Sketchup is a 3D program that is available through a free download from Google. If you have an aspiring architect or designer in your family, this is an excellent way to introduce them to a wonderful 3D drawing and design program. You can download a free copy of Google Sketchup 7 from the Google website.

Kids of all ages (yes adults too) will have an absolute blast with this software. It is easy to use, fun to see what you can design and has a number of tutorial videos to help you get started.

The software integrates with Google Earth and allows you to model your house and place it in this program. There also is a wealth of pre-designed 3D models that can be inserted into your workspace like furniture, playground equipment, windows, doors, accessories etc. Models can be saved and edited very easily.

One of the nicest things about Google Sketchup is the ability to rotate in 3D space and create renderings of your project. The model can be edited, added to change materials and textures and many, many other features.

My husband is an Architect and absolutely RAVES about this program. He says that it is perfect for introducing you child to design and architecture and is a very useful tool for adults as well.

There is a Pro version of Sketchup too. It is called Sketchup Pro. This allows you and your children to graduate to a professional CAD and rendering program and retain everything they have learned in the free version. This program also interfaces with such high end programs as Artlantis Studio, which will allow you to produce photo-realistic renderings and Quicktime movies of your 3D model.

Entire communities can be modeled using this software and will provide your child will hours and hours of fun and educational experience on the computer - a break from all those computer games and communication sites we all get so concerned about.

Who knows? You may be living with an aspiring architect - or expose the architect within yourself.