Our Best Architectural Design Software And Tools

There is no shortage of architecture design software, tools and services on the market today – with new options constantly emerging.

With that said, they serve varying purposes, and not all are created equal. In the majority of cases, preference and purpose will influence which you decide to utilise in your day-to-day architectural design.

With that in mind, below we have curated a thoughtful review of ten of the best architectural design software et al. to aid in streamlining and enhancing your design process.

Here’s a look at some of our Favourite Architecture Design Software, Tools & Services

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD’s parent brand, Autodesk, is synonymous with creating specialist software for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry.

Perhaps the most well-known among their suite within the architecture industry is AutoCAD.

First released in 1982, it is now considered “heritage” software, given how many budding architects first learnt 2D modelling basics using AutoCAD.

Decades later, it is still heavily relied upon and remains a solid architectural design software choice for speeding up the drawing process; especially when creating floor plans, elevations, sections and pre-built objects (like walls, doors and windows) in both residential and commercial projects.

AutoCAD Highlights:

AutoCAD encompasses 2D & 3D design capabilities

Use the web app to extend workflows, view and edit from anywhere with connection – even on site

Design and annotate models with solids, surfaces and mesh objects

Automate tasks and customise your workspace for greater efficiency

2. Revit

Another leading Autodesk offering is Revit, which turns its focus towards BIM rather than CAD.

This architecture software is highly effective at supporting BIM and hosting the information that forms the model from which drawings and documents are derived.

Revit uses AI algorithms to analyse and convert 2D drawings into accurate 3D models – significantly streamlining the design process and enhancing efficiencies!

Revit Highlights:

Coordinate all data inputs (including CAD) to unite multidisciplinary project teams for better collaboration and a unified model

Model shapes, structures and systems with parametric accuracy and ease

Instant revisions to plans, elevations, schedules +

The “Insight” feature uses AI to analyse building performance data like energy consumption, thermal performance +

3. Maket.AI

When it comes to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and architectural design, there is something for nearly every stage of the design process, from schematic planning to volumetric design.

Maket.AI has become one of the leading architectural AI software tools, especially with regards to early schematic design. You can generate floor plans simply by entering room dimensions, types and adjacency constraints.

Maket.AI Highlights:

For certain locations Maket.AI provide regulatory guidance in the form an assistant that can read uploaded documents and answer detailed questions about them

Aesthetic photo treatment (add interior elements like furniture, etc to the image)

Helps users complete mundane/repetitive design tasks and optimise designs with far less time/effort

4. Tandem

Tandem harnesses “digital twin” technology, the next natural extension/evolution of BIM. The origins of this concept can be traced all the way back to NASA in the 1960’s – but it’s application to architecture is more recent.

Tandem is an architectural software tool that enables the creation of dynamic, digital informational models that represent real-world objects and use real-time data to monitor the entire project lifecycle.

The “digital twin” represents an intuitive replica of all the components to help maximise an investment. It’s also a great option for support achieving build sustainability goals.

With Tandem, digital twins are quick to build at any stage of the project. As still relatively new, emerging technology in the architecture world, a virtual replica can be a valuable differentiator in a homogenous or competitive landscape. The insights delivered help transform and improve processes and the build asset lifecycle.

Tandem Highlights:

Enhanced coordination and time efficiencies

Ready-to-go operations for all kinds of structures and buildings

Connect systems to reduce risk, break down silos and reduce overall costs

5. Rhino 3D (aka: Rhinoceros)

Rhino 3D is another architectural CAD software that is highly rated in the industry, and for good reason! It features a wide range of advanced 3-dimensional modelling design tools to bring your designs to life with improved accuracy and versatility.

It’s broad range of architectural software tools offers highly detailed renders and models (using minimal plugins) on just your regular computer. As a parametric software, it can also process curves, meshes and splines for easier translation (and much more).

