LIVE COURSE

Introduction to SketchUp Pro (1st October 2026)

Course style: Live, taught via Zoom
Date: Thursday 1st October 2026
Time: From 9.30am till 16.45pm GMT
Students: Maximum of six people
Software required: SketchUp Pro

About this course:

SketchUp is a flexible, easy-to-use yet powerful 3D modelling tool. It's easy to use and create 3D models from imported plan drawings, yet gives a huge amount of customisability in terms of how you can present drawings, as well as integrates which most of the best rendering tools for those wanting to take their visualisation even further.

Many people learn SketchUp through YouTube videos and trial and error and while this can get you started, it can often lead to frustration, bad habits, inefficient workflows and models that become difficult to manage as projects grow.

This course provides a structured introduction to SketchUp, built around the workflows used by landscape architects and garden designers. You'll learn not only which tools to use, but when to use them, how to organise your models correctly and how to work efficiently from day one.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to model key design elements like decking, paving, pergolas etc., apply materials, add plants and furniture and produce presentation-ready images that help clients understand and engage with your ideas.

When you sign up you'll be sent invitations to the Zoom sessions as well on-boarding materials including a full set of notes for the course.
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Course Objectives:

  • Learn how to draw simple 3D shapes (Line, Rectangle, Circle etc.)
  • Manipulate objects into more complex 3D forms
  • Understand how Groups and Components work
  • Apply materials and textures and use basic scaling
  • Understand Layers and Tags
  • Utilise the 3D Warehouse and learn how best to populate your model with plants
  • Understand how to create basic terrain
  • Be able to turn on shadows, use the Camera Tools and set up Scenes
  • Export images for use in presentations

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction


  • Open SketchUp for the first time and get oriented
  • Find your way around menus, the Large Tool Set/toolbar, trays/palettes, and the Measurements box
  • Use the Status bar and Size Input to work accurately from day one
  • Look at an example project to see where you'll be heading by the end of the course

Module 2: The workspace 


  • Navigate the model space with Orbit, Pan and Zoom
    Understand SketchUp basics: edges, faces, inference, and axis locking
  • Use the essential drawing tools to create clean 2D shapes ready for 3D modelling
  • Complete a short example project to start building confidence
  • Navigate the model space with Orbit, Pan and Zoom
    Understand SketchUp basics: edges, faces, inference, and axis locking
  • Use the essential drawing tools to create clean 2D shapes ready for 3D modelling
  • Complete a short example project to start building confidence

Module 3: Your first garden (from plan to 3D)


  • Import, scale, and trace a base plan to start your project correctly
  • Group geometry properly (including the time-saving shortcut you will use constantly)
  • Push/Pull your first 3D forms
  • Apply and edit materials for a more realistic look
  • Learn about the array tool to create a pergola

Module 4: Buildings (walls, roofs, windows, and doors)


  • Create simple structures that read clearly in 3D
  • Learn how to make different kinds of roofs
  • Draw up a house footprint 
  • Looks at different ways of creating doors and windows
  • Develop repeatable steps you can apply across different building shapes

Module 5: Create a more complex garden 


  • Kick off a larger project with a clear plan and structure
  • Draw up the base plan with accuracy and good organisation
  • Look at more complex but accurate ways to create elements like steps and water features
  • Learn about setting Scenes
  • Customise how your visuals will look with the Styles palette

Module 6: Working with DWG surveys


The final section looks at working with site surveys and how to handle DWG files from surveyors and architects to ensure you're drawing and modelling in the most efficient way

Is SketchUp and this course for me?

  • "Is SketchUp only good if you learn a rendering tool?"

    No. SketchUp is an incredibly powerful, standalone design tool that goes far beyond just prepping a model for a rendering engine. Out of the box, it allows you to rapidly problem-solve spatial layouts, create flawless, scaled 2D construction documentation using LayOut, and utilise native styles to show off your design. Furthermore, for those who still prefer to hand-draw, building a quick model in SketchUp is a fantastic way to generate accurate 3D perspectives and base forms that you can easily print and sketch over. It's one of the most flexible design tools around, which is why we're so passionate about it.

  • "I am completely tech-phobic. Will I get totally lost?"

    Definitely not! SketchUp is by far the most accessible and easiest to pick up of all the CAD and 3D modelling software on the market. It's intuitive to use, won't bamboozle you with a million buttons and compared to something like Vectorworks is quick to master. 

    Plus we don’t do dense, overwhelming software jargon and instead break things down into bite-sized steps. If you can visualise a space in your head, we can teach you how to build it on the screen.

  • "I’m already incredibly busy—will this take up too much of my time?"

    Mastering any software software does take time and practice to truly master, but SketchUp isn't a wildly complicated piece of software. We liken it to learning a musical instrument - you wouldn't take a days course in the piano and expect to be anywhere near proficient. Instead you'd take some lessons and continue to practise regularly, and we'll be here to support you along the way.

  • "I already know the basics—is this too simple for me?"

    If you are entirely self-taught, you've probably picked up some bad habits along the way, as well as having unanswered questions or things you've always wondered about. We aim to teach you the best professional workflow and make it easier and quicker to draw and model.

  • "Do I need to be a graphic artist to use these tools?"

    Absolutely not. SketchUp handles the complex geometry, perspective, and scaling for you. Your job is to bring the design eye, the material choices, and the horticultural knowledge; we simply teach you how to translate that vision into a crisp, immersive 3D reality.

Testimonials

Having just completed the Introduction to Sketchup full day course, I am excited to continue onto the next level. Fiona has a great fun way of explaining tasks and guiding you through the clear exercises. The course material provided is concise but not overwhelming. Thank you.
SF
I really want to thank you both for such wonderful tutorials. It must have taken ages to write those handbooks, but they were absolutely the most helpful documents. I referred back to them often and was always astounded how you had the answer clearly stated right there when I needed it.
ALISON WILLIAMS
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