Hi Everyone.I'm a retired Mechanical Engineer and it's probably more than 20 years since I've used Auto CAD but now find myself starting a new business venture which will require me to either hire a drafts-person or learn the necessary skills myself..........I fancy the latter .All I basically need is some advise on the most user friendly program to help me design /draw detailed floor plans (specifically gymnasiums) and ideally produce both 2 and 3D designs......Any recommendations that include a comprehensive catalogue of gym equipment blocks would be most welcome.Many thanks Kevin S  

Given how far behind you are with the technology I would respectfully suggest you take a hybrid approach to the first few projects.  Hire help to get the work out, but in the process try and learn as much as you can from them about what they're doing.  You're going to find out how complex and difficult it really is.  Especially if Revit is going to be your design platform.Good luck!Dave.

Hi Dave and many thanks for your quick reply........much appreciated.You are, of course, totally correct that technology has moved on since my time and in regards to Revit, the software was suggested to me by a friend for its "apparent" ease of use........I shall ask her staff to give me a demonstration. I was rather hoping that as technology moved on, basic CAD tasks would have become easier........ and given I only need to generate simple (but accurate) floor plans I wouldn't be getting into anything too complex.I shall battle on and do a little more research on what's out there.Thanks again.CheersKevin    

Simple 2D floor plans can be generated with just about any CAD program.  I think Revit is overkill for what you want to do.I would have recommended a totally free AutoCAD clone 2D CAD program called DraftSight by dessault systemes the makers of Solidworks.  There is even a free 150+ page manual.  Both can be downloaded from the dessault systemes website.  Heck, I've used plain AutoCAD to create basic floor plans for years.

Thanks JohnThe resultant drawings would ultimately be used for presentation purposes and the ability to show the projects in 3D would be a real plus.........Hence why I was looking at a more advanced program.Another bonus would be a comprehensive library of blocks (specifically fitness equipment) or at least the ability to import from other sources.......There's definitely a program specific to my needs out there as shown by the established gym design companies who already offer quite impressive 2 and 3D illustrations to perspective customers.Anyway, I'll take a look at your suggestion and see where I go from there.Thanks againKevin 

Draftsight does not do 3D.  Stick to Revit.  That's the downfall to asking about what you want ( simple floor planning ) versus what you need.

For simple 3D presentations, and something inexpensive (think: FREE), download a copy of Trimble SketchUp and mess around with it.  You can learn the basics in no time.  And it has the capability to do a complete detailed design as well if you want to take it that far.  It's pretty amazing how much can be done with SketchUp.Dave.