From Design to Jobsite Construction projects bring together people, data, software, and equipment across multiple stages of a project. As more digital tools enter the workflow, the challenge is no longer simply having access to technology. Now, it is making sure people and information can work together effectively. Trimble’s 2026 contractor survey, which gathered responses from 1,800 civil, general, and specialty contractors, identified technology integration, data sharing, and workforce challenges as important areas for the year ahead. Contractors also identified AI and scanning, surveying, and positioning technologies among the areas they would prioritize if cost were not a constraint. The findings point to a broader question: How can contractors connect the information, tools, and people involved in a project? For construction teams, 3D modeling, connected project platforms, and AI are creating new ways to visualize projects, share information, and support decision-making. From Fragmented Information to a Shared Project View A construction project brings together many teams, tools, and types of information. Before and during construction, teams may work with drawings, models, specifications, site information, schedules, and design changes. That information also needs to move between contractors, designers, engineers, subcontractors, clients, and field teams. As contractors adopt more digital tools, connecting information across different systems becomes increasingly important. Trimble’s 2026 contractor survey found that technology integration and data sharing were among the areas contractors saw as having significant potential to improve performance. This is where 3D modeling can provide another layer of context. Rather than relying only on separate drawings or descriptions, a 3D model can give project teams a visual reference for discussing the same space, design, or construction detail. SketchUp supports construction workflows such as visualizing site conditions, exploring building systems, evaluating floor plans, developing construction details, and creating construction drawings. The model, however, is only one part of the workflow. The next question is how that information can be shared with the wider project team. Connecting the Model to the Team Trimble customer examples show how these ideas can translate into different construction workflows. UK civil engineering contractor George Leslie previously relied on a manual process to transfer LiDAR survey data from the field to the office. According to Trimble, the process took approximately eight hours for a single survey. After implementing a connected workflow using Trimble technologies, the reported processing time fell to approximately 10 minutes per project. Meanwhile, McCarthy Building Companies uses SketchUp throughout its construction process, including jobsite planning, building-envelope coordination, interior mock-ups, and other construction activities. According to Trimble's case study, its teams use 3D models to communicate ideas and collaborate with stakeholders from preconstruction through completion. The two examples show different ways technology can connect construction workflows: one focuses on moving information from the field to the office, while the other uses 3D models to help teams communicate and coordinate. The goal is simple: make project information easier for the right people to access, understand, and use. AI in Construction: Supporting People, Not Replacing Them AI is another technology entering the construction conversation. Trimble’s 2026 contractor survey found that contractors would prioritize AI adoption if cost were not a constraint. Trimble identifies potential applications such as automating tasks, supporting human capabilities, and analyzing large amounts of data. But AI does not remove the need for construction expertise. A project still needs people who understand its design, site conditions, materials, requirements, and practical constraints. For contractors, AI may therefore be most useful when it supports the work rather than replaces the people doing it. As these technologies continue to develop, the combination of 3D models, connected project information, and AI could give construction teams new ways to work with project data; from understanding a design to coordinating work and making decisions. Where Does SketchUp Fit? SketchUp can play a practical role in this connected workflow by helping contractors turn project information into something teams can see, explore, and discuss. Contractors can use SketchUp to create 3D models, visualize site conditions, explore construction details, develop construction drawings, and communicate ideas with project teams. With Trimble Connect, models can also be shared as part of a wider collaboration workflow. (SketchUp, 2026) The workflow can be simple: See the project in 3D → Share the context → Collaborate with the team → Make informed decisions As construction technology continues to develop, the focus is not necessarily on adding more tools. It is on making the tools and information teams already use work better together. Construction is becoming more connected. 3D modeling can help teams see a project. Connected platforms can help teams share information. AI may help teams work with that information in new ways. But technology is only useful when it helps people do their work better. For contractors, connected construction is about bringing people, information, and technology together so teams can communicate clearly and make better-informed decisions throughout a project. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as being able to see the project in 3D.

Keeping drawings aligned with your model shouldn’t feel like a constant fix. For many architects, interior designers, and AEC professionals, SketchUp is where ideas take shape. But turning those ideas into clear, reliable documentation is often where projects slow down. When drawings fall out of sync, last-minute edits pile up, and miscommunication leads to delays. That’s where LayOut comes in! SketchUp’s built-in tool for turning 3D models into professional 2D documentation, making documentation more precise , flexible , and easier to manage across teams. What’s New in LayOut 2026 Here’s a quick look at what’s been introduced! A modernized interface on Windows for better usability With improved iconography, flexible trays, and customizable toolbars, it’s easier to organize your workspace and access the tools you use most. Switching between modeling and documentation  now feel more seamless, especially during fast-paced project work. New 2D drafting tools for faster vector editing Beyond the interface, LayOut also introduces new drafting tools  that allow you to refine drawings directly within the software: Trim and Extend help clean up and adjust linework quickly Fillet   and Chamfer   make it easier to handle corners and detailing Expanded Scrapbook libraries for architectural drawings To support faster drawing creation, LayOut’s Scrapbook libraries  have also been expanded. You now have access to more ready-to-use architectural elements such as windows, doors, furniture, and plan-view people. This makes it easier to build complete drawings without starting from scratch each time. Improved DWG import for smoother collaboration On the collaboration side, improvements to DWG import and export  help maintain drawing structure when working with external teams. SketchUp Tags can now be retained and translated into DWG layers, making file exchanges more reliable when coordinating with consultants using CAD tools. Find out more about the SketchUp 2026 release notes here . 💡 Why These Matters for Design Teams? With clearer documentation workflows and more refined LayOut tools, you can reduce repetitive tasks , improve consistency across your 2D documentation , and collaborate more effectively, so documentation no longer feels like a bottleneck but a natural part of your design process. While many of these improvements focus on LayOut, they’re part of broader updates in SketchUp 2026 designed to streamline your overall workflow. See a quick overview of what’s new!

