Q: I am new to using computers, will these workshops be right for me?

A: If you know the basics of using a mouse, how to drag icons around and surf the web, you'll be fine.

Q: I have many years of experience using the program already. Will these workshops be of benefit to me?

A: It is very common for people who have been using these tools for years, but have not been formally trained, to take the workshops. And their reactions are always the same: "I wish I had taken this class years ago!" We begin each series with a detailed evaluation of where each person is at and what they want to get out of the workshop. Instruction, in turn, often comes with multiple streams of information tailored to different people in the workshop.

Q: What's all this talk about form•Z. I'm only interested in Photoshop and am not interested in learning form•Z. Can I take the Photoshop Workshops without form•Z?

A: Though the tools are excellent companions, the issues covered in the Photoshop Workshops apply to any 3D modeling tool, or, even if you intend to use Photoshop alone.

Q: I'm not an architect, or even technically inclined. Will I feel "out of my league" or out of place?

A: You needn't have finished High School to find the workshops to tremendously beneficial and comfortable for your skill level. Another consistent comment is how comfortable and relaxed our workshops are.

Q: Do I need to own form•Z before taking the class?

A: No. It is possible to learn form•Z without owning a copy of the program. The form•Z demo allows you to do everything, but save. We can send you a demo copy of the program upon enrolling in the workshops.

Q: Can I bring my own laptop to use during the classes?

A: Yes. Some clients prefer to learn on their own computers. Many prefer to bring in their laptops and hook them up to one of the classroom monitors.

Q: How many students are in each class?

A: The workshops in the Bay Area are limited to thirteen participants. Workshops in LA, Chicago and NYC vary in size, depending on the facility we use.

Q: Will each student in the class have their own computer?

A: Yes. Each participant sits at their own computer. The hands-on focus is a key component of the workshops. At our SF Bay Area workshops, you have a choice between a Mac or PC. In other cities, we have only PCs.

Q: Is there an affordable local accommodation near the SF Bay location?

A: Yes. The local Inn has affordably priced rooms, starting at $89 per night. It is located in the middle of downtown San Anselmo, CA, and is a five minute walk to the Marin County studio. There are also a variety of different accommodations in neighboring cities, such as San Rafael and Fairfax, CA.

Q: Can I receive AIA Continuing Education credit?

A: Yes. After completing any form•Z or Photoshop course, receive AIA Continuing Education credit.

Q: Can I use form•Z with other programs?

A: Yes. The form•Z import and export capabilities are extensive. The program can import and export in approximately 30 different file formats. Its translation of both DWG and DXF translation capabilities are particularly robust, allowing extrusion of geometry from AutoCAD directly.


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Q: What if I have questions after the class?

A: After completing the form•Z series, you can call and receive personalized technical support from your instructor.

Q: What are the differences between the two different form•Z versions?

A: There are two versions of the form•Z program. The basic form•Z modeling package is the full modeling and animation program with modeling and drafting tools, plus animation and shaded rendering. RenderZone Plus includes the features of the previous version of form•Z with added photorealistic, ray-traced rendering, texture-mapping and decal features, and radiosity rendering, accounting for the subtle bouncing of light and color off of one surface and on to another. Radiosity used to be sold as a separate plug-in, now included in RenderZone Plus at no additional charge.


Q: What is the refund spolicy on the form•Z workshops?

A: As enrollment is limited, these workshops are transferable but nonrefundable. The following policy applies to the SF Bay Area workshops only: If you need to reschedule training for a later date a fee of 10% of the workshop price will be assessed for changes made 14 days or more to the first date of training. And, a fee of 20% will apply to date changes made 10 days or less before the first day of training.

Q: Should I take the weekend or weekday workshop series?

A: Some clients decide to take four days of workshops in a row, finding that they are more successful with an immersive approach. Others like to take two consecutive weekends of classes, preferring to have the time in between to practice.

Q: Is form•Z the same as AutoCAD?

A: NO. There are really two kinds of CAD: one for drafting, another for design. AutoCAD is primarily a drafing program, whereas form•Z excels as a design program. Where drafting involves delineating known quantities, design requires nonlinear problem-solving and exploration. When it comes to three-dimensional, design CAD, form•Z offers the most powerful and versatile set of modeling tools found today.