There is no question that technology has revolutionized all aspects of the built environment – none more so than architecture. Today, no matter where you are – at the office, on the construction site, or working remotely, architecture apps have turned into invaluable tools for architects, constructors, and project managers. These applications facilitate operations, encourage efficient team management, and in certain cases of paperwork, can eliminate the hassle of paperwork. However, finding an appropriate architectural tool is challenging. When picking the best app for a particular category of users or an intended use, there is a humongous list of apps to consider. While some architecture apps are dedicated to architects and contractors, others may be useful to anybody in the fields of design and construction. In this and the following section, let’s look at the 13 best architecture apps to use in 2024. It includes conceptual tools that involve drawing as well as physical modeling, augmented and virtual reality, and Building Information Modeling. Every architect app has its features that are made to help you make your journey to, or experience in architecture easier.
- Arktek
Best for: Conceptual home designs, floor plans, photorealistic 3D renderings, home decoration, and design proposals.
Available on: Web
App Overview: Arktek is a powerful 3D home design platform that allows architects, designers, builders, and remodeling professionals to create floor plans and complete design proposals within hours. With an emphasis on photorealistic 3D renderings, Arktek simplifies the design process and allows users to visualize their designs, creating an emotional connection with potential buyers or clients. It supports fast design modifications based on client feedback, making it easier to adjust to changing requirements.
Key Features:
- 2D and 3D Floor Plans: Sketch floor plans with ease, whether in 2D or photorealistic 3D.
- Extensive Customization: The library includes walls, windows, doors, and roofing to complete design projects efficiently.
- Realistic Renderings: Add lighting, manage sun orientation, and incorporate exterior surroundings to bring your designs to life.
- Reusable Designs: Easily store and organize past projects for reuse or team collaboration.
- Fast Design Modifications: Quickly update designs and regenerate proposals based on client feedback.
2. SketchUp
Best for: Architectural sketching and design.
Available on: Desktop and Web
App Overview: SketchUp has been a long-standing favorite in architectural design. Known for its flexibility, SketchUp is a 3D CAD program that helps architects, designers, and even landscape professionals create detailed models. With tools for flyovers, walkthroughs, and impressive renderings, it’s a powerful choice for architectural drawings and design proposals. Though it’s not construction-specific, its vast range of features makes it a versatile tool for various design disciplines.
Key Features:
- 3D Modeling: A powerful 3D modeling tool that behaves like a pencil, making it user-friendly for both professionals and newcomers.
- 2D Documentation: Draw detailed 2D-floor plans, elevations, and more, automatically syncing changes made to 3D models.
- Warehouse: Offers an extensive library of pre-built objects for quick design updates.
- Mixed Reality Presentations: Allow clients to tour 3D models through AR and VR tools for an immersive experience.
3. Morpholio Trace Pro
Best for: Sketching, CAD, and interactive presentations.
Available on: iOS
App Overview: Morpholio Trace Pro is a must-have app for architects looking to elevate their sketching abilities. It allows users to draw on top of photos, maps, and other documents, providing unique sketching tools that can bring your ideas to life. The platform also enables collaboration with its in-app markup features, while offering advanced tools like AR Sketchwalk and Perspective Finder for enhanced design exploration.
Key Features:
- AR Sketchwalk: Virtually walk-through designs for an immersive, real-time experience.
- ScalePen: Automatically adjusts pen sizes based on zoom level and drawing scale.
- Drag’n’Fly 3D Viewer: Add 3D models to your sketches for more dynamic visual presentations.
- Custom Stencils: Transform images into reusable stencil templates for future designs.
4. ARki
Best for: Interactive AR and 3D presentations.
Available on: iOS
App Overview: ARki is an award-winning design tool that can be used in space planning; it is an augmented reality application that can be used to visualize a design in an actual space. The tool caters to architects, designers, and engineers; they can build full-scale 3D AR experiences that are live and dynamic. They allow importing models from other applications such as SketchUp, and Maya; the possibility of working with dynamic layers; and the opportunity to study different design variants.
Key Features:
- Full-scale AR Experiences: Visualize your 3D models in augmented reality, bringing your projects to life on a real scale.
- Cross-device Syncing: Sync projects across devices, making them accessible from anywhere.
