AI. "Success now depends on how quickly you adapt - especially as clients are already experimenting with these tools." Seed proceeds will launch Spacely AI's next-generation 2D-to-3D automation engine, which removes up to 80 percent of manual concept work, establish a U.S. market presence, and equip global partners with sales and co-marketing resources. "Design speed now determines deal speed," noted Fredrik Bergman, CEO of PropTech Farm. "We at PropTech Farm believe Spacely AI's instant visualisation turns hesitant prospects into committed buyers long before the first brick is laid." Wannaporn Phornprapha, Managing Director of P Landscape Co., Ltd., added, "Design workflows can be painfully slow. Spacely AI shows how technology can save time and energy for the work that truly matters." Over the past year, Spacely AI has grown revenue 10×, served more than 1,500+ architecture and interior-design firms in 50+ countries, and produced over two million unique renders. The company has won 1st Place at the Krungsri Finno Efra Accelerator, People's Choice at Paddle AI Launchpad, 2nd Runner-Up at the SketchUp Innovation Challenge, 1st Place at the Property Portal Watch Conference, a Top-10 spot in Echelon Top 100 Southeast Asia, and 2nd Runner-Up at Tech in Asia Startup Arena. The Verge recently named Spacely AI one of the most-recommended AI tools for design professionals. Spacely AI invites architects, interior designers, and real estate professionals to integrate AI into their workflows and experience a new standard of speed and creativity. Start a free trial or book a live demo at Together, Spacely AI and its members will eliminate bottlenecks, spark bold ideas, and win projects faster. About Spacely AI Spacely AI is a SaaS company bringing generative AI to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Spacely AI's mission is to empower design professionals to win more business, unleash greater creativity, and cut project costs. About PropTech FarmPropTech Farm is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage real estate technology companies across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Backed by an experienced team with a track record of successful exits, the firm focuses on startups transforming the built environment across the full lifecycle-from planning and construction to property management and energy optimization. PropTech Farm combines hands-on support with global networks to help founders scale innovative solutions in complex, high-growth markets. PropTech Farm Fund 3 is structured as a sub-fund of Florissant VCC and managed by Swiss-Asia Financial Services. SOURCE: Spacely AI Related Images press release
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Inventing and animating in 3D made easier — Manjit Singh Sidhu
JULY 9 — In the past, 3D modelling and animation were limited to large-scale production companies and highly qualified teams. It took weeks or months of work, costly software, and extensive technical knowledge to create anything in 3D back then, whether it was a product prototype or a vibrant animated character. Today, that landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Thanks to developing technologies, more intelligent tools, and a growing user-friendly design platform culture, 3D invention and animation are now not only more accessible but also much simpler. Creating 3D content is fundamentally about making concepts come to life. Whether you are a digital artist bringing a character to life or an inventor sketching out a product design, 3D offers you a potent way to make your idea a reality, or at least a virtual one. The fact that entry barriers have decreased is particularly exciting at this time. To begin, you are no longer required to be a professional animator or engineer. If you have an idea, you can probably build it with the tools available today. One of the biggest shifts has come with software evolution. Tools like Blender, Tinkercad, and SketchUp offer free or affordable access to powerful 3D modelling capabilities. Blender, in particular, has matured into a robust open-source suite that supports everything from modelling and rigging to animation and video editing. What used to be a steep learning curve is now softened by intuitive user interfaces, built-in tutorials, and vast online communities eager to help newcomers find their footing. Tinkercad, aimed at beginners, lets you piece together 3D shapes like digital LEGO blocks — perfect for those just dipping their toes into the world of invention. Creating 3D characters are now easier. — Unsplash pic Rapid prototyping is now available to inventors. A high school student with a brilliant idea can model and print their prototype at home or in a community maker space, thanks to 3D printing and easily accessible design tools. The days of testing new products only using conventional manufacturing techniques are long gone. Innovation is accelerated by this iteration speed, which frees up funds for additional experimentation and creativity. Animation, once considered a technical and time-consuming domain, has seen a similar transformation. The amount of manual labour required to animate characters has significantly decreased due to the introduction of automation and AI-assisted workflows by software platforms such as Mixamo (by Adobe), Cascadeur, and Character Animator. You can rig and animate a 3D character in just a few minutes with Mixamo; no prior rigging knowledge is necessary. These kinds of tools help creators achieve realistic, fluid movement without having to manually key each frame by using artificial intelligence to apply physics-based behaviours, predict natural motion, and modify animations in real-time. One of the most empowering developments is the rise of template-based and modular design systems. Just like website builders such as Wix or Squarespace made web design easier, platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine are embracing plug-and-play assets that enable creators to construct rich 3D environments without starting from scratch. Want a forest setting for your animation? You can drag and drop it from an asset store. Need a walking animation for your robot character? There is likely a free preset for that. This democratisation of assets is fuelling a new wave of creativity, where people spend less time fighting with tools and more time creating. The learning curve has also flattened thanks to an explosion in online learning resources. A multitude of freely accessible information can be found on sites like ArtStation and Reddit, as well as in YouTube tutorials and Udemy courses. A lot of tutorials are made by professionals and hobbyists who have been there before and are willing to share their knowledge, including their mistakes. It is this culture of openness and support that is perhaps the unsung hero behind 3D's newfound accessibility. Another game-changer is virtual and augmented reality. With tools like Oculus Medium and Gravity Sketch, creators can sculpt and animate in 3D space using just their hands and a VR headset. This immersive approach takes the