This is my first attempt at a blog/website, and I believe this blogger service offered by Google is a great place to start out. As time persists and I become more familiar with HTML and website design, my blog will start to look more professional and have many features. Eventually, a move to a .com domain will be inevitable, but for now this will be more than sufficient. I have a great vision for this blog/website, which in order to achieve I will first need to start off by creating an optimal layout that shows the CAD and eventually civil engineering services that will be offered by EngiCADservices (which may need to be cut down to something like ECS, or E&C Design or something completely different...but that is not at the top of my priorities). However, a quick Google search reveals that both of those names are taken, so it looks like EngiCADservices it is...at least for now.
For my next topic, I will discuss a little bit about myself. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by structures, but more importantly the design aspect. Hence, the reason why I chose to go into civil engineering and ended up receiving my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (First Division) with a structural focus. I have yet to do my master's degree, however that will be a few years down the road as I am not quite sure which part of structural engineering that I would like to do my research topic on. In school and on my own time, I picked up and learned hand and computer aided drafting (CAD), for which I have also developed a passion for, and have been continually doing so for the past 6 years. However, in today's competitive world, knowing CAD is simply not enough anymore, especially when there are better and faster ways to draw, design and are now capable of performing a full out analysis (more on this later). In order to remain competitive in today's world, one must learn these skills and how to use these powerful tools to their advantage. I am always willing to learn, as one can never know enough.
Regarding my priorities or vision, as they have dramatically changed in the past few days, I had originally planned to offer (which I still will be) any 2D and basic 3D CAD services (convert hand drawings into CAD drawings, instruction manuals containing CAD, assembly of a part in CAD, or CAD plans). On the engineering side, it would include design or design inputs for small projects for the do-it-yourself (DIY) people regarding any type of construction project (retaining wall, shed, garage, bridge, deck, power rack...etc.), but that do not require the need for an official engineering stamp. However, this may change in the near future if I can find a willing supervisor. For now, anything that does not require the need for a fully licensed professional engineer to approve. I would also solely be interested in the design aspect and not physically building, unless discussed otherwise. If you have a small job or are looking for a long-term partner, I would be more than happy to have you as a client. Just leave me a comment with a contact name and e-mail and I will respond in a timely fashion.
Now returning to the subject that CAD is simply not enough for a structural engineer, I have decided that the next best step for my career (the big change that I discussed prior and now my highest priority), would be to learn the next stage after CAD, which is building integrated modeling (BIM). Over the course of the next few months I will be learning how to use BIM software, which will greatly improve my 3D CAD and design skills, as well as learning how to use structural analysis software. This should vastly improve my skill set and will help me learn how to design and analysis more complicated structures. Having said this, my blog/website may be put on hold or be very slow to develop in order to develop my BIM skills, but I will still be actively seeking clients. Remember just leave me your name and e-mail and I will contact you as soon as possible.
I am also interested in expanding my network, with a focus on getting to know more civil/structural engineers (or future civil engineers), but also people from all types of profession or a different discipline in engineering. Please drop me a comment and I would be happy to learn a little about you.
David
