Uncategorized

07
Aug
2018
Defending Brutalist Architecture

What is brutalist architecture?

I found a very informative podcast about a form of architecture that does not get much praise. Brutalist architecture came out of the 1960’s Europe, when it was too expensive to build from steel. It mostly traces back to French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, and is known for it’s use of raw concrete. Many people think of brutalism as “ugly” and “communist looking”, but there are many examples of amazing structures in this style, including the Geisel Library in my home town of San Diego.

Brutalist architecture Geisel Library

Geisel Library at University of California at San Diego is an example of brutalist architecture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While it’s true, sometimes it’s used in boring ways, I think you would agree that the above building is hardly boring. This topic is explored in more detail at the WBUR show “Here and Now” in both podcast, and written form.

 

Brutalist architecture Qualcomm / Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego

Qualcomm / Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego

Another example in San Diego is Jack Murphy / Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, completed in 1967. More about that stadium can be found in this Voice of San Diego article. The stadium has most recently hosted the San Diego Chargers football team, and used to host the San Diego Padres, before Petco Park was built.

Brutalism architecture arches

Brutalism architecture arches

Posted by Michael Mellor
24
Jul
2018
PDF2CAD vs. Convert2AutoCAD [video]

Can PDF2CAD do what we do?

The short answer is, not even close!

Many of our customers think that our PDF to DWG service is done with software. I decided to find a software that claims to do this, and tried it with the program PDF2CAD. This program is free for 30 days, and then you must pay $100. What this software does offer is a conversion of your PDF to a single layered DWG file, that looks exactly like your PDF. There are no lines, it’s only dots that are not easy to manipulate like vector lines. How is this program useful? It could be of use if you have a PDF that you just want to draw over, but it is not useful for manipulation.

“Use pdf2cad to transform vector PDF files into editable CAD drawings such as DXF and DWG saving hours of redraw time.”

This quite is taken from their website. This is only true if  you start with a multi-layered PDF. But if you have one of those, you can just import it into CAD and have the layers anyway. We can take a raw scanned PDF or TIF and convert it to DWG with layers, colors, layer names, and readable fonts. Everything is vector.

What makes Convert2AutoCAD better?

We redraw your plan by hand in AutoCAD by expert drafters. This is lets you manipulate each line and hatch, and your plans will look very clean. This is also useful for old plans that are difficult to read. They will look like brand new plans. Check out the video below to see both PDF2CAD and Convert2CAD converting the same scanned plan. Get a quote on conversions to CAD. Also our pricing is always on our website, so there will be no unexpected bills.

The video above compares PDF2CAD to Convert2AutoCAD.

Posted by Michael Mellor
19
Jul
2018
5 Ways to Grow Your Business

5 Ways to Grow Your Business

There are so many fun things to do in the summer. We all want to have fun, but grow our business at the same time. Here are some things you can do to improve business this summer.

  1. Reinforce your brand with signage. We can help you with signs at your job sites, and offices. Your business will benefit from custom signs. We print our signs in-house and can help you with design. We can print on a variety of materials such as foamcore, gator board, coroplast, and even plexiglass acrylic. Check out the options here.
  2. Send direct mail. I know, you’re reading a piece of digital marketing, and not a mailer, but let’s not dismiss the effectiveness of direct mail marketing! Direct mail marketing tends to be more trusted, and is more likely to be viewed. We can help you with your mailers and even add all the mailing addresses. You can read more about direct mail vs. digital marketing here.
  3. Business cards are still essential. They are not going away. I always keep at least 10 business cards in my wallet. We can set you up with a design, and print business cards for you. Here are some statistics on business cards designs. Also, be sure to get out to as many networking functions as you can.
  4. AutoCAD conversions. This is one of our fastest growing services. We can take your old plans, and give you a fully layered AutoCAD file. This is a game changer for architectural, engineering, construction, and any other design firms. This saves you so much time, and can be done in as short as next business day. We even offer discounts for bulk orders. Send over a file, and we can get you a quote right away.
  5. Vehicle and window graphics. Increase your visibility. We can add your logo, slogan, and contact information to your vehicle. At Del Mar Blue, we have a digital vinyl cutter, and can add lettering and logos to vehicles, glass, and smooth walls. We have done it on our vehicles and the windows of our headquarters. Check out some examples we’ve done here.
Posted by Michael Mellor
09
Jul
2018
How this service can make you money

Don’t you wish you could take on more jobs, while doing less work?

