There's a workplane which can be moved to suite the area that's being modelled and is similar to other systems I have used before. There's also an array of Boolean functions for adding and subtracting 3D shapes. It was easy to pick up and very robust. VectorWorks comes with a wealth of architectural 3D symbols, walls doors, windows etc. which have some associated intelligence. This 'hybrid' object system formed the basis of the Architectural plug-in, which we hope to review in a few issues time.
Symbols can be globally edited symbols for speed.
The stair and roof tools are competent, offering user-adjustable parameters like stair treads. The display of the object depends on the view you are working in, as most objects have both a 2D and 3D view. Developed on the Lightwork engine it's capability is quite stunning considering the low cost. A Pascal-based language called VectorScript, which used to be known as MiniPascal, provides user customisation scripting. Here, the master document automatically or manually synchronises team members' drawing files as they work.