complexity out of modelling on a flat screen and introduces a more intuitive, artistic process closer to working with clay than with code. It is not just more fun; it is a more natural way for people to interact with their 3D creations, especially for those with less technical backgrounds. For students and educators, this ease of use means 3D is no longer a niche subject but a mainstream tool across disciplines. Engineering students can visualise stress points on a bridge prototype in 3D. Medical students can interact with 3D models of organs. Art students can design virtual worlds or animate their own short films. As these technologies become more embedded in education, we're setting up the next generation to be not just consumers of 3D media, but creators. Of course, with all this progress, challenges still exist. High-end animation and photorealistic rendering still demand powerful hardware and time. Realism in motion still requires a good eye and some knowledge of anatomy and physics. But the difference is that now, those challenges are surmountable for far more people. The tools are smarter. The learning curve is gentler. And the communities are more welcoming. Perhaps the most important change, though, is the shift in mindset. There is a growing belief that creativity should be accessible to everyone — not just professionals or tech-savvy individuals. And that belief is driving innovation in the tools themselves. Every new version of popular software seems to come with AI-enhanced features, cleaner interfaces, and better interoperability with other tools. It's all about removing friction from the creative process. In the end, making something in 3D — whether it is a new invention, a digital character, or an animated story — is no longer a lofty dream. It is a real, tangible skill that anyone with curiosity and a bit of persistence can pick up. The future of 3D is not just in Hollywood or Silicon Valley anymore. It is in classrooms, garages, home offices, and anywhere else creativity lives. * Prof Ts Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu is a Professor at the College of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered IT Professional, Fellow of the Malaysian Scientific Association, Senior IEEE member and Professional Technologist MBOT Malaysia. He may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Career: Exploring opportunities in interior design for students
Interior design today is much more than selecting colors and fabrics—it has grown into a multidisciplinary career that blends creativity with science, technology, sustainability, and psychology. For students inclined toward design, the interior design field offers a wide spectrum of opportunities that cater to changing lifestyles, technological innovations, and environmental priorities. As homes, workplaces, and public spaces evolve to meet new human needs, interior designers are playing a crucial role in shaping experiences that are not only visually engaging but also functional and future-ready. Specializing early helps students sharpen their focus, build a strong portfolio, and carve a niche in a competitive global market. Residential Design Residential design remains one of the most in-demand and dynamic fields. It's about more than aesthetics—students in this specialization learn how to create comfortable, practical, and environmentally sustainable homes. From apartments in urban high-rises to sprawling villas, the role involves space planning, lighting, storage solutions, and color theory. Students aiming for a career in residential design should develop technical skills in software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit, and understand the psychological impact of colors and layouts. Collaborating with real estate developers or home renovation firms through internships offers practical insights into client preferences and budget constraints. Healthcare Design The healthcare industry is embracing design like never before. Hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers are now prioritizing interiors that promote healing, comfort, and efficiency. For students interested in the intersection of human wellness and design, healthcare interiors present a meaningful and socially impactful career. The focus is on accessibility, calming aesthetics, soundproofing, and ergonomic design. Understanding the needs of patients and medical professionals is essential. Students should consider courses or certifications in healthcare design standards, color psychology, and biophilic design to improve patient outcomes through environmental design. Sustainable Design: Building a greener future With climate concerns growing, sustainability has become a cornerstone of interior design. Sustainable designers create spaces that are energy-efficient, use recycled or locally sourced materials, and reduce waste throughout the project lifecycle. This specialization is perfect for students passionate about the environment. Courses in green architecture, energy modeling, and materials science can provide a solid foundation. Green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or GRIHA can make students more employable and ethically aware as professionals. Many government and private projects now mandate sustainability standards, making this a rapidly growing field. Set and Exhibition Design: Storytelling through space For creatively inclined students who are drawn to film, theater, or cultural exhibitions, set and exhibition design offers a high-impact career path. Whether it's a film set that transports viewers to another era or a museum installation that educates and engages, this specialization is about crafting experiences. The work involves a deep understanding of lighting, props, storytelling, and audience engagement. Students can build their skills by participating in college theater productions, working on student films, or volunteering at exhibitions and art fairs. Mastering 3D design tools and storytelling techniques will help build a standout portfolio. Preparing for a Design Career: What students should focus on Choosing the right specialization is just the beginning. To succeed in the interior design industry, students must: • Stay updated with global design trends and new materials • Develop strong digital skills (AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, Adobe Suite) • Gain practical experience through internships or live projects • Build a diverse and dynamic design portfolio • Pursue certifications or short-term courses in niche areas • Cultivate soft skills like communication, presentation, and client handling Conclusion Whether it's designing intimate living spaces or immersive cultural experiences, the interior design profession allows students to make a tangible impact on people's everyday lives. With a wide range of specializations, this field offers room for creative exploration, technical mastery, and purpose-driven innovation. As design continues to shape how we live, work, heal, and play, students entering this field have a chance to lead that transformation—one space at a time.