- Import 3D Models: Easily import.FBX files from other design programs.
5. Graphisoft BIMx
Best for: BIM (Building Information Modeling) presentations.
Available on: iOS, Android, and Desktop
App Overview: Graphisoft BIMx is a powerful tool for architects and contractors looking to present their BIM data in a more engaging way. It allows users to share and explore both 2D and 3D models, as well as access construction documents from anywhere. The BIM Hyper-model feature offers a game-like navigation experience for exploring architectural projects in an interactive and intuitive manner.
Key Features:
- BIM Hyper-model: Navigate models in an interactive, video game-like format, offering an engaging way to explore designs.
- Mobile Presentation: Share model data and make changes directly from mobile devices while on-site or with clients.
6. Procreate
Best for: Art and exterior designs.
Available on: iOS
App Overview: While Procreate isn’t an app exclusively designed for architects, it is widely used by professionals for sketching design concepts. With its expansive brush library and high-performance graphics engine, Procreate is perfect for generating design ideas that can later be transformed into full-scale architectural renderings. It’s a favorite among digital artists, animators, and designers alike.
Key Features:
- Brush Library: Over 150 customizable brushes for drawing and painting.
- Advanced Layering System: Allows you to work on different parts of a design independently, making it easier to organize and edit your concepts.
7. Magicplan
Best for: Floor plans, estimates, and field reports.
Available on: iOS, Android
App Overview: Magicplan helps builders, contractors, and architects to develop correct floor plans, estimate, and control project information. Everything can be done in the cloud and is an available cross-platform; and there are tools for capturing measurements, annotations, and even on-the-fly 3D floor plans.
Key Features:
- 2D and 3D Floor Plans: Quickly create detailed floor plans in both 2D and 3D.
- Structured Data: Automatically organizes all project data, providing a complete view of every aspect of the design.
8. Autodesk FormIt
Best for: 3D modeling and architectural sketching.
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, Web
App Overview: Autodesk FormIt is an intuitive modeling app that allows users to sketch, collaborate, and analyze their designs. Its cloud-based energy analysis tools make it a great choice for architects interested in sustainable design. With real-time collaboration tools and a rich material library, FormIt is perfect for generating early-stage design concepts that can later be integrated with Revit for further development.
Key Features:
- Real-time Collaboration: Collaborate with team members in real-time, including sharing cameras and engaging in chat.
- Energy Analysis: Upload your models to the cloud for energy efficiency analysis, a valuable feature for green building projects.
9. RoomScan Pro
Best for: Floor plans and property condition reports.
Available on: iOS
App Overview: RoomScan Pro is a floor plan generation architect app that turns your iPhone into a powerful scanning tool. The architecture apps allow you to scan entire rooms and automatically generate floor plans. It also includes tools for exterior scans, making it ideal for architects and contractors who need fast, reliable floor plans without the need for additional tools.
Key Features:
- Fast Floor Plan Generation: Quickly scan rooms and generate accurate floor plans from your smartphone.
- ExteriorScan & PlotScan: Scan outdoor spaces to create accurate exterior layouts.
10. Planimeter
Best for: Land surveying and field area measurements.
Available on: iOS, Android
App Overview: Planimeter is a powerful architectural drawing app that measures land areas, distances, and perimeters using satellite maps. It’s a great tool for architects, landscapers, and urban planners who need accurate measurements for large-scale projects like landscaping or site planning.
Key Features:
- GPS Tracking: Allows for accurate on-site measurements by tracking your movements as you walk around boundaries.
- Drop Pins: Place pins on maps to accurately measure paths, areas, and perimeters.
11. Sun Seeker
Best for: Tracking sun position.
Available on: iOS, Android
App Overview: Sun Seeker is an AR tool that shows the sun’s path and its position at any time of day. It’s useful for architects and designers who need to plan around natural light. Whether you’re working on a residential building, landscaping, or outdoor event space, understanding how the sun will affect a project can be crucial.
Key Features:
- AR Sun Path: See the sun’s path at any time of day through your camera view.
- Sunlight Analysis: Visualize sunlight’s impact on a building or outdoor space based on geographic location.
12. ArchiSnapper
Best for: Site reports and punch lists.
Available on: iOS, Android
App Overview: ArchiSnapper is an easy-to-use