What is the best software for architects? 2D? BIM?

Since 1998 I have worked in many offices as a 3D specialist and CAD operator with many types of software, none of which has lived up to its promised enhancements or import-export formats. Back in 1999 there were promises of single 3D database files which would automatically update schedules and 2D layouts etc. To this day the vast majority of practices are still using 2D "dumb" drawing files and wasting countless hours tracking changes in plan, section, elevation etc.

Is this due to the billing models most large scale offices use to generate fees? Is BIM finally here for use by the profession?

What is the best and most efficient software available to architects?

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Permalink Reply by Tyson on December 6, 2010 at 1:17pm

In terms of professional practice, I would say that Revit is the best logistical solution available on the market. I don't think it's particularly good as a design tool, but for coordinating the various areas of project administration it performs really well. We use Revit in my office in coordination with Navisworks to coordinate the project schedule with the various rfi's and other updates that periodically occur. For design development, however, I prefer Rhino and 3DS Max. Would love to hear other thoughts

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Permalink Reply by Lyle Architects on December 6, 2010 at 1:25pm

I would also like to hear more. I love Rhino as a modeling software, but I have been waiting so long for a good package specifically for architects and with smart objects. I enjoyed Form-z as well for modeling. ViZ and MAX are great for rendering but weak for generating models due to surface modeling approach used in video/gaming development.

I was hoping Archicad would become more popular in Canada, but unless I want to do 100% of the CAD myself, I cant hire anyone who knows it well enough to hire them. Thanks for your thoughts Tyson

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Permalink Reply by Maissaa Khidher on December 6, 2010 at 8:16pm

I think Revit Architecture is the best BIM software so far; I've been using it for the last 4 years, & in combination with CAD to produce some 2D detailing, we had the best results in the CD phase for a fast paced project.
Revit saves a lot of time & makes revisions so easy to implement throughout the project with minimum margin for mistakes; while I think sketchup is still the fastest most flexible software to produce mdels for schematic design stage.

I used to teach Revit Architecture utill September; then I had to do some exams...I'm planning to go back on track starting from January, please let me know if anybody is interested!

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Permalink Reply by Kamaluddeen Dahiru on December 8, 2010 at 5:12am

I think BIM could be a good replacement and solution to our 3D or nD problems and it has come to stay...what?

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Permalink Reply by Mubashar Ahmad Khan on December 14, 2010 at 3:21am

According to my views and experience AutoCAD (2D & 3D) and ArchiCAD are the best softwares.

AutoCAD is available worldwide, during exchange if buildings plans, sections and other details, it they are made in AutoCAD, it will be easy to open. No doubt Revit, Rhino or 3D Max are best for presentation purposes.

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Permalink Reply by Kamaluddeen Dahiru on December 14, 2010 at 5:05am

Have you forgotten about PowerCad it is another incredible software that is so flexible to use and operate world wide

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Permalink Reply by Lyle Architects on December 14, 2010 at 9:00am

Thanks for your thoughts. I have used all of those isted and I agree those are the best available but I was hoping to learn that there is better software out there.

I think architecture is 15 years behind automotive and aerospace,industrial design etc for software. Its a shame.

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Permalink Reply by Jorge Hernando Porras Polo on December 27, 2010 at 1:59pm

ArchiCAD. Learn it, Buy it, try it, love it.

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Permalink Reply by Lyle Architects on January 11, 2011 at 6:36am

Hi Jorge, I have used Archicad here and there over the years. The problem is that I cant hire anyone who knows how to use it so I would have to do all my projects myself, and it is very difficult to export files to my engineers. Some firms on the west coast use Archicad with sketchup for preliminary design. I agree its the best BIM so far, but its still very weak if you need to export to DWG.

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Permalink Reply by Jorge Hernando Porras Polo on January 15, 2011 at 7:40pm

Well Lyle, thanks for replying. Well, I have to say I agree there are a few problem with dwg exporting, but the big deal is the IFC issue. DWG is not a universal format, even is the most popular and used. ArchiCAD 14 exports to Revit structure, Tekla, allplan and another application on IFC language, perfectly.

I know your situation. Everybody here use AutoCAD. I used it. One day, so much time ago, I decided to learn ArchiCAD (In that time, Revit wasn't a popular soft, in fact it wasn't an Autodesk property). From there, it had been hard to set a new working style. If you "can't hire anyone who knows howto use it", I couldn't find anyone to hire me to use it. It's not different now. I'm working using ArchiCAD with a friend (running on our own) and THE CLIENTS (more important than engineers and colleagues) just love it. Technically, we're getting loyalty from them. They don't want to see 2D floorplans anymore, they want to see the 3D model and explore it in 3D view with textures, shadows, lights, etc..just like ArchiCAD can do it (like a videogame shooter). Is wonderfull. And that experience is what sells a project. I think clients love ArchiCAD more than I could, and they said we have an advantage on the other firms.

As you see, time changes. So don't worry. Sooner or later you will find someone to hire and start a brilliant career like a project salesman!!!...jaja. Just kidding.

Lastly, I offer my portfolio whenever you need it.

Good to read you.