Top 10 Online Sketchup Courses in the US for Architects & Civil Engineers (2025)

3D modeling is the most sought-after skill for contemporary architects and civil engineers. It has become an essential tool in design and construction offices for creative iteration, presentations, and technical understanding. For this purpose, software like Sketchup, Revit, and Rhino have proved useful for creating realistic and accurate 3D models in a shorter span of time. So, in this blog, we’ll dive deeper into Sketchup and how architects and civil engineers can select the best sketchup training course for themselves. 

What is an Online Sketchup Course?

A sketchup program is a structured curriculum that teaches all about the tools, processes, and commands you need to input for creating 3D models. Typically, Sketchup courses cover layout design, file importing and exporting, creation of structural elements, material library, rendering, modeling theory, and project presentation. 

In Sketchup online courses, the syllabus is delivered through pre-recorded tutorials or live classes, depending on the platform and the nature of the program. It allows you to learn from anywhere, at your own pace and time. Plus, the cost of enrolling online is comparatively lower than that of a university classroom program.

A Comparative Guide: Top 10 Sketchup Online Courses

When finalizing the most suitable program for themselves, architects and civil engineers must take into account the course duration, fee, curriculum, and faculty experience. So, here’s an overview of the top 10 Sketchup courses across the US that you can explore. 

List of 10 Online Sketchup Courses in the US

Whether you are looking for a Sketchup course for beginners or an advanced Sketchup course for intermediate learners, here is the most comprehensive list of Sketchup programs in the US. 

• BIM for Architects and Civil Engineers by Novatr

  This is one of the most holistic technology upskilling programs for architects and civil engineers. Its curriculum is focused on Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes with a focus on software like Sketchup, Revit, ArchiCAD, and Rhino. An all-inclusive syllabus ensures that the course prepares participants to become versatile professionals who can navigate their way through real-time challenges. The course is backed with ISO and RIBA-certified capstone projects that allow students to apply their learning.  If you are looking for integrated AutoCAD and SketchUp courses, this program is the right fit for you.

• SketchUp Pro Fundamentals Bundle by VDC Institute

This is a two-part project-based learning course that includes Sketchup modeling and rendering. The first module is titled “Introduction to SketchUp Pro” where students learn how to create a community park. The key modeling elements include site topography and picnic furniture. Through this, people learn to navigate Sketchup and its workflows. The second module is called “Intermediate SketchUp Pro”, where participants explore advanced modeling tools such as Sandbox. Additionally, they learn to use geolocation, assets in the 3D Warehouse, and camera tools. 

• The Complete Intro to SketchUp by SketchUp School

It is a subscription-based program that provides a wholesome Sketchup architecture course. The curriculum includes basic SketchUp knowledge, creating photorealistic rendered images, detailed construction documents, complex organic modeling, and rendering in Photoshop. The lessons are delivered through pre-recorded lectures for self-paced learning. If you are an architect, this is one of the most design-centric Sketchup online courses to enroll in. 

• SketchUp Class Introduction by American Graphics Institute

This is one of the most compact Sketchup courses that offer a detailed introduction to the software tools and workflows. The participants learn how to quickly and accurately create and iterate study models using SketchUp. This course is suitable for people who are new to computer-based modeling. It offers fundamental theory knowledge which makes it perfect for those who like traditional teaching methodologies. 

• SketchUp Bootcamp by Noble Desktop

With a strong focus on UI and UX design, this course is preferred for architects who wish to deviate from the conventional practice. Considered an alternate career path, UI and UX are some of the most promising job roles for designers because they understand user psychology. Through the program, students learn to design web layouts for mobile, tablet, and desktop using various text, graphic, and font styles. The syllabus introduces mood boards and layout guides to help people design interactive web pages.

• SketchUp Fundamentals with Eagle Point Software

Eagle Point offers a Pinnacle Series subscription-based program that is fit for architects, civil engineers, interior designers, and landscape architects. The platform offers a mega course called- SketchUp Fundamentals, which includes 8 in-depth modules. The short programs entail primary SketchUp tools, model making, SketchUp styles, materials, components, model organization, visualization tools, and data exchange. The program helps in improving workforce efficiency and project management.

• SketchUp for Beginners by MasterSketchUp

It is one of the most value-rich courses that offer insights into visualizing and creating 3D shapes, navigating 3D models, changing the models through commands, and measuring to create dimensionally accurate models. Further, the course delves into the nitty gritty of organizing a model using groups, components, and layers. Additionally, the curriculum includes colors, materials, and developing scenes. The program gives you the scope for learning different styles of modeling and changing the look of the structure with a few clicks. 

• Learning SketchUp by LinkedIn Learning

This course is delivered by George Maestri who guides students through the basics of using SketchUp interface. It explores a variety of tools, commands, and shortcuts. Students learn to navigate the wireframe while mastering advanced drawing techniques. Additionally, participants gain some useful tips about organizing SketchUp scenes, measuring and labeling objects, and applying and adjusting materials, textures, and styles. Further, students explore how to download and export SketchUp files.

• SketchUp: How to Start Modelling Simple 3D Objects by Coursera

It is one of the top-rated programs on Coursera that offers knowledge on setting up an account, exploring tools, arranging objects, setting viewing, and exporting files. The program is highly modeling-centric, so we suggest you combine it with a rendering course to make your learning more holistic. This program is better suited for architects and interior designers who are new to the industry and wish to learn and add skills to their CVs.

• Learn SketchUp from Beginner to Advanced Level by Udemy

By enrolling on this program, students get acquainted with SketchUp and gradually climb the ladder, advancing their skills in the software. It helps them learn about using various types of tools and option settings. Further, it teaches you how to manipulate different model settings and navigate the SketchUp environment. It is an appropriate course for someone who has exceptional grasping skills and can easily put them to practice.

In Conclusion

Architects and civil engineers with expertise in software for 3D modeling, rendering, and BIM modeling are high in demand. Top firms across the globe are seeking professionals who can use computational technology to speed up their workflows and processes. So, looking for a Sketchup beginner course can be the perfect start for you. 

If you want to upskill in future-relevant software and improve your employability, we suggest you check out the BIM courses for Architects and Civil Engineers by Novatr. These are some of the best online sketchup courses that are bifurcated based on the relevant professional tools and concepts you need to learn for building a successful career. Both programs are led by industry experts who share their knowledge from practical learnings and case studies. During the course, students also get an opportunity to work on capstone projects, thus allowing them to develop problem-solving skills. Novatr also provides placement assistance to ensure that learners can acquire lucrative jobs in top architecture and construction companies.

Explore the courses today.

BIM for Architects

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