So my gf is thinking about getting into interior design, i know there is software out there that lets you like design your room or something but dont know what its called or where to get it from.

Anyone have any ideas. Know anyone that does interior design that I could get some advice for my gf from?

Any help would be appreciated

The Sims?

I dont know any specialized interior design programs that will let you use stock models and has a user friendly interface. Autodesk Wiz is the only thing i can think about, it's a downscaled version of the more expensive "3ds max" which apparently is suited to build/model architectural solutions. It contains most of the polygon and nurbs modeling tools and basically all you need to model furniture and interiors and exteriors for that matter. Supposedly suited to combine with autoCAD and such.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index...&id=8413289

Autodesk, auto CAD, and 3dsm are all for people who pretty much know what they are doing. If you don't already know how to use those programs like the back of your hand, i would not recommend trying to take up interior design through the use of them.

There was a program i had a LONG time ago that basically let you build a house from scratch and had preset models to use. It was an easy program to work with (it was about 6 years ago, i was 12, so when i say easy, i mean it). If i can find the name of it i'll get back to you. If not, then you at least know it's out there

best to stay away from the programs with all the presets built in for furniture, staircases etc theyre easy, quick and effective but in general the final product sucks.

her best bet will probably her ability with a pencil/pen, paper and either some water colours or those 'water colour' marker pens - also drawing freehand and colouring in photoshop works really well for the ID guys in my office. and nowadays autoCAD is pretty much an essential to get hired in the industry (for 2D, not neccessarily 3D). but if she is looking to get into visualisations aswell as designing, take courses in autoCAD and Max. and get your hands on a copy of vray later down the line.

is she going to college to take interior design?

As mentioned above her best bet is to acquaint herself with the mighty pen/pencil and paper. It's quick, easier and doesn't require too much. I'm saying this because even if she was to learn a software from A to Z she is still going to need to throw down some ideation and nothing does that better than a pen or pencil and a piece of paper.

But for the software recommendation she should check out Google's Sketchup, Maya or 3D Max There are many other options out there but for quick and final visualizations these three can give you great things

Check this out. www.homedesignersoftware.com/interior. I've used that to design my home, and let a Brentwood interior designer do the actual work.

The Sims? I've also played, took so much of my time a while back. Yeah, to some extent it gives you an insight on designing your own place. But for more realistic results, you need a professional software.