Interview with Paul Munford - CAD Manager & Blogger [cadsetterout]

What is your profession? What is your title printed on your business card?

What links do you have on the Internet: website, blog, social networks?

https://twitter.com/CadSetterOut http://uk.linkedin.com/in/cadsetterout https://www.facebook.com/CadSetterOut http://www.youtube.com/user/CadSetterOut https://plus.google.com/u/0/104641315693902919761/about http://cadsetterout.com/about-cad-setter-out/

Which publications associated with your field do you regularly read?

Develop 3D Magazine (D3D) AUGIworld Magazine (and a ton of Blogs and newsletters)

Do you have a website or blog? How was the process in making it? Does it accomplish the purpose for which it was created?

I write a blog called 'The CAD Setter Out'. http://cadsetterout.com/ From the very first day that I sat down in front of a computer and started drawing with AutoCAD I realized that I had found my vocation. Being that I was sat in front of a computer - I surfed the Net and found out as much as I could about CAD that would help me to become a better drafter. What surprised me was that my colleagues were not doing this. I soon had a reputation as the office CAD geek, and I found that people were coming to me for help. I started off Emailing the resources that I had found on the web to my colleagues. Eventually I figured out that hosting these links on a blog would give me a database of information that I could refer back to at any point. After six months or so of blogging, I realized that it wasn't just my colleagues that were reading The CAD Setter Out - the whole world was tuning in. At this point I started taking blogging more seriously!

How do you feel about speaking in front of an audience? What experience have you had in this arena?

I enjoy public speaking, and spoke at BIM show live in 2011 and 2012: http://www.bimshowlive.co.uk/speaker/paul-munford/

What is your specialty?

I am a CAD/CAM Manager and Blogger. I work in the construction industry in the UK. I specialize in 'Setting out' - that is, creating 'working' or 'shop' drawings for Joinery, Cabinetry, Furniture and Mill work. As a CAD/CAM manager I support my team in creating quality drawings, on time and on budget. I am responsible for the technical side of Drafting at my company, including CAD standards, document management, and CAD related Hardware and Software. As a Blogger, I write tutorials on technical drawing standards and creating drawings with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.

Where can we view your portfolio online?

You will find me at: http://cadsetterout.com/

What made you interested in design?

I've always felt that good design empowers people to achieve. I've always been curious about how things work, and I've always wondered why things don't work more efficiently. Good design isn't simply about the functionality or aesthetic of the finished product. It's about economy, efficiency and consideration at every stage of the process.

What has been your professional career path?

I was always interested in technology, but lacked the maths for Engineering. I defaulted to Art School (because that was what I enjoyed most) where I had my eyes opened to the world of Design. I studied to become a scenery designer, and then spent eight years leading a varied career as a freelance scenery designer and builder in Film, TV, adverts and exhibitions. I then specialized in draughting, learned AutoCAD and moved into the construction industry in 2006. In 2009 I started Blogging about my experiences - and I've never looked back!

What is your motivation? What makes you get up in the mornings?

I love drawing, I love tinkering with computers and I enjoy achieving something as part of a team. Above all, I love mastering a new skill.

In which new areas would you like to experiment?

I would like to see a seamless, digitally supported, work flow from design and draughting through CAM programming and machining to assembly and fit out. When I manage that - I will retire...

Which festivals or awards in your field do you find most interesting?

Autodesk University, BIM show live, Develop 3D (D3D) Live and the Digital prototyping forum.

Which professionals in your field -contemporary or past- do you most admire?

Which software applications do you most utilize in your work?

Sketchbook for sketching. Pxlr for image editing. AutoCAD for 2D Draughting. Autodesk Inventor for digital prototyping. Showcase for rendering. Snagit for illustrating technical writing. Camtasia for recording video tutorials.

At this moment, what would be your dream job or project?

I am currently doing my dream job.

Can you see yourself in this field twenty years from now?

I can't see myself doing anything else. I would like to write the book for Setter Outs, and get into training the next generation.

Do you consider yourself a geek?

Were you one of those who broke toys to see the inner workings?

I never broke my toys, I always kept track of how they went back together. Occasionally though, they would get turned into something else on the way. My favourite toy was (is!) my imagination, which was convenient to carry around with me - and never ran out of batteries.

What role does creativity play in your work? Do you have leeway to develop innovative ideas?

My role involves creative problem solving rather than Aesthetics (which I think is more challenging!).

Which is more important: meticulousness so as not to make mistakes or imagination to find innovative solutions?

Both. Innovative solutions presented badly will be seen as bad solutions. 'Good enough is never good enough'.

What advice do you give those who want to work in your field?

Drafting is about your knowledge of your subject and your ability to communicate through drawings. First learn your trade, then learn how to communicate your knowledge with your drawings, then learn how to create drawings with 2D or 3D CAD programmes.

What toy gave you the best moments of your childhood?

Pencils/Pens/Paint and a stack of paper taller than me.

What will your epitaph be?

'Well - at least he's shut up about bloody CAD!'

Ask me a question, make a comment, or request my opinion on something: