Now here’s something. First, Google allowed everyone to contribute to their 3D Warehouse, a collection of 3D objects (components) for SketchUp, which got us used to everything from meticulously modeled buildings to the daily occurrence of an oddly shaped box named “my dream home”. Then they convinced some manufacturers to add their CAD data (Marvin Windows for example). Now they topped it all and partnered with Sweets, a McGraw-Hill company to get their listed manufacturer’s CAD data in the warehouse as well.

This not only provides an immense amount of design data for SketchUp, but also a slightly easier access than the detour through the Sweets website and the DWG (or DXF) import. GREAT!!!

Can I add this one to the suggestion box: If IKEA were to add their catalog to the 3D warehouse as well, then we IKEA-afficionados would buy more but ultimately they could dump their kitchen-planner software in favor of using SketchUp for not only their kitchen planning but all their interior furnishing visualization needs. THAT would be a smart move…

In any case, here’s the link to the Sweets Building Products by sweets.com in the Google 3D Warehouse.