Well you can! Literally, you can have jobs done while you sleep, making you more money!

Much of the architects job consists of redrawing plans, for remodels. For years, the procedure was to get old plans from the city or county, have them scanned at our local reprographics shop, import them into AutoCAD, and redraw over the lines. This was a tedious, costly, and time consuming process, that is now totally avoidable. Architects charge between $75 and $150 per hour. This makes it very expensive to redraw plans, that could take many hours. Imagine sending off PDF plans, and having them available the following day. This service can make you money!

We supply you with layered files

We know importing a PDF into AutoCAD is easy. This service goes much more beyond that. We will give you a fully layered DWG file, using industry standards in pen weight, layer name, and layer colors. Each drawing is done with precise accuracy. You can start working right away.

Even ugly old plans?

This service can also be used for ugly, presentable paper plans that are hard to read, and unpleasant to touch. This includes old blueprints, sepia, mylar, and vellum plans. We have the capability to scan sheets up to 36 inches wide. You will be given a file that is clear to read, and very presentable. Take old hand drawn plans, and have them turned into modern AutoCAD files. If you would like for us to scan your plans, contact us and we will make it happen.

How long have you offered this service?

We have been offering this conversion to AutoCAD service for over 15 years. We have hundreds of happy customers including architects, engineers, plumbers, landscape, interior designers, machinists, electricians, counties, cities, water districts and drafters.

How do we do it?

We take your scan, and redraw it in AutoCAD by our expert drafters. This is a manual process, and is not automated with software. There is an actual human, redrawing your plans! This ensures accuracy and quality.

What does it cost?

We are pretty straight forward with our pricing. We charge by the sheet size. You can find our pricing here.

I have files that I want converted. How do I get them to you?

You can send the files with through or online order form. We will get right back to you with a quote, and estimated time of completion. If you have any questions, you can always reach us by calling (858)755-5134

 

Posted by Michael Mellor
14
Jun
2018
Converted tattered old site plan to AutoCAD

This old blueprint was converted to a AutoCAD DWG file

This service is a difference maker

We had a customer come to us with a very old, tattered blueprint that he wanted to have converted to AutoCAD. This happens a lot, and many times, the customer is unsure if it can even be done., well, it can be done! I took the old plan, and scanned it on our black and white scanner, and had one of our expert drafters redraw it in AutoCAD to a DWG file. As you can see in the image above, the plan on the left is the original scan of the blueprint. The image on the right is the resulting AutoCAD file. The customer was very pleased with the result, and was able to start his design project right away.

Fast

This service is normally a 3-business day turnaround. We also offer 24-hour turnaround for only an extra $30 per sheet. You will not be able to hire a drafter for less than our prices. Our service is fast, and accurate. We guarantee our work, if the result is not what you expected, we will make the changes for free. We do more than residential, we also do commercial, retail, government, medical, municipal, utility, golf courses, hotels, parks, roads and bridges.

Money and time saved

Our customer was very happy with the result. He was able to start the remodel design on the home, and sent the AutoCAD file to his landscape architect to begin designing the new landscape. Using the topography lines, he was able to add in trees, a deck, and retaining walls. Instead of redrawing plans, you can send the work to us, giving you more time to design. If you would like to use this service, contact us today. We can answer your questions, and get you a fast quote.

Posted by Michael Mellor
25
May
2018
Most used AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts

Most used AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts

Here are the most commonly used AutoCAD 2018 keyboard shortcuts.

Get more work done!

