3 Best Architecture Software and Buyers Guide

Bluebeam Revu

World’s most document-intensive industries Digitize workflows Save time Improve communication & Reduce project costs Create Edit Markup PDF files & collaborate

SketchUp

Programming Diagramming Design development Detailing Documentation RFIs-wherever drawings needed Find 3D model of anything necessary for design work Make models

ArchiCAD

3D Architecture solution Assists Designing & Architectural firms Data modeling Attribute management Graphics overriding World’s first BIM-integrated design help

Architecture Software

Architecture software is a project management and computer-aided design (CAD) program that helps contractors, engineers, and architects to digitally in creating and refining high-quality architectural designs and managing their projects and job proposals. Architecture software is also called construction design software and architectural drawing software.

Benefits of Architecture Software

Architecture software digitalizes the architect’s job flows thereby helping in managing their designs and construction plans in an organized manner. Key benefits of architecture software are:

Organized design repository: It is the talk of old days and years when architects had to work on paper-based construction designs. An architecture program not only offers to allow architects to create and edit their plans electronically but also organize them. Models can be easily searched using filters for date, project/client name, project type, designer name, etc.

Better visualization: Designs built using an architecture program provide better clarity into site models and floor plans than paper-based drawings or 2D models, which sends a signal that clients can better visualize the entire design before construction starts.

Easy design revisions: Digital designs allow designers to quickly change and revise their design an unlimited number of times without having to create a new design from scratch. Architects can also reuse designs from previous projects.

Features of Architecture Software

2D drawing: Design and view objects in a two-dimensional space.

Drafting: Draft digital architectural designs for visualizing, communicating, and planning future construction.

Document management: Create and manage a central, searchable repository to collect, store, and share documents of all types.

Presentation tools: Share and present architectural design to clients.

3D modelling: View a three-dimensional representation of any surface or object.

Cost of Architecture Software

Most products in the market are priced on an annual subscription basis and can be divided into three pricing tiers based on their starting price. A premium product is priced higher have special features such as isometric view tools, 3D mapping, building information mapping (BIM), advanced support, and more.

Buying considerations of Architecture Software

An architecture program not only offers basic design features such as 2D and 3D modelling but can also include advanced tools such as 3D mapping or BIM capabilities. With advanced features, however, the cost rises. Be very sure in evaluating the business requirements before purchasing software, so you aren’t paying for more than what you need.

Compatibility: Some architecture software runs only on individual operating systems like Windows or Mac. Make sure user have complete knowledge base of the in-house IT infrastructure, so client knows which products will be compatible with the hardware. Sellers can even run the software on user system to make sure it’s consistent. Asking for a free trial of the software is also an excellent way to make sure the system is right for user needs. 

Architecture Software Trends

Integrating 3D printing technology: Paper-based illustrations and 2D or 3D models are not always the most effective way to present the minute details of a complicated project to clients. Thanks to 3D printing, architects are now able to print physical models of their designs. A 3D-printed model offers a faster way for creating ready-to-present models as soon as the digital drawings are approved and finalized by the client.

Replacing physical prototypes with virtual reality: From paper-based construction plans to displaying physical prototypes of a building, architects are always looking for more interesting and innovative ways to present their designs to their end clients. Virtual reality can replace the need for physical prototypes, as it offers a more interactive tour of the property to clients. Clients can better understand designs and get a feel of the final site while taking a virtual tour.

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