Haenen says creating to-scale, dimensionally accurate drawings—like those that she creates with DraftSight Professional—is the foundation of interior design. “The mathematical spacing aspect of interior design is just as important, if not more important, as the chosen design elements,” Haenen stresses. “Haenen Design Studios handles many kitchen and bathroom projects, and the size of the space is often the determining and controlling factor for design elements,” Haenen continues. “By doing a drawing of the space in DraftSight Professional, I know exactly how much space I have to work with—or whether moving a wall, window, door, or cavity is possible—and can space things out in a manner that works perfectly. Once the limitations of the space are established, the only other constraints on my creativity are the preferred style of the client and the size of the budget.”
Haenen Design Studios is a brand identity and interior design consultancy based in Culver City, CA. The company’s Haenen Interiors Division creates smart, contemporary designs for homes and businesses. Principal Designer Christine Haenen founded Haenen Design Studios in 2014. With a background in fine arts, Haenen has a firm understanding of how to best utilize each space, identify opportunities for improvement, and knows how to uncover hidden beauty. By pairing sophisticated color and furniture choices with functionality and flow, Haenen Design Studios creates timeless elegance and interior spaces that clients love. The company’s services include art and color consultation, space planning, 2D drawing preparation, complete design concepts, and on-site management to completion.
Although she learned to use AutoCAD® 2D design software as a student, Haenen needed a more cost-effective solution for creating and communicating interior design concepts when she founded Haenen Design Studios. “I had used a student version of AutoCAD, but a commercial license was too expensive, so I needed a more affordable 2D design and drawing package,” Haenen explains. “I did some research online and played around with Google® SketchUp®, but it didn’t work for me. That’s when an architect friend suggested that I try DraftSight® 2D design software.” In evaluating DraftSight design software, Haenen noted that because the software functions in a similar way to AutoCAD, it was fast and easy to learn and begin using the software.
In evaluating DraftSight design software, Haenen noted that because the software functions in a similar way to AutoCAD, it was fast and easy to learn and begin using the software. “I was very happy to discover the option of using DraftSight,” Haenen recalls. “Using DraftSight, it’s very easy to develop a drawing of the space on which I’m working. I meet with a client and use a laser-based measurement system to capture accurate dimensions for the space, which I input in my drawing. I then use Adobe® InDesign® software to create my own visuals of the furniture, appliances, and furnishings, which I then include as an overlay to my base drawing. I decided to purchase DraftSight Professional software because it provides a good solution for creating drawings at a fraction of the price.”