Keyboard shortcuts help you do navigate AutoCAD much quicker than clicking with the mouse. Get to know these commands to speed up your productivity. Print up this chart of keyboard shortcuts for AutoCAD 2018. We can save you more time by converting PDF plans to DWG AutoCAD files. From there, you can simply edit in AutoCAD. Contact us for a free quote.

PDF to CAD

Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.

Send Your PDF
KeypressCommandDescription
F1HELPCalls for Help screen
F2TEXTSCRToggles the Text screen display
F3OSNAPToggles Object Snap mode
F43DOSNAPToggles 3D Object Snap mode
F5ISOPLANEToggles Isoplane mode
F63DOSNAPToggles 3D Snap to Plane mode
F7GRIDMODEToggles Grid mode
F8ORTHOToggles Ortho mode
F9SNAPToggles Snap mode
F10POLARToggles Polar mode
F11OTRACKToggles Object Track mode
F12DYNMODEToggles Dynamic Input mode
Ctrl+SaveQSAVESaves the drawing
Ctrl+OpenOPENDisplays the Select File dialog box
Ctrl+PPLOTDisplays the Plot dialog box
Ctrl+Tab Switches to the next open drawing
Ctrl+PgUp Switches to the next tab in the current drawing
Ctrl+PgDn Switches to the previous tab in the current drawing

For more shortcuts, visit the AutoCAD website.

Posted by Michael Mellor
23
May
2018
Convert Imperial Inches to Metric Centimeters Chart

Convert Imperial Inches to Metric Centimeters Chart

Work with imperial and metric units with ease

Many architects and engineers have the need to work between imperial and metric measurements, so here is a quick and easy conversion chart to reference at any time, for your building and designing needs.

Us this easy chart to convert your inches to centimeters, or centimeters to inches. If you have plans that you would like converted to AutoCAD, send them to us for a quick quote.

Inches (“) to Centimeters (cm) conversion chart

0.01 in 0.0254000 cm
1/64 in 0.0396875 cm
1/32 in 0.0793750 cm
1/16 in 0.15875 cm
0.1 in 0.2540 cm
1/8 in 0.3175 cm
1/4 in 0.635 cm
1/2 in 1.27 cm
1 in 2.54 cm
2 in 5.08 cm
3 in 7.62 cm
4 in 10.16 cm
5 in 12.70 cm
6 in 15.24 cm
7 in 17.78 cm
8 in 20.32 cm
9 in 22.86 cm
10 in 25.40 cm
20 in 50.80 cm
30 in 76.20 cm
40 in 101.60 cm
50 in 127.00 cm
60 in 152.40 cm
70 in 177.80 cm
80 in 203.20 cm
90 in 228.60 cm
100 in 254.00 cm

Centimeters (cm) to Inches (“)

(decimal) Inches (“)  (fraction)
0.01 cm 0.0039 in 0 in
0.1 cm 0.0394 in 3/64 in
1 cm 0.3937 in 25/64 in
2 cm 0.7874 in 25/32 in
3 cm 1.1811 in 1 3/16 in
4 cm 1.5748 in 1 37/64 in
5 cm 1.9685 in 1 31/32 in
6 cm 2.3622 in 2 23/64 in
7 cm 2.7559 in 2 3/4 in
8 cm 3.1496 in 3 5/32 in
9 cm 3.5433 in 3 35/64 in
10 cm 3.9370 in 3 15/16 in
20 cm 7.8740 in 7 7/8 in
30 cm 11.8110 in 11 13/16 in
40 cm 15.7840 in 15 3/4 in
50 cm 19.6850 in 19 11/16 in
60 cm 23.6220 in 23 5/8 in
70 cm 27.5591 in 27 9/16 in
80 cm 31.4961 in 31 1/2 in
90 cm 35.4331 in 35 7/16 in
100 cm 39.3701 in 39 3/8 in

You can also find a conversion calculator at RapidTables.com

Posted by Michael Mellor
22
May
2018

From hard to read, to blueprint scans, to clear, legible AutoCAD files

Here is an actual conversion we did for a customer. As you can see, the original scan is a hard to read floor plan, with lots of noise, and dark spots. This is common when scanning old blueprints. Our customer is doing a remodel on the house, and instead of redrawing the whole house from scratch, they saved a lot of time by having us convert their PDF to an AutoCAD DWG file. Now they can make changes to the walls, doors, windows, and fixtures. This service is also good for elevations, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, and landscape plans. You can then work on it with AutoDesk AutoCAD, or any other CAD program that accepts DWG files.

