When looking for the best architecture software, your goal is to bring your design visions to life, whether they involve 2D or 3D building models.
There are plenty of software solutions out there, and some can even streamline home design workflows with specialized applications that seamlessly integrate the best 3D modeling software for seamless workflows from ideation to digital development and even 3D printing.
According to a study conducted by Autodesk, designers have found several key advantages that the best architecture software brings to the drawing board. These include a reduction in project errors, the ability to create higher-quality creative designs, and an overall improvement in client satisfaction.
This software category shares similarities with the best interior design software and the best landscape design software, as it caters to the entire home design process, from the initial project kick-off to the final sign-off. This comprehensive approach allows you to stay focused on crafting the worlds you and your clients envision.
We’ve looked at all the best software tools for architecture design, Our evaluation process includes evaluating the user interfaces and user experiences, platform compatibility, pricing, performance, and the quality of the output. For professionals in the field, we’ve also considered software that offers workflow management tools and engineering information, ensuring that your architectural creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound in a real-world environment.
1. AutoCAD – The best architecture software overall
AutoCAD has long been a staple of construction engineers and architects, thanks to developer Autodesk including specific building design and architecture toolkits. This isn’t just another computer-aided design (CAD) program – it’s one of the best architecture software tools you can get.
Using AutoCAD, architecture professionals can expect greater efficiencies. The program speeds up the design process with the addition of automated object generation and pre-built objects. This lets you quickly place walls, doors and windows, and mechanisms for creating elevations, sections and plans from model geometry.
You’ll also find many other architectural programs are compatible with standard AutoCAD files – although, equipped with the right tools, you can convert AutoCAD to PDF and PDF to AutoCAD.
There’s a major caveat. AutoCAD is most commonly used as a 2D architecture tool, even as many in the building design trade are shifting towards true BIM application. For BIM-oriented customers, Autodesk offers Revit.
2. Chief Architect Home Designer Architectural – Best architecture software for exterior and interior design
Chief Architect’s Architectural Home Design Software is a great choice for those focusing on residential over commercial properties. One of the best architecture software programs for designing properties inside and out, Chief Architect is ready-made for professionals, from architects and remodelers to interior design specialists. 2D and 3D drawings, floor plans, 3D renderings, construction drawings – the software offers a good range of tools to get your project off the ground. The architectural software is available in two versions for home design professionals: ‘Interiors’ for those working inside the house and ‘Premier’, which allows detailed exterior and interior design. Useful, then, for those who have more specific needs (and want a powerful professional tool to deliver specific results). Both editions let you rapidly construct 3D models of exterior and interior spaces, then project those into 2D plans and elevations.Chief Architect can be purchased outright, or via a monthly subscription
3. 3ds Max – Best architecture software for 3D modeling
3ds Max is another offering from Autodesk, and one of the best building design tools for 3D modeling, especially for architects looking to create photorealistic open spaces.
The creative tool was one of the first to offer hardware-accelerated rendering of 3D images. Today, its value lies in creating stunning visuals and fly-through animations, making it one of the best architectural rendering software programs to promote your project. And it’s packed with automation features to keep the design process on track.
Alongside the base 3ds Max subscription package, you can choose between three ‘Industry Collections’ to match your use: Product Design, Media & Entertainment, and the Architecture, Engineering and Construction collection.
This last collection bundles top architect software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit. It also has tools for structural analysis, steel detailing, building performance analysis, and even vehicle path calculations. However, unlike AutoCAD, there’s no support for 3ds Max on Mac.
That level of control and capability means a steeper learning curve than other architecture software on the list. But once mastered, it’s the ideal software for architects crafting rich environments in 3D.
4. SketchUp Pro3 – Best architecture software for CAD beginners
SketchUp is about as easy as CAD gets, making it a great entry point if you’re new to 3D modeling. The design program for architects started life as a Google-backed project. And while it’s changed hands since then, the clean, easy-to-use experience that defines the Google product suite remains.
After a few simple tutorials, designers should be able to work rapidly to construct complex solid geometry using it. It might not be suitable for designing a building entirely, but it is an excellent tool for rapidly prototyping a design when it is still at a conceptual stage.
But what really makes SketchUp stand out is the offer of genuinely free 3D architecture software. It’s limited, of course, but gives professionals a feel for the product before committing to a commercial license.
The free building design offer has made SketchUp one of the best architecture software tools, generating a large and active community of users on hand to help the inexperienced. That community spirit continues with an extensive user-generated object library; a vast resource of pre-constructed parts to drop into any project.