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
3D tools, consultancy service help BTO buyers visualise or choose future homes
A video of a future Build-To-Order unit by BTO Viewer would cost a prospective flat buyer $18. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MS GOH SINGAPORE – Step into the hallway of your future flat, take a walk around the living room, then check out the kitchen and the rest of the home – all in a 3D video walkthrough. Such a video, showing what a Build-To-Order (BTO) unit could look like, would cost a prospective flat buyer $18. Created and sold by a team called BTO Viewer, the video is among the services by various providers that have emerged recently to help homebuyers pick their BTO flats. These services can cost between $14.90 for a digital 3D model and $620 for consultancy service. The BTO Viewer video – done by a five-member team of creatives and professionals – draws on HDB floor plans, site maps, satellite images and design impressions. One of the team members, who wanted to be known only as Ms Goh, said she started the service after she had difficulty visualising how her unit would look when she booked her BTO flat in December 2024. The 25-year-old, who does post-production work in the creative industry, has sold more than 50 videos since the team started the service in January. Clients reached out to them in chat groups and on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where they promoted their 3D videos. As the selection of a flat can be a 'stressful and high-stakes' decision, the videos help buyers visualise their shortlisted unit before they book it , said Ms Goh. 'There were many nights when we had to work late to deliver unit previews for clients who had their selection appointment early the next morning,' she said, noting that creating such videos are time-consuming and resource-intensive even with the team's background in design. In March, Mr Jake Chua, 42, launched his BTOmyhome service, offering barebone 3D models of flat layouts on the SketchUp programme for $14.90 each. Clients can use the file to design their future homes, for example, by placing furniture, said Mr Chua, who helps to run his family's furniture rental business. He has sold 21 3D model files so far. A 3D model of a four-room BTO flat in Tanjong Rhu created by Mr Jake Chua using a programme called SketchUp. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JAKE CHUA 'My customers were homeowners anxiously waiting to collect the keys to their BTO flats and wanted to visualise their home. Some also used the 3D model to plan for feng shui,' he said. Mr Chua, who has a degree in multimedia technology and design, used to create these models for free in online forums between 2018 and 2020. He had tinkered with the software for his own three-room flat in Bidadari, which he booked in 2018. He created about 20 such models – mainly for four- and five-room flats – before putting the project on hold to take care of his newborn. 'Even after stopping, I would occasionally receive messages asking if I'm still providing the models. In March, I received another request and that spurred me to revive the service for a fee,' he said. Meanwhile, an architectural associate who gave his name as Mr Boon started an Instagram page called BTO Select in February to provide consultancy service costing $620 . The 30-year-old, who will be getting his architect licence by the end of 2025, hopes to advise homebuyers on what units to buy. When 'good' units – those on high floors with no direct sun facing – get snapped up, this does not mean a buyer cannot find a suitable unit, said Mr Boon. 'Being in the architectural industry, we are equipped to look at a site in its entirety and identify pros and cons from macro and micro viewpoints,' he explained. He said he would study the future development plans of the surrounding areas, as well as the layout of the unit, before making recommendations. As for BTO Viewer, their customers said they purchased the videos to better understand the view from their units. Mr Lucas Kiss, 32, who is an administrator of a group chat for BTO applicants in Bedok, bought three 3D videos from BTO Viewer to help other applicants who were interested in Bayshore Palms and Bayshore Vista. The video team also offered another three for free. South-facing units in the two Bayshore projects, launched last October, could have sea views. Flat selection began in February. 'The key concern people had was how blocked the view would be by the units in front. This was hard to gauge even from looking at the models at HDB Hub, so the videos I bought aimed to help people in making that decision,' said the scrum master, who recently booked his flat in one of the Bayshore projects. Another BTO applicant, who wished to be known only as Sam, bought a 3D video of the Bayshore unit he booked as he wanted to be 'mentally prepared' in case he did not like the view. 'My unit overlooks the carpark roof garden, and the video gives me an idea of how close it would actually be, so I don't get a shock when I enter my flat,' said the 37-year-old auditor, who felt that at $18, the 3D video was reasonably priced. Isabelle Liew is a journalist at The Straits Times. She covers housing issues in Singapore, with a focus on public housing. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Lumion Expands Visualization Ecosystem with AI-Enhanced 2025 Release and New Tools for Architects
