Whether you’re an architecture student or a practicing architect, learning design software like CAD (Computer-aided design) is a must. Especially in times like these where competition is on its highest level, and in order for you to compete and stand out, you have to know which are the best design software for architects and learn at least a few of them.
In order to help you with this, we decided to list the best design software for architects in 2020, so without further ado, here’s our list:
AutoCAD:
Here comes a widely known and top-rated solution for the architecture sector that was released in 1982. Students and professional architects are using this tool for the past several decades, you can use it to Draft, annotate, and design 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects. you can also Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, adding blocks, creating schedules, and more.
Revit Architecture:
The modern architectures are always in need of some handy tools for building information modeling. This software can help students and professionals to design sustainable buildings.
Revit is one of the best design software for creating BIM which is Building Information Modeling.
Revit also offers an easy solution to create libraries for various parametric objects, and they can be accessed for quick model development.
SketchUp:
This architect tool is suitable for real-world applications. Users can download this software tool for free and start creating professional models instantly.
It is possible to invest in additional features and design packages for advanced developments.
Students on a budgets may use it to create 3D models.
Autodesk 3Ds Max:
3Ds Max is a 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization, games, and animation, it’s one of the best design software for architects, 3ds Max offers a rich and flexible toolset to create premium designs with full artistic control.
Photoshop
Everyone is familiar with Photoshop, it’s the world’s best imaging and graphic design software, it is the core of every creative project, from photo editing and compositing to digital painting, animation, and graphic design.
Every architect or architecture student should be at least familiar with photoshop.
ArchiCAD:
ArchiCAD is suitable for designers who want to work on both 3D and 2D models. you also can integrate it into many other software packages, including V-Ray for instance.
Designers can create photorealistic models using this tool; the CineRender feature further adds lifelike appeal to the designs.
It supports complex designs with special libraries; you will even find inbuilt libraries for rail and stair designs.
Illustrator:
Adobe Illustrator is one of the best design software for architects and graphic designers, so, millions use it for creating everything from gorgeous web and mobile graphics to logos, icons, book illustrations, product packaging, and billboards.
Illustrator is vector-based design software, so your artwork can scale down for mobile screens and up to billboard size — and always look crisp and beautiful.
Rhino 3D:
Here is one of the most popular and widely used software platform for architects. It helps to create stunning 3D models with easy documentation for design.
It can help you create impressive animations for your projects by using flexible features and tools.
Rhino 3D is the best choice for anyone interested in learning CAD while developing skills to work on complex workflows.
Maya:
Although Maya is not designed specifically for the architects, many students and professionals are still using this tool for its versatile performance.
This tool is capable enough to foster innovation of designs while enabling easy transfer of ideas to other software.
Lumion:
Finally, we have Lumion which is a 3D rendering software for architects and designers.
All you need is a 3D model of your design and Lumion takes care of the rest, unleashing creativity and helping you show your design complete with shadows, lighting, rich and animated entourage, and photorealistic or conceptual effects.
This tool is capable enough to foster innovation of designs while enabling easy transfer of ideas to other software.
So, now we’ve gone through the best design software for architects. If you’re interested in any of the design software mentioned, we recommend you to try the free trial first, as many of these software offers a free trial for a period of time, so you can download the software and see if you can get the hang of it, and whether it’s good enough for you and your specific type of work.
Also please make sure to check our article about the best laptops for architects in 2020