SolidWorks designer for 9 years, working Industrial Designer for 4. Obtained 2 Design Degrees. Love teaching, sharing passion for 3D Modeling. Excited to help with homework, personal projects, CSWA!

Find out more about Trevor

• 1) Can you tell us about your first experience using SolidWorks?

  I first used SolidWorks in community college while working toward my Associate of Science in CAD/Drafting. I had explored a few other 3D modeling programs before, but SolidWorks stood out right away for its precision and depth. Like many students, I found it overwhelming at first, but as I gained confidence, it quickly became exciting to realize I could design almost anything I could imagine.

• 2) What is the evolution in 3D design or CAD software that has marked you most, and what do you think will be a turning point in this field?

  The move toward affordable or free licenses for CAD programs, especially for students and hobbyists, has made 3D modeling more accessible than ever. Additionally, the rapid advancement and decreasing cost of 3D printing technology have motivated more people to learn 3D modeling so they can design and print their own creations.

• 3) Explain your expertise in SolidWorks, your interest in it, and more broadly, its importance in the world of design and engineering.

  I've been using SolidWorks for nearly a decade and have completed two design degrees that emphasized its use. In addition to my academic background, I've worked as an industrial designer for four years and as a SolidWorks tutor for the past two. While I have experience with a wide range of 2D and 3D design programs, SolidWorks is my specialty, and I've spent years learning its nuances. It's a critical tool in both industrial design and mechanical engineering, particularly when it comes to designing for manufacturing.

• 4) Are there any figures or role models in the design and engineering world who inspire you?

  Dieter Rams has always been an inspiring designer for me, and I try to keep his 10 Principles for Good Design in mind whenever I'm working on a project. I also make an effort to stay current with design trends and styles, and I often reflect on how they might influence or evolve my own approach to design.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your experience with SolidWorks-whether during your studies, professional projects, or teaching.

  Early on, and I see this with almost every student, you start to develop your own approach to solving a problem in SolidWorks, only to hit a wall when things don't work as expected. These moments are often the most exciting for me as a tutor because I get to fast-track a student's learning by introducing that one key tool or concept that unlocks their progress.
  
  I remember struggling with a complex electronics housing I was modeling. I wanted to hollow it out but couldn't get it to work with the tools I was familiar with. Then someone showed me the Shell tool, and it instantly did what I'd been trying to accomplish the hard way. That moment stuck with me, and it's a great reminder that staying open to feedback and new techniques is one of the fastest ways to grow in SolidWorks.

• 6) What would you say to a student or beginner who feels overwhelmed and says that "SolidWorks is too complicated"?

  With a complex user interface like SolidWorks, it's easy to feel confused or overwhelmed at first. When a student is brand new to the software, I focus on narrowing their view to just the essential tools they need. In the beginning, they only need to understand a few key tabs. Over time, we gradually introduce more features and tools, building their confidence and knowledge step by step. I've found that this approach helps make the platform feel much more manageable.

• 7) What are your other passions, related or not to SolidWorks and design?

  One of the reasons I enjoy using SolidWorks so much is that it supports my other creative projects. In my free time, I'm often woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, or soldering, and SolidWorks helps me visualize and plan out my builds before I dive into the physical tools. I also enjoy working on graphic design, photo, and video projects.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in SolidWorks?

  Whenever I'm tutoring, I always try to remember what it felt like to be a beginner and how complex and intimidating new software can seem. I pride myself on being able to simplify SolidWorks so students feel less overwhelmed right away. When a student shares their assignments with me, I like to demo the tools and features they'll need to complete the work, but I encourage them to do the building themselves. That hands-on experience is what really helps the knowledge stick.
  Most importantly, I genuinely enjoy tutoring SolidWorks. It's energizing and rewarding, and I think that enthusiasm comes through in my teaching and helps me connect with students.