National CAD Day: How Technology Enables Designing the Future

Moving millions of gallons of water through vast subterranean networks. Optimizing energy efficiency and air quality in places of learning and data centers. It takes a team to tackle projects of such scale and value. Each year National CAD Day is Aug. 2, and we recognize how our professionals deliver project excellence with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology.

Prior to the digital age, engineering and architecture designs were undertaken entirely through manual drafting. CAD enables far greater precision and more efficient modification of plans. And with the advent of the cloud, physically decentralized teams can access these complex documents from multiple offices or job sites.

Many of Wooten’s CAD designers were in high school when they became enamored with the potential for a career that bridges complex ideas with physical reality.

“I went to computer camp at UNC, and they took us to the labs where they were working on this fascinating technology called CAD,” recalls Liz Lorscheider. “They had a 3D model of the historic Old Well on campus, and they were rotating it so you could see it from any view. I had already been drafting for two years so I was hooked.”

Designers are often drawn to the powerful potential of CAD technology. But the satisfaction of working together to see a plan through to fruition is a major factor that sustains their enthusiasm for the field.

“The most rewarding part of my work is visiting project sites after construction is completed and hearing positive feedback from the client,” says John Harris. “Every project is a team effort.”

Wooten’s CAD designers have decades of combined experience delivering those results. As veterans of thousands of hours of design time, they are eager to see the next generation bring fresh perspective to the art – and have some words of advice.

“I would suggest anyone interested in a career in CAD technology seek out an internship with a design firm,” says Ellen Morrison. “It is easier to learn when working on an actual project compared to exercises in a book.”

True to that guidance, it is said that experience is the best teacher. And on National CAD Day we appreciate the wealth of experience our designers bring to quality designs and results for our clients across the Carolinas.