Rhino 3D Highlights:

Highly detailed parametric software best suited to experienced architects seeking precise, complex and dynamic design tools

Broader, enhanced usage when paired with Grasshopper

Provides fluidic, free-form modelling with increased accuracy

6. SketchUp

Yes, there are more advanced options on this list, however SketchUp makes a feature because it is still widely considered to be one of the fastest and easiest 3D modelling software on the market for budding and established, professional architects alike.

It is ideal when needing to create a large number of models and work quickly and efficiently across multi-scale projects.

SketchUp Highlights:

One of the best architectural design software tools, renowned for being highly user-friendly and intuitive

Wide range of options including simulations

Accurate and precise 3D modelling/rendering

Can use with Trimble SketchUp, a 3D modelling software the uses AI algorithms to automatically transform 2D drawings in SketchUp into accurate 3D models to save time

7. Forma (previously known as Spacemaker)

Forma is an AI-powered design tool centred around creating and evaluating BIM models and uncovering greater site insights in real time.

Complex design concepts can be modelled in full 3D in just seconds or minutes, and multiple designs can be tested and evaluated to optimise against a range of factors.

Forma uses automatic data sets of 3D massing models to take into consideration not just a site but also its surroundings to accurately analyse from a wealth of criteria (including conditions like daylight potential, sunlight, wind, noise and more).

Architects, urban planners and real estate developers/investors can all use Forma to compare various architectural concepts in order to make more informed decisions about which designs will offer the best impact, be the most sustainable, etc.

Forma Highlights:

Better decision support via real-time, predictive analytics

Enhanced, data-driven insights improve build project outcomes

Fluid connectivity with Revit for intuitive project set up, automations and efficiencies

Ability to share projects in the cloud with any and all team and project members

8. Dreamcatcher

This generative design tool has been referred to by some in the industry as “the next generation of CAD”. It uses AI algorithms to provide potentially thousands of design options based on a set of predefined criteria.

The potential scope of options Dreamcatcher can provide what would be impossible to do manually without the aid of AI, which is why it is one of the best architectural software tools out there.

Simply enter your specific parameters and design goals (dimensions, performance requirements, constraints, etc.) and Dreamcatcher will use that information to synthesise and offer a wide range of alternative design solutions that meet these objectives.

Designers can also explore trade-offs between the varied approaches generated and select preferred design solutions for manufacture.

Dreamcatcher Highlights:

More efficient, optimised designs from comparing numerous options (while taking into consideration essential build factors)

Expedite the design process

Broaden horizons with new possibilities aided by AI

9. IrisVR

You may be surprised to see Virtual Reality make an appearance on this list, but IrisVR is an industry specific software that utilises AI to create VR experiences of architectural designs.

IrisVR will help you catch errors be experiencing a true to scale space with greater clarity. It’s also an immersive way to communicate your vision to clients and other team members. Once your design in VR, it’s hard to imagine in just on a regular screen!

Simplicity is at its core, which is also its inherent appeal; architects can simply import 3D models into IrisVR and use the software to create virtual walkthroughs of their designs.

IrisVR Highlights:

Save time by catching costly coordination issues

Quick and easy to load 3D files and see VR representations of the design model

Immersive collaboration: location doesn’t matter since a shared virtual environment can be presented to any clients and colleagues for presentation and review

10. Landchecker

We would be remiss to not address the benefits of Landchecker here too. Landchecker provides up-to-date, readily accessible, accurate data insights for a wide range of property contexts.

Architects can perform a site analysis from the comfort of their screen, and view a range of factors that may impact design with Landchecker’s Map View feature. Capabilities also include analysing high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery and geospatial data for a “full-picture” view.

Visualising a property in context often makes an impactful difference to the design process and enables architects to visually evaluate a property while also assessing other relevant information (in terms of planning zones, overlays and so on).

Landchecker Highlights:

Identify potential design constraints and/or opportunities early on to optimise and inform overall design decisions

View and assess all information consolidated and instantaneously in just a few clicks

Highly affordable, quick and easy to use