Here’s the scanned blueprint floor plan

Original PDF scan that we used to convert to PDF

Original PDF scanned floor plan that we used to convert to PDF (click to enlarge)

As you can see, the scan is difficult to read, many lines are light, and there are a lot of blurry text. We took the scan, and redrew it in CAD.

Here is the AutoCAD DWG file

DWG AutoCAD file we were able to return to the customer so he could begin the remodel.

DWG AutoCAD file we were able to return to the customer so he could begin the remodel. (click to enlarge)

Layered

As you can see, this is a drastic difference. Our customer was given a professional, vector image, that is broken down into layers as  you can see in the image below:

Colored PDF with layers

Colored PDF with layers (click to enlarge)

The customer was extremely happy with the final product. The conversion took 24-hours, and the cost was less than $200. The customer is an architect, and said that “this would have taken me much longer, and cost me a lot more money.” We are happy to help out the construction industry take on more work. If you are interested in using this service for your construction or printing/reprographics company contact us.

For printing and document services, check out Del Mar Blue.

Posted by Michael Mellor
14
May
2018
How Converting to AutoCAD Can Save You Money

Who doesn’t want to save money?

As they say, “a dollar saved, is a better than a dollar earned.”  This is very true for converting your files to AutoCAD. Here’s the ways using this service can save you money.

We know you are in this business to make money. Hiring a drafter is expensive, and you often have better things to do than to redraw old plans for a remodel or addition. Here’s a few reasons why this service not only can save you money, but can make you money.

  • Drawing one page from scratch can take 4 to 24 hours, that can cost you a lot of money.
  • Average hourly rate of an architect is $35 to $75 per hour.
  • We provide fully layered AutoCAD DWG files, that you can begin your remodel design right away.
  • This can be used for architectural, structural, engineering, plumbing, mechanical, shop drawings, as-built, calculations, details, kitchen, landscape, topographic, elevations, floor plans, sections, and any other type of plans you may have. We work in both imperial, and metric measurements.
  • We can also work with you to make design changes to plans, and a rate of only $30 per hour.
  • You can concentrate on design and business development, instead of redrawing plans.
  • Reprographics companies can offer this to their customers with a special rate.
  • Take on more jobs by having us handle a lot of the drafting.

As you can see, this service can help your company by giving you a jump start on your design and remodel projects. This service has helped out hundreds of our customers. Have the advantage over your competition. We can convert PDF, PLT, TIF, JPG, GIF, and even paper plans to fully layered AutoCAD DWG files. If you would like a free quote, Email us now.

Convert2AutoCAD is a small business residing in Del Mar, California. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Posted by Michael Mellor
18
Apr
2018
We can convert MicroStation to AutoCAD

We can now convert MicroStation to AutoCAD

We now have the capability to convert to, and from MicroStation files from Bentley Studios. This includes these options:

  • DGN to AuotoCAD DWG
  • DNG to TIF
  • Adobe PDF to DNG
  • DNG to Adobe PDF
  • AutoCAD DWG to DNG
  • DNG to PLT

PDF to CAD

Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.

Send Your PDF

MicroStation is a drafting standard that is used by millions worldwide, but is not compatible with AutoCAD. If you are working with someone who need these converted to AutoCAD, we can help you with that. Contact us with any questions you may have, and give us the opportunity to help you. Our staff have been working with architects, engineers, and designers for over 30 years. If you just have one small drawing, or hundreds, we have the capacity to handle all jobs, large and small. Convert2AutoCAD is a family business, that is independently owned, and offers impeccable customer service, with emphasis on quality.