Modern architecture is no longer defined solely by appearance. Today, designers are expected to create spaces that not only look visually compelling, but also feel intuitive, comfortable, and functional for the people using them every day. A beautifully designed environment can still feel uncomfortable to move through, difficult to use, or visually exhausting over time. This is where ergonomics plays an increasingly important role in architectural and interior design. As architecture continues to evolve toward more human-centered environments, comfort, usability, and functionality are becoming just as important as visual appear. Understanding Ergonomics Generally, ergonomics focuses on designing spaces that feel intuitive, comfortable, and functional for the people using them every day. Rather than focusing on a single element, ergonomic design considers how users move, interact, and experience a space as a whole. Small Design Decisions Create Big User Impact One of the most important aspects of ergonomic design is that relatively small decisions can significantly influence how a space feels and functions. Thoughtful architectural planning can improve usability, flexibility, comfort, and overall user experience without drastically changing the visual identity of a project. Human Experience Ergonomic design plays an important role in shaping how users move, interact, and navigate within a space. Even subtle layout decisions can influence circulation, visibility, communication, and overall usability. Human Movement The way people move through a space strongly affects comfort and usability. Narrow pathways, obstructed layouts, or inefficient transitions between areas can make environments feel restrictive and difficult to navigate. Effective circulation planning helps create smoother movement flow, allowing spaces to feel more intuitive, open, and comfortable for everyday use; particularly in workplaces, hospitality environments, and compact residential layouts. Visibility Visibility influences how users perceive openness, orientation, and spatial clarity within an environment. Poor sightlines, blocked visual connections, or uneven lighting conditions can affect both comfort and navigation. Designers often consider window placement, interior layouts, openness, and lighting balance to improve visual comfort and create spaces that feel more intuitive and welcoming. User Interaction Furniture arrangement and spatial organization can significantly influence how people interact within a space. Overcrowded layouts may reduce flexibility and movement, while poorly positioned furniture can interrupt communication, accessibility, and collaboration. Thoughtful ergonomic planning helps create environments that better support social interaction, adaptability, and practical daily use. Spatial Comfort Comfort in architecture extends beyond aesthetics. Lighting conditions, accessibility, spatial proportions, and environmental balance all contribute to how users physically and psychologically experience a space. Lighting Comfort Lighting has a major influence on comfort, mood, visibility, and productivity. Architectural studies and workplace design discussions have consistently shown that natural daylight can positively contribute to visual comfort and overall well-being when properly integrated into a space. However, lighting design is not simply about adding larger windows. Poorly positioned openings or excessive daylight exposure can create glare, uneven brightness, and visual discomfort. Designers must carefully consider window placement, orientation, shading strategies, and material choices to create balanced lighting conditions. Accessibility Ergonomic design also considers how spaces accommodate different users and everyday activities. Elements such as seating dimensions, reachability, circulation clearance, workstation proportions, and environmental comfort all contribute to accessibility and long-term usability. Spatial Experience Spatial proportions can significantly influence how people emotionally experience an environment. Ceiling height, openness, furniture scale, and layout balance all contribute to how comfortable, inviting, or restrictive a space may feel. Even subtle proportional decisions can shape the psychological perception of openness, comfort, and usability within an interior. Design Process As architectural workflows become increasingly visualization-driven, ergonomics is becoming more integrated into the design process itself. Space Planning Effective space planning helps designers organize layouts more efficiently while improving circulation, functionality, and user flow. Great zoning and spatial organization can help environments feel more intuitive and practical without compromising aesthetics. Flexibility Modern environments are increasingly expected to support changing needs and multiple activities. Flexible layouts allow spaces to adapt more easily to collaboration, movement, multifunctional use, and evolving user behavior. This is particularly important in hybrid workplaces, educational spaces, and compact interiors where adaptability has become a growing priority. Design Workflow Ergonomic challenges are often difficult to fully evaluate through 2D plans alone. Using 3D visualization tools, designers can better understand movement flow, spatial relationships, lighting behavior, and user interaction before construction begins. Designing Beyond Aesthetics Modern architecture is increasingly moving toward more human-centered design thinking. While aesthetics remain important, successful spaces today are also expected to support comfort, usability, accessibility, and overall user experience. Ergonomics helps bridge the gap between visual design and everyday functionality. By considering how people move, interact, and experience a space, architects and designers can create environments that feel more intuitive, adaptable, and enjoyable to use over time. As these expectations continue to evolve, visualization is becoming an increasingly valuable part of the design process. Exploring layouts, circulation, lighting conditions, and spatial relationships earlier in development allows teams to make more informed and user-focused design decisions before construction begins. Tools like SketchUp support this process by helping designers visualize ideas, test spatial concepts, and better communicate design intent throughout the planning stages. Because in the end, good design is not only seen — it is experienced. Continue Exploring Design Insights Discover more insights on visualization and design workflows with SketchUp through our social channels. Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Source and Further Reading Workplace Ergonomics for Civil Engineers & Architects Ergonomic Design at Work