Lumion Pro 2025 and Lumion View for SketchUp now available—delivering users faster rendering, real-time design feedback, and powerful workflow enhancements. 'Wherever design happens, Lumion meets you there—with the right tool at the right moment.'— Thomas Sønderby, CEO of Lumion SASSENHEIM, ZUID HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS, April 30, 2025 / / -- Lumion, the visualization platform built for architects, has officially launched Lumion Pro 2025.0, alongside the general release of Lumion View for SketchUp, following a successful Early Access phase. Together, these products mark a significant step forward in supporting architects across the entire design process—from early ideation to high-impact visual storytelling. 'With this launch, we're expanding the Lumion creative universe—giving architects the speed, clarity, and creative control they need to communicate their vision, without the waiting, exporting, or second-guessing,' said Thomas Sønderby, CEO of Lumion. 'All new features are designed to help architects work faster—through real-time rendering at every stage, AI-powered upscaling, advanced ray-tracing effects, and a powerful library of assets. Wherever design happens, Lumion meets you there—with the right tool at the right moment.' Supporting Architects from Concept to Completion Lumion's expanded ecosystem now provides tailored tools for every phase of architectural design—delivering a more connected, efficient, and flexible workflow. Lumion Pro 2025.0 The latest version of Lumion's flagship software brings major enhancements in speed, quality, and control, helping architects create stunning visuals with less effort: - AI image upscaling for generating sharper high-res images—up to 5x faster and 8K resolution - Scene Inspector for easier asset management in complex projects - Performance Control Center for improved scene optimization - Fully ray-traced water, volumetric sunlight, and fog effects for added visual depth and atmosphere - Colossal asset library of +10,000 objects, characters and materials. New collections include: - 147 education-themed assets and materials - 68 nature assets, including 7 highly accurate photogrammetric trees for ultra-realistic landscaping Learn more about Lumion Pro 2025. Lumion View for SketchUp Now available to all SketchUp users, Lumion View brings real-time visualization directly into the modeling environment. It's a fast, lightweight tool for exploring design ideas, iterating quickly, and sharing concepts with immediate visual clarity. And when you're ready to move into final rendering, transfer your design seamlessly from SketchUp to Lumion Pro. Material settings, lighting adjustments, and model data carry over with zero rework—ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted creative process from concept to completion. Available now for SketchUp, further CAD integrations will follow soon. Learn more about Lumion View. Flexible Plans Built for Architects To support a wider range of practices and workflows, Lumion has introduced a new slate of subscription plans. At the top of the range is the Lumion Studio plan, offering the best value for full end-to-end visualization. The Lumion Studio plan includes: - 1x Lumion Pro floating license – install on multiple machines and share access - 1x Lumion View for SketchUp named-user license, - Bonus: for each Studio seat, add up to 10 additional View users free until October 31, 2025 It's the most efficient way to access the complete Lumion ecosystem—designed to match the way architects actually work. Availability Lumion Pro 2025.0 is available now to all current subscribers. The update can be installed via users' Lumion Accounts. Lumion View for SketchUp is publicly available via Lumion and the SketchUp Extension Warehouse. Free 14-day trials are available for both products and can be requested from All subscription plans, including Lumion Studio, are outlined on About Lumion Lumion offers real-time 3D rendering solutions tailored for architects, designers, and visualization professionals. With intuitive workflows and rapid rendering speeds, Lumion's software suite empowers you to bring architectural designs, interiors, landscapes, and urban plans to life with unparalleled speed and accuracy. Its flagship product, Lumion Pro, is compatible with all major CAD and 3D modeling software such as SketchUp, Revit, Archicad, Rhino, AutoCAD, Allplan, Vectorworks, BricsCAD, and many more. Featuring an extensive library of close to 10,000 objects, characters, and materials, Lumion Pro offers a comprehensive toolkit that you can utilize to transform your vision into immersive experiences that captivate and inspire. Its latest product, Lumion View, brings high-quality visualization to the earliest stages of design, giving architects a fast, intuitive way to explore, refine and share ideas faster than ever, all within their 3D modeling software. With Lumion in your creative workflow, you can transform any 3D model into an experience others can see and feel. Lumion makes it easy to capture the aesthetic, the sensations, and the emotions of your project. You decide what the future holds. Visualize it in Lumion. Learn more at Press Information Logos, Images and other supporting material are available upon request. Interview possibilities and other queries can be directed to [email protected] Damian Leslie Lumion [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
