Top 5 Software for Architecture: 2D & 3D Included

When starting any business, you must keep up with the times. You’ll need software that helps make your work more manageable. This is especially true for new architects or those looking to start an architectural firm. Before opening your professional firm, you’ll have to cover a few bases first.

One of these, as must be obvious, is software. Software is necessary to keep your firm afloat because it opens the doors to more accessible work or the latest technology. So, in this article, you’ll learn about six software for architects that you can use for different purposes. It will ensure you’re up to date with the latest tools.

What Tools and Software Do Architects Need?

At the onset, you might think that rendering or drafting software is the only software necessary for you. That is so far from the truth, though. Aside from knowing how to design buildings and create plans, you’ll have to have software to help you present them to clients, make your documents, and advertise.

After all, a business is a business. While your architectural skills are essential, knowing how to deliver them with the right software will make all the difference. And so, here’s a (more or less) exhaustive list of what tools you’ll need as you go through your profession:

• Diagramming/floor plan software
• Drafting software
• Rendering software
• Analysis and simulation software
• Project management

Depending on your needs, you might need more tools, especially as your firm grows. But for a start, you need to look out for these. The last three tools on the list are easy to look for. So, in the next section, you’ll explore the correct picks for each of the first five software for architects listed above.

Software for Architects No.1: Edraw.AI

Looking for quick 2D diagrams? Edraw.AI delivers precisely that. This software helps architects create floor plans and site layouts without hassle. You can access ready-to-use symbols and its AI blueprint maker that speeds up basic design work. 

Here are some of its key features that you might love:

AI-powered diagramming: Through this tool, you can generate flowcharts, diagrams, or floor plans with a simple prompt. It’s convenient, especially for projects where you must deliver results quickly.

Wide template library: If you want more specific templates, you’ll enjoy Edraw.AI’s vast floor and architecture-related plans or diagrams. You can use its search function to narrow down your search.

Icons and symbols: Edraw.AI offers industry-standard symbols and fun and cute ones. In addition, you can upload your watermarks or logos to make them a staple in all your work.

AI writing tools: Edraw.AI provides AI writing tools to help with your communication. Enjoy features like copywriting, analysis, summarization, and more.

Edraw.AI’s export options and collaboration tools make it straightforward when you need to show clients initial ideas or share work with your team. It’s most helpful during those early project phases when you’re laying out essential concepts and need something clear and presentable.

Software for Architects No.2: Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit stands as the core tool for modern architectural work. Think of it as your digital building workshop - you design in 3D, and it automatically creates your construction documents and schedules. When you change one part of your design, everything else updates to match.

While it’s pretty expensive (costs US $1865/year/user), it’s a worthwhile investment, especially for an architectural firm. With its diverse features and AutoCAD support, you can make your plans more reliable. Just install it on a competent computer to ensure performance.

As a tool, Revit connects your architectural plans with structural and mechanical systems, keeping your whole project coordinated. For most firms, it’s become as essential as having a computer. You might already know about this as it’s also used in schools.

Software for Architects No.3: Lumion

Lumion takes care of project visualization needs. Load your 3D model, pick from its library of materials and objects, and create realistic renderings quickly. You won’t spend days trying to get that perfect shot - Lumion helps you produce professional views in hours.

A great selling point of this tool is that it’s compatible with most major CAD software like Revit. It can easily create 360 panoramas, images, and videos. Aside from that, it’s pretty easy to learn. A core feature of Lumion is that it offers simple controls, a dedicated manual, and customer support.

During client meetings, you can adjust designs and see results right away. It’s practical software that makes high-quality visualization accessible to every architect. After all, plans are hard for most clients to understand. Render them with Lumion to help in visualization and presentation.

Software for Architects No.4: Energy Plus

Energy Plus helps you design better-performing buildings. You input your building design, and it shows you how it will perform in terms of energy use. The software analyzes everything from heating to lighting, giving you solid data to back up your design decisions.

Energy Plus offers several features to analyze thermal situations and the energy efficiency of a proposed building. This includes sub-hourly, user-set time that you can use to check which hours of the day greatly affect a plan’s energy consumption. Aside from this, air movement, the use of window blinds, and more are all accounted for.

When clients ask about energy costs or sustainability, clear answers based on actual simulations will be given. It helps you meet building codes and create more efficient designs. Lumion is the right tool for the energy-related side of architecture.

Software for Architects No.5: Trello

Trello keeps your projects organized and your team aligned. Set up boards for different projects, track your tasks, and share updates easily. You can check the project status from your phone or computer; everything stays in one place.

While you’re all set with essential architectural software, you should never forget about project management. It’s necessary to run a business, especially if you’re working with more clients and, therefore, larger teams. It keeps everyone on track with what needs to be done and when they need to be finished.

It works well with other software you already use, making it simple to keep all project communication flowing. For busy architectural firms, it removes the confusion of who’s doing what and when things are due.

Conclusion

In summary, starting an architectural firm is not as easy as loading drafting software and hoping for a client to come by. As you deliver your projects to clients, it’s essential to have reliable software that will help establish your brand as an architect. So, this article guides you through different software for architects.

Lastly, when it comes to 2D diagramming, try out Edraw.AI. It’s a quick and reliable AI software for architects. When you need to dish out quick floor plans or even flowcharts for project progress, this tool is for you. With its vast options for diagram types, you won’t need another diagramming tool again.