5. Civil 3D – Best architecture software for civil engineers
Civil 3D – another top architecture program from the Autodesk toolbox – goes beyond modeling and drawing CAD functionalities demanded by most architects and builders.
Giving the platform a civil engineering twist, Civil 3D lets you create 3D model-based designs and environments. If you work with BIM workflows, you’ll find the tool also offers a streamlined, design-driven documentation pipeline to keep collaborative projects on course,
The civil engineering design tool is designed to work with other Autodesk products – particularly AutoCAD, Revit, and 3DS Max. This makes it one of the best architecture software programs for professionals deep inside the Autodesk ecosphere.
One useful ability is the integration of survey images with terrain modeling, roads, service schematics, and constructional geometry. All these elements are placed into a single, highly annotated package. That allows engineers to focus on a specific area, while monitoring how design changes might impact other areas.
6. CATIA – Best architect software for precision modeling
CATIA started life as a tool for precision modeling military hardware. And that makes it more than capable at handling complex architectural needs and generating finely detailed models.
Since its launch thirty years ago, the software has proved to be a bit of a trailblazer. While plenty of architecture software programs have added collaboration features and security-controlled distribution, CATIA had these tools from the beginning.
And it continues to move with the times, receiving performance-enhancing updates that expand on existing coordination features and embrace cloud functionality.
The program’s interface is pleasingly clean – if you’re broadly familiar with other software for architects, you should find CATIA easy enough to dive into, even if the learning curve is steeper than others (that’s the trade-off for military-grade precision modeling).
With this powerful, fully featured architect software, there’s no standard pricing. Instead, your firm will need to request a quote tailored to your needs and usage.
7. Revit – Best architecture software for BIM designers
Revit, another Autodesk design tool for architects, is the company’s BIM-oriented offering. If you like AutoCAD, but need Building Information Modeling capabilities, this is one of the best architect software programs available.
It has industry utility beyond architecture alone. Structural and MEP engineers, and those in construction will also benefit from the 3D architectural software, which enables building design, modeling, and coordination and collaboration features when the team is working on the same scheme.
Designers using Revit work with objects, not a vector between two points. That means they can work quickly and with confidence. And, just like Autodesk’s Civil 3D, documentation can be streamlined to ease BIM workflows.
However, if you’re graduating from AutoCAD to Revit, you may find the transition a little overwhelming at first. But once you’ve scaled the steeper learning curve, the architecture software unlocks a serious competitive edge over traditional design applications.
8. Rhino – Best software for architects working with curves
Rhino is a powerful 3D rendering program for those modeling curved surfaces and softening a building’s image.
While most CAD programs are great at rectilineal architecture, Rhino was designed from the start to handle curved lines, meshes, and NURBS surfaces of high complexity, like those in the features of a human face or the sweeping curves of a super-car.
For architectural design, Rhino can easily model the complex intersections of curved roofing or any part of the structure that isn’t inherently straight.
As a platform, it isn’t a specialized tool. Instead, it uses add-ons, like the one for BIM functionality, and the Grasshopper visual programming system to tailor the program for specific users and tasks.
This makes Rhino a highly flexible tool that can be tweaked to automate complex modeling and detailing operations for those projects that need them.
There’s a one-off cost to get Rhino – which is great if you don’t want to pay a subscription, and don’t mind the upfront cost. Licenses are permanent and don’t expire, so the software is yours forever – like it used to be. Unusually for CAD architecture software, you are not forced to upgrade to the next release and upgrades generally cost half that of a new license.
9. ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD was developed by Graphisoft in 1987. It was the first CAD program that could create 2D and 3-dimensional models on a computer. It was the first BIM software for PCs. It is popular among architects, designers, and urban planners because it offers 2D, BIM, and 3D modeling. It is easy to use and a great option for students and beginners who want to learn about the basics of architectural design. This software is also time-efficient and has several automated tools that can ease complex processes. For example, it includes an inbuilt library for stair designs.
It is easy to use and a great option for students and beginners who want to learn about the basics of architectural design. This software is also time-efficient and has several automated tools that can ease complex processes. For example, it includes an inbuilt library for stair designs.
10. Cedreo
ArchiCAD was developed by Graphisoft in 1987. It was the first CAD program that could create 2D and 3-dimensional models on a computer. It was the first BIM software for PCs. It is popular among architects, designers, and urban planners because it offers 2D, BIM, and 3D modeling.
It is easy to use and a great option for students and beginners who want to learn about the basics of architectural design. This software is also time-efficient and has several automated tools that can ease complex processes. For example, it includes an inbuilt library for stair designs.
Is Civil 3d free?