Architecture design software is an essential tool for architects and property developers the world over. The right architecture software removes the time constraints typically needed to design beautiful buildings. But not all design software is created equal, which is why taking the time to decide which architecture design software works for your team is vital. Remember the words of poet and philosopher, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, ‘He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration’.
What Does Architecture Software Do?
Initially, advances in technology saw many aspects of architecture move from paper to screen. New software has gone further still, allowing architects to conceptualise, design draw, render, collaborate, and present work to clients efficiently. With user-friendly software, architects can learn new packages quickly and advance their careers by presenting beautiful, professional, and persuasive designs to their clients.
Architecture design software gives architects more than the ability to create 2D and 3D drawings and lifelike renderings. Beyond the obvious, architecture software helps designers apply BIM (Building Integrated Modelling) standards. BIM allows architects to correct errors early in the design stage when working on complicated designs and designing sustainable buildings.
Another incredible architecture software feature is generative design. The traditional design process is time-consuming because each decision and change easily throws out many other elements. Rooted in artificial intelligence, generative design helps architects balance creative designs and novel concepts while quickly identifying the associated trade-offs.
Which Architecture Design Software Should I Choose?
There are some widely used packages that help cut the choice down. Coming out on top are Archistar, Rhino, Revit, and AutoCAD.
Archistar – Archistar – with their innovative generative design platform, Archistar helps architects incorporate parametric and generative design in their workflow. With the ability to view planning details, contours, maximum building height, and zoning, users instantly know what can be built on a specific site. The generative design engine lets you instantly create concept building designs in 3D that are analysed for compliance, including sunlight, cross-ventilation, overshadowing and privacy spacing, and can be exported to CAD or BIM.
Rhino – Rhino has a database of plugins, but users also can write their own plugins and adjust their workplace using RhinoScript. This powerful software package is not only incredibly flexible, but it allows architects to work with point clouds, polygon meshes curved lines with ease. Rhino is also compatible with third-party plugins such as Grasshopper.
Revit – another popular choice amongst architects, Revit offers BIM compatibility for efficient automation and sustainable design. Revit applies changes made in the 3D view to reflect across the plan, the elevation and section views, amongst others. Unfortunately, there is little overlap in AutoCAD commands.
AutoCAD – a staple for decades, AutoCAD’s file formats are compatible with many other architecture software packages. Both professionals and students typically use it to learn about the basics of line weights and design layers. AutoCAD offers industry-specific software packages to ensure architects have access to the most tools they need; however, it is not BIM-compatible.
For more information–or to request a free Archistar demonstration–get in touch today.
