As the Autodesk sponsored event for design and engineering professionals, Autodesk University (AU) offers an opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired. This year, October 15-17 2024, AU is heading to the sunny shores of San Diego California, a city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit. This is the first AU in San Diego. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned AU veteran, this thrive guide will help you make the most of your experience. Continue reading

I will write more about the recent van life adventure with Stefanie and our two dogs to 5 states including Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park later after unpacking the van. But here are a couple photos. Continue reading

AEC Hackathons have been incredible and inspiring, leading to the formation of actual industry startups with products born from hackathon-generated ideas. I've personally participated in two events, one in Seattle and another in Copenhagen. If you ever have the chance to participate or even just attend, take it—it's enjoyable and you witness innovation at the very moment it ignites change in the industry. Continue reading

Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it's been! Continue reading

Stefanie and I are gearing up for an incredible adventure in June 2025 with Be The Change Volunteers, a nonprofit that’s all about making a difference through education. We were invited to be part of this project thanks to Stefanie’s business connections, and we’re both beyond excited to join this volunteer project as “Changers”. Continue reading

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) this year in Chicago! From September 9-14, 2024, McCormick Place will be the epicenter of innovation, and I’m looking forward to diving into the latest advancements in the manufacturing technology space. IMTS is where the magic happens—where ideas come to life, technologies evolve, and the future of manufacturing takes shape. Continue reading

Today marks a big blog milestone—21 years of "Between the Lines Blog." What started as a simple idea has grown into a fun and trusted source for those in the AEC and manufacturing design technology industry. It’s wild to look... Continue reading

While it might seem like an unlikely source of danger, bathroom and attic fans pose a significant fire risk if not properly managed. One simple yet often overlooked solution can help prevent such incidents: installing a timer for your bathroom fan. Many building codes require a timer on the fan in recent updates, but there are so many homes without it, and people may not be aware of the risk. Continue reading

Last night, I was at a concert here in Bend, Oregon, with expectations set on seeing Citizen Cope, but it was an experience far beyond what I anticipated. I was there primarily for Citizen Cope, a band I’ve always enjoyed,... Continue reading

This past weekend was all about the outdoors. On Saturday, I kayaked 8 miles on a crystal-clear Cascade lake, where the water was as cold as it was stunning. Then, on Sunday, we hiked 7 miles with a 2,000-foot elevation gain into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. With a wilderness day permit in hand, We made it to the glacier on Three Finger Jack. The hike was made even better by the intoxicatingly sweet scents and breathtaking views of wildflowers along Canyon Creek and spotting a rocky mountain goat. Continue reading

As a technologist and avid outdoor adventurer, I’ve always been on the lookout for innovations that enhance both my digital and real-world experiences. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Apple iOS developer beta 18.1, which comes packed with... Continue reading

I'm looking for your help and input in researching ways to better mitigate risks on job sites through the use of a mobile web application that is dead simple easy. One of the key challenges I'm trying to address is... Continue reading

Okay, dog owners, let's get real for a second. Your dog probably thinks you're the best thing since peanut butter filled chew toys. And why not? You're the bringer of walks, the giver of treats, and the ultimate belly rub expert. But here's the thing – maybe it's time we start seeing ourselves through our dogs' eyes. Continue reading

It has been a heatwave where I live in the mountains of Central Oregon and people including myself have been hitting the Cascade Lakes and river to cool off. I have never seen so many people floating the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District of Bend Oregon. Continue reading

For 30+ years, I've been the proud curator of an ever-growing collection of Autodesk product memorabilia and history. What started as a personal hobby has grown into one of the largest collections of CAD history, spanning the evolution of one of the industry's most well known design industry software companies. My collection is a mix of items I've personally acquired and generous gifts from fellow CAD geeks, former colleagues, and industry veterans. It's a time capsule of Autodesk's early days Among the gems are one-of-a-kind pieces that tell unique stories of Autodesk's development like an AutoCAD-86 or 1.1 manual or floppy disk or Revit 1.0 CD-ROM. Alongside these, I've amassed a delightful array of geeky CAD paraphernalia – the kind that brings a smile to any long-time AutoCAD user's face like an “My Other Car Was Designed by AutoCAD” license plate holder, R14 mug or beach flip flops that leaves R14 in the sand, or first edition versions of CADalyst Magazine. However, as with all good things, this chapter of my collecting journey is coming to a close. The sheer volume of items has outgrown my ability to properly maintain, store, and showcase them. With a heavy heart, I'm considering auctioning off parts of the collection to ensure these pieces of software history find new homes where they'll be appreciated. A few items may go to non profit technology museum collections to preserve and display. To my fellow CAD enthusiasts and tech history buffs: keep an eye out for upcoming announcements. You might soon have the chance to own a piece of this CAD legacy. Whether you're looking for a rare artifact or just a fun blast from the past, there might be something in this collection for you. Continue reading

In today's rapidly evolving technology landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. One of the most transformative technologies is Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI. Recognizing the immense potential and growing demand for AI expertise, Microsoft has made available eighteen free generative AI courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills. Why AI Skills Matter AI is more than just a buzzword; it's a fundamental shift in how technology interacts with the world. From enhancing business processes to enabling new forms of creativity, AI's applications are vast and varied. By diving into AI learning, you not only enhance your professional value but also open up new opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Continue reading

Throwback Thursday – Revit 1.0 Continue reading

I used the app 3D Scanner App on my iPhone 15 Pro and scanned in high resolution using LiDAR the sign and tree section to generate a 3D model that you can then export to use elsewhere such as a 3D scene or 3D print, share on Sketchfab, or even use AR to view in your space. Continue reading

Summer feels like it hit all of a sudden here in beautiful Central Oregon. We had it snow nearby in the last two weeks with low temps in the 20-30s. but in the past few days the temps hit the... Continue reading

If you're an AUGI member who attended #AUGICON24, you should have received an email this morning containing instructions on how to access the video replays of our AUGICON 2024 event. You'll also be joining our new AUGI Community Platform! Not... Continue reading

A few years ago in 2015, I wrote on this blog about the changing of the carpet design in the Portland Oregon International Airport. PDX Carpet Designs in AutoCAD DWG The new design was confusing and not iconic and fun like the classic design. Wikipedia on the PDX carpet design Well, roll forward to 2024 and they have finally heard my complaint, or the many others and are now returning to installing the old classic design carpet.The classic design was based on the airport’s North and South runways as seen by air traffic controllers at night in a nerdy artistic way. Continue reading

In the AEC industry, efficient project management and accurate data collection are crucial for ensuring successful project outcomes. Site Marker is a solution designed to streamline and enhance project reporting processes, bringing you and your issue reporting literally onto the map. The days of pen and paper reports are over. Field users can now leverage the Site Marker mobile app to quickly document and report daily activities with pinpoint precision, powered by real-time geolocation on the job site. Site Marker is a location-based land development platform that enables users to document and report action items from a mobile device in real-time. Forget notepads, construction drawings and hand-typed reports. Everything arrives on-site with you in the Site Marker mobile app. Continue reading

Last Friday evening, Stefanie, our two dogs, and I embarked on an adventure to Lava Lake in the Cascades, just a short drive from our home in Bend, Oregon. The area had just emerged from winter, was the perfect for our outing, especially with the potential of a spectacular aurora borealis due to a massive solar storm—the largest in over two decades. Continue reading

AI is poised to significantly enhance the tools used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry Continue reading

Such a great time over the 2 days for the inaugural AUGI CON24 event. Thank you to the 1000+ registered attendees from over 40 countries that attended, presenters, panelists, and AUGI board. User helping Users Community and all volunteers. The... Continue reading