3D design is the way to go

My first encounter with 3D design was drawing 3D perspectives for the illustrations of my undergraduate thesis. The software back then was Vectorworks (then called MiniCAD).

That was 25 years ago. You could say my design career skipped 2D and started in 3D from the beginning. I've used AutoCAD and JW-CAD since, but my pick is still Vectorworks. Feeling that "the first CAD I touched is the best" is probably an imprinting effect.

3D CAD has become an indispensable tool for modern design. From my personal experience, if you want to consider three-dimensional interferences, 3D CAD is essential. Sure, with patience you might get there modeling things in your head — but considering time and effort, 3D CAD wins.

That said, not everything is best in 3D CAD. For instance, once you start obsessing over textures, the work eats a huge amount of time. My approach is to output white models that serve as both presentations and design checks. Rather than setting up fine textures and rendering in color, I think a white model better invites the human imagination.