Submit your files for a free quote today.

Posted by Michael Mellor
04
Apr
2018
Archispeak Podcast is worthy of your time

I came across the Archispeak Podcast while browsing my LinkedIn feed. Architect Neal Pann is a connection of mine, and had posted about it. I checked out their most recent episode at the time, and it was very fascinating, planned out, without feeling scripted. If you are an architect nerd, I recommend checking out Archispeak.

Posted by Michael Mellor
02
Mar
2018

Troubleshooting tips and tricks in AutoCAD 2018. This video is very informative for using the latest version of AutoCAD from AutoDesk. For information on converting your PDF to AutoCAD DWG contact us.

Posted by Michael Mellor
06
Jun
2017
Converting to AutoCAD can save you a lot of money

Converting to AutoCAD can save you a lot of money

Hiring a draftsperson or architect to convert your plans can take 8 to 24 hours, at $100 to $130† per hour.  That’s a total of $800 to $3,120! Typically, we can do the same for $100-150 for the whole page, and can return the file to you in 24-hours!* This can end up saving you lots of money, and many thousands of dollars over a year.

†drafting service costs from costowl.com
*rush 24-hour service available for an additional $30.

Posted by Michael Mellor
03
Apr
2017
Conversion with layers

Conversion with layers

At Conver2AutoCAD, we will convert your files and keep everything in separate layers.  Keep your title, walls, landscapes, dimensions, text, structural, and landscape all on separate layers with colors using best practices.

Posted by Michael Mellor
03
Apr
2017

I loved this service! It saved us a lot of drafting time and was accurate, and quick. We will definitely use it again.

★★★★★
Martha D. – Martha’s Creative Gardens and Landscapes
Posted by Michael Mellor
03
Apr
2017

The CAD conversion service from Convert2AutoCAD has been invaluable to my company, as it affords me more time to work on design and worry about drafting separately. I think it's a great value, and resource for any architectural/design firm.

★★★★★
Edward W. – FORMAT design LLC
Posted by Michael Mellor
27
Feb
2017

The product is great. Beats having to input into AutoCAD yourself. Although there is always adjustments to be done it is well worth the money.

★★★★★
CCRdesigns
Posted by Michael Mellor
05
Apr
2017
How do we convert to AutoCAD?

How do we convert to AutoCAD?

How do we convert to AutoCAD?

Hint: it’s not just done in seconds with software

One of the most common questions is, “how do you do it?” We take your file and redraw each line in AutoCAD.  This is much much more complex than simply using software to convert the the image to vector.  This ensures a quick, and accurate AutoCAD file, that can be manipulated just as it was designed by an architect or engineer. We can convert any type of plan, including architectural, landscape, interior, engineering, plumbing, electrical, and schematics.  This is also a good way to clean up hand drawn plans.

How this saves you money

Some people will say, “well I can do that on my own”, and that is true, but we do it for only $85 to $150 per page. That rate is very affordable for a project that can take you many hours. You cannot hire a drafter to redraw your plans for the price that we charge. This gives you more time, and higher profits. We can also do this for large jobs. We can have them done in batches of 100 for you, every month.

We convert the following types of plans:

  • Architectural
  • Structural
  • Engineering
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Grading
  • Landscape
  • Mechanical
  • Shop Drawings
  • Topographic Maps

We work with the following industries:

  • Construction
  • Building
  • Surveying
  • Health Care
  • Government
  • Education (Universities, K-12, Colleges)
  • Biotechnology
  • Software Development
  • General Contracting
  • Defense
  • Coastal Commissions
  • Airports

We work in all Autodesk applications. Convert2AutoCAD is a small, independently owned company located in Del Mar, California. No job is too small or too large. Contact us for a fast quote today.

Posted by Michael Mellor