
Lizzy Heylen is a Belgian garden architect who says about herself: “There are no standard people, so I don’t create standard gardens.” She published the book ‘20 x een tuinontwerp: teken je eigen tuin met SketchUp‘, using her extensive experience to help people design their dream gardens with SketchUp.
Lizzy Heylen began her career working at various engineering firms. With the experience she gained there, she successfully started her garden design studio in 2009.
First Experience with SketchUp
Lizzy encountered SketchUp early on and believes she started using it from the first version. “The ‘problem’ with SketchUp,” she explains, “is that it’s so user-friendly that it immediately becomes part of your work environment. Since the software doesn’t require much learning time, you don’t register that milestone.”
“SketchUp is certainly an added value and plays an important role in many projects. Its demand is only increasing. Once SketchUp is introduced in a workplace, it gets used frequently. Files are also shared widely. In Belgium, this software program is as widely used in many offices as AutoCAD.”
Other Design Software
In addition to SketchUp, Lizzy also uses AutoCAD, including both the standard AutoCAD and Civil 3D Metric / Civil 3D Imperial.
Lizzy explains: “What surprises me the most is that SketchUp and Autodesk/AutoCAD (Civil 3D) produce the same results in calculations. I used to think AutoCAD was the gold standard for accurate calculations. But SketchUp is just as good. Very remarkable!”
“At any rate, SketchUp is used first, followed by AutoCAD/AutoDesk. Photoshop is less frequently used to enhance SketchUp designs because SketchUp alone often delivers fantastic visuals. For these, I do combine SketchUp with Enscape.”

Powerful Tool
Lizzy explains why SketchUp is such a vital tool for her: “It’s incredibly easy to make changes that are instantly visible. You can even do this on-site with a laptop. SketchUp doesn’t slow down or overload your computer. There’s software that can turn your PC into a clunky, struggling machine—you know, a computer groaning and sighing with every action. But SketchUp doesn’t do that, making the software (and its usage) reliably fast.”
“What’s also interesting about SketchUp is that first impressions often count. Sometimes you need to present an initial idea even before a project is officially assigned, and SketchUp is highly effective for this. The visuals you create initially may evolve through tools like Civil 3D, but they often set the foundation. Clients frequently request updated visualizations in later stages, which are sometimes used to promote the project. SketchUp’s power lies in its role both at the beginning and the end of a project.”
From Idea to Presentation
Lizzy walks us through her process, describing each step and the software involved:
“The first step is always mapping the current state (site measurements) in SketchUp and linking it to Geolocation + Show Terrain. This process is very smooth.”
“The second step involves visualization in SketchUp, and I often do this together with the client. Since the software is so easy to use, collaborating speeds up the process.”

“The third step is getting the client’s approval for the visualization, after which the SketchUp model is transferred to AutoCAD for further development. AutoCAD is often required to produce technical drawings. Planting plans, paving designs, and terrain modifications are developed further in this package, especially since they often need to be submitted to local authorities for building permits.”
“The fourth step usually involves updating the visualization and the SketchUp model. In my experience, SketchUp models are rarely ignored. Files are exchanged frequently among offices, and people tend to admire and learn from each other’s visualizations.”

Private vs. Commercial Clients
Lizzy discusses the differences between private and commercial clients: “Professional clients can be very demanding in terms of design, often requiring strict rules regarding layer structures and adherence to their branding guidelines. This approach often influences private projects, though private clients sometimes worry about costs. Creating a highly detailed SketchUp design does require significant effort.”
“For private clients, extremely detailed renderings aren’t necessary, and strict layer structures aren’t required. However, in complex projects, commercial clients are often willing to cover the cost of extensive visualizations or 3D designs. Private clients tend to opt for simpler, more straightforward renderings.”
“The ultimate goal is always to transition quickly from concept to preliminary design to final design. SketchUp is central to this process, and if it isn’t yet fully the standard, it soon will be. At least in Belgium, SketchUp is sure to become the norm. I’m not sure how things are in the Netherlands.”
Favourite Tools
Lizzy shares her favourite and frequently used tools in SketchUp:
- Favorites: Geolocation and Show Terrain.
- Often Used: Position Camera and Show Shadows to build almost the entire design.
- For Terrain Work: Sandbox for features like buffer zones, infiltration systems, and ponds.
- Less Favorite: Look Around in the Camera tool, as this is handled differently in Enscape, which she sometimes forgets in her busy schedule.
- Mixed Feelings: Enscape’s Asset Library, which lacks drivers in its car models, makes parking and road scenes less realistic.
“SketchUp is boundless: stay true to yourself and enjoy the many beautiful things you’ll discover along the way.”
Tips/Tricks for Beginner Garden Designers Using SketchUp
- The sooner you start with SketchUp, the better.
- Use Geolocation to analyze shadow effects, for example, to ensure solar panels aren’t shaded. It also helps understand the terrain, which can influence the placement of trees and other features.
- Use Enscape to simulate nighttime lighting in your design.
- Develop your own unique style. Learn from others but stay authentic to your approach.
- The first few lines you draw often lay the foundation for an entire venture. Observing other visualizations can be inspiring, but don’t stray too far from the style that has built your reputation. Copying others too closely can detract from what made your business successful in the first place.
