Software Shootout

Held at the Wellesley College Science Center, the first "Software Shootout" program explored cutting edge techniques to creating landscape plans and documents. The software presented ranged in price, capability and complexity.

Our guest presenters included:
Monica Fairbairn, Gardening by Design, Watertown MA
Mary Coyne, Coyne Landscape Design, Wellesley, MA
Bridget McManus, Lepidoptera Landscape Design, Framingham, MA
Andrew Buck, Not Yet Landscape, Jamaica Plain, MA

The software presented included MSPublisher, Autosketch, Adobe Illustrator, and VectorWorks Landmark.

Attendees learned the secrets to creating high quality, graphically rich landscape plans using your computer. Designers showed examples of their projects as well as described the step-by-step process for their implementation. They discussed their software products’ learning curve and the strengths and weaknesses from their personal perspective. Handouts provided additional information including tips and tricks, equipment requirements, costs and other special considerations and comparisons. The presentations were followed by a breakout session in which presenters demonstrated their software in
small informal groups.

Whether a novice or a seasoned landscape professional, this program gave you the information you needed to find the software that would work for you in your landscape business. It helped you to make an informed decision by giving you a real-world perspective of the products’ capabilities.