Jef wrote:
Can anyone recommend a good training source for archicad 19?
I, personally, think that Graphisoft's own Youtube Channel is a great ARCHICAD reference. Here is a link to
ARCHICAD training videos. However, this is more of a hands-on approach and, judging by the style of your post, will prompt you to search for some additional information.
Jef wrote:
lack of clear guidance to where "relevant" training material can be found is frustrating. I do know that guides are available as a pdf inside of archicad, but seems like a waste of time, like searching for a needle in a haystack.
This is not entirely true. As you noted, there is plenty of useful information freely available, however the problem here is in little-to-no effort applied to teaching people how to search and use that information.
Jef wrote:
I need a good reference for a big picture approach.
This you are going to have problem with.
Big picture approach is not something people are keen on using nowadays.
All efforts are directed toward teaching people to push specific buttons within ARCHICAD. I don't support this approach as I think ARCHICAD is just one (albeit the first, fastest, easiest to use and the most customizable) of BIM packages and without big picture approach any application becomes more of a limiting factor than a productivity enhancement tool.
When one has a chance to explain BIM to anyone interested, they should start with explaining how BIM developed over the past 30 years, how it became what it is today and how different software applications help us win clients, run our business and complete our projects. It does not matter whether you use ARCHICAD, Revit, AECOsim or any other application, as they are all the same. Any person with solid understanding of BIM will be able to switch to any related software package within hours, no matter what it is — ARCHICAD, Revit or anything else.
When someone mentions that they know how to use ARCHICAD, but have no clue how use Revit, AllPlan or Vectorworks, it sounds more like "I know how to drive Dodge Charger, but I don't think I can do Passat or any of Volvos, as their pedals are different in shape and color."
Jef wrote:
Is there a specific consulting team you would recommend?
I would stay clear of any off-the-shelf one-fits-all solutions. Architecture is a very loosely structured business and any solution you arrive at should take into account your own, established business practice. Don't let anyone bully you into changing your practice without fully understanding what it is you do and how you are used to approaching your daily tasks. Any solution should help, not break your routine.
If you have any questions, send me a private message and I will answer any questions you might have.
