SketchUp & AI: What's New, and How Can It Help You?
To get right to the point: AI is now built into SketchUp.
Until recently, you mainly used AI outside of SketchUp. You’d take a screenshot, upload it to Midjourney or Nano Banana, and continue working there. That’s changing now. SketchUp has truly made AI an integral part of the design process.
I'll outline the most important developments for you. I'll skip the technical jargon and focus on what this means for your work.
1. A 3D model based on a photo
Does this sound familiar? You find the perfect armchair on Pinterest or at a supplier’s. But there’s no 3D model of it. So you start searching, or you model it yourself. Hours of work.
With "Generate Object," a feature of the new AI Assistant in SketchUp, you can upload that photo, and SketchUp will turn it into a 3D object—complete with realistic materials. You can place it directly into your model. You can also type in a brief description instead of uploading a photo.
It also includes a built-in help desk: AI Help. Not sure how a tool works? Just ask. And it won't cost you any credits.
2. Renders in seconds
AI Render (formerly SketchUp Diffusion) turns your SketchUp view into a conceptual image in seconds. You define the style with a brief description or a sample image, and you choose how much creative freedom to give the AI with respect to your model.
Is part of it incorrect? Then just adjust that part. Save the result back to SketchUp as a scene.
Why this is so valuable: During a client meeting, you can quickly show different options based on the same model—without having to set up an entire rendering workflow first.
3. Modeling Through Description
I think this might be the biggest change of all. SketchUp now works with Claude, an AI assistant. You describe what you want in plain language, and Claude turns it into an actual SketchUp file.
For example: "Create a space measuring 6 by 8 meters, with a ceiling height of 3 meters, featuring a 4-meter-long kitchen counter, a 240 by 100 cm island, and a dining table that seats six people."
There is, however, one important limitation. Claude can create new models, but it cannot yet open and edit an existing model.
Still, you can see where this is headed. From drawing, clicking, and modeling to: describing, AI creates a draft, and you, as the designer, refine it.
4. And more and more is being added
More and more AI tools are emerging that integrate directly with SketchUp. Take Veras, for example, which lets you specify a type of wood, stone, or fabric as a reference. Or D5 Lite, which combines AI with real-time rendering. And Spacely AI, for AI-generated renders based on your model.
So you'll have to move screenshots back and forth between programs less and less.
What does this mean for you?
SketchUp is no longer just a 3D drawing program. AI now plays a role in every step of your design process:
idea → 3D model → visualization → customization
But it doesn't replace your craftsmanship. AI quickly creates a design. You decide if it's right. You choose the materials, the proportions, and the feel of a space. AI is your assistant, not your replacement.
Don't you use SketchUp?
You don't need any of this to get started with AI. Many of the tools I use most often—such as Midjourney, Nano Banana, and Magnific—just work right in your browser. Whether you're working with SketchUp, another 3D program, or just mood boards.
Learn it in one afternoon
That’s exactly why I’m hosting three live AI Masterclasses this month for interior design professionals. SketchUp AI is one of the topics covered, but you’ll mainly learn how to use AI to present your ideas more quickly and persuasively.
In just one afternoon, you'll learn:
Create photorealistic renderings and mood boards tailored to your client's space;
quickly customize renders with different materials, furniture, and lighting;
create a 3D model from a photo of a piece of furniture;
create moving images of your designs;
which AI tools actually save time, and which ones are still mostly experimental.
You'll work on your own project in a small group.
October 27 · Amsterdam
October 29 · Rotterdam
November 4 · Utrecht
1:00–5:00 p.m. · maximum of 10 participants per city · €297 (excluding VAT)
All three masterclasses have the same program. Just choose the date and city that work best for you.
If you book before October 20, you’ll receive my online course, Midjourney Mastery, for free (valued at €297). Participants in the Masterclasses will also receive a nice discount on the on-demand AI Workflow Course (valued at €297, excluding VAT).
I look forward to seeing you at one of the masterclasses!
Love,
Marielle
