5 CAD Packages for Architectural Design
The purpose of this architectural CAD software review is to provide insight into some of the best architectural CAD packages in the highly crowded urban CAD market.
The cost of architectural CAD landscape design software can vary from free to several thousand dollars. However, I can say from my six-year CAD experience that professional consumers look for more than just the cost of purchasing such a package. They look for more than the cost, if not the technical features and technical support alike. Based on these three factors, the following packages stand out from the crowd.
1. ArchiCAD
Features:
Virtual building:
This gives architects the opportunity to create 3D virtual buildings and automatically generate all the required drawings and documents (such as BOM, etc.).
Renovation:
The latest version of the application simplifies partial or total "renovation" projects by adding renovation status to all its BIM elements.
Teamwork Technology:
It allows the whole team to work on different aspects of the same project.
Suitable
for:
Large
projects.
Drawbacks:
This is not one of the easiest software packages to work on. It requires training.
Cost:
Around
$6000-$9000.
2. Revit
Features:
Construction modeling tool:
Develop a modeling tool and later various drawings and documentation of the project to achieve designing intent.
Point cloud tool:
This allows BIM to obtain laser scan results of older buildings. This process simplifies renovation projects.
Conceptual energy analysis tool:
This cloud-based tool helps architects estimate the energy consumption they are designing.
Citrix Ready:
This tool helps remote team members work on similar projects.
Suitable
for:
Large projects.
Drawbacks:
It's also not one of the easiest software applications to work on. It requires training.
Cost:
Around
$6000-$9000.
3. Chief Architect
Features:
Design tools:
Roofing tools, BOM tools, auto-dimensional tools, farming tools, kitchen and bath design tools, electric and HVAC tools.
3D modeling tools:
3D modeling, rendering, and 3D virtual tour recording.
CAD tools:
Creating Drawings and Layouts, allowing for import of AutoCAD drawings, can convert CAD objects to architectural objects.
Terrain and landscaping tool:
It can import GPS or region data and produce 2D or 3D models of the region. It also allows a North pointer to define weather settings.
Suitable
for:
Large-scale projects where one person is working diligently on single tasks.
Drawbacks:
- Not suitable for collaboration with multiple team members on one project.
- There are no sellers outside the United States.
Cost:
- Around
$3000-$3500.
4. Home Designer Pro
Features:
Automatic 3D model creation:
It can create a 3D model of a building with the right floor plan.
Home wizard:
This tool allows users to use existing building style templates or create new ones.
Design tools:
This includes automatic roof generation, foundations, and other advanced equipment.
Automated building tools:
This tool allows you to design a building by adopting default standard best practices.
Quick start guide:
This guide will guide the user to get step-by-step help with any type of building project.
Design tools:
Roofing tools, BOM tools, auto-dimensional tools, farming tools, kitchen and bath design tools, electric and HVAC tools.
3D modeling tools:
3D modeling, rendering, and 3D virtual tour recording.
CAD tools:
Creating Drawings and Layouts, allowing import of AutoCAD drawings, can convert CAD objects to architectural objects.
Terrain and landscaping tool:
It can import GPS or region data and produce 2D or 3D models of the region. It also allows a North pointer to define weather settings.
Suitable
for:
- Medium-sized projects where a single person is working diligently on single tasks and the user is not an architect.
- DIY home eager.
Drawbacks:
- It can open only a limited number of drawing sheets.
- Not suitable for collaboration with multiple team members on one project.
- There are no sellers outside the United States.
Cost:
- Around
$900-$1200.
5. IntelliCAD
Features:
DWG
compatibility:
It is compatible with Autodesk DWG files without loss of data. Not only DWG, but it is also compatible with all Autodesk APIs and commands.
Drawing productivity:
This tool is capable of effectively creating 2D and 3D models. Due to IntelliCAD ActiveX, drawings and models can be integrated with other official documents.
Affordability:
This is a commercial-grade CAD program at a very affordable price.
Open Source:
Source code available for editing.
Suitable
for:
- Users familiar with AutoCAD
Drawbacks:
- Lack of support.
- Advanced features like support tools, scanning tools are missing.
Cost:
- Around
$120-$600.
These are just a few examples of architect CAD landscape design software that is well known to a range of construction users. Depending on the size and nature of the project, if you do not find what you need, you may find some more applications suitable for you.