Maya won't get you far in architecture. I'd go for FormZ first, then Max/Viz for rendering.

I don't know of any good classes for FMZ, besides arch university classes. Just buy a good book, go through it, and then go through an entire project using it.

The Autodessey forum is really good (assuming you are buying FMZ) and their tech guys are there often. It's a great resource.

thanks trace

not a problem

Architect's Toolbox offers a good Form-Z seminar in LA (and other areas too), search their name on google so you can get to their w-page. The guy who teaches the class studied architecture, which is always helpful.

i would think Pasadena city college
pasadena.edu
i think its corse ARCH 12B(Prerequisite require if you have a good portfolio or work u might they might let u pass ahead) 3 units
but i would imagine it would take a while since they start class in feb/05

but the seminar sounds a lot faster if time matters and less time consuming

If you are on a PC, I'd go for the rhino/AutoCAD 2fer. Learn one, you've already learned the other.

And everyone uses ACAD, for better or worse.

Rhino is supposed to be fantastic in its next iteration, which is due out soon (when is it coming out, anyone?). Solid manipulation tools (a la 3D studio/ Maya) are going to be included, as is Brazil, one of the best rendering packages.

Which means that if you learn Rhino, you won't (once the next release is out) need to import it into 3D Studio Max for rendering. This is a huge time/headache saver.

As far as where to learn -- I'm serious, if you know ACAD, you know rhino. It used to be a plug in for ACAD, so it uses the exact same commands, you just have to set up the shortcuts as you are used to them in ACAD.

For other places to take 3D classes in LA, check otis.edu, and if you want to learn alias (who doesn't) check www.artcenter.edu/atnight

I do a series of Form Z workshops in the L.A. area and will be offering another session in Hollywood in Febuary. I'm an architect and a user of Form Z for over 12 years. I started the computer desing processes at Morphosis, have worked with Libeskind, Moneo, Meier, Rotoand others as well as training staff at Disney Architecture, Mattel, MRY, Smith Group, Carrier Johnson...well you get the idea.... We are just starting to kick of training in a more serious way compared to the more informal advertising we have done in the past. There is now a DVD set available that Includes me giving 10 hours of Form Z instruction covering basic and intermediate topics. Workshop information and ordering for the DVD set can be accessed at our website.

http://www.virtualarm.com

some of my portfolio stuff.

http://www.keleide.com

As for which package to use, I consider it subjective. Depending on the use, how much time you have to dedicate to it and the type of Architecture you do. For me Form Z works perfect. It allows me to do advanced modeling including spline based and andvanced mesh types and still make it cad accurate. The other big argument I can make for Form Z is the ability to model and render in the same package effectively. As a desinger it really get cumbersome to export every time you make a change to see the effect. Advanced users and people that will be rendering every day can make a good argument for using a dedicated rendering package to compliment Form Z. Primary advantage here is speed. A rendering package like Max can create results faster than Form Z. The bummer is that it is not a great modeler for architectural forms. Thats why most people will us Rhino to suppliment (as indicated in previous thread). Indegration with Autocad is as seemless to Form Z as it is to Max or Rhino as is importing From Z info back into Autocadd. Hope this helps. kinda bnig topics to cover in a paragraph. Feel free to shoot me a email if there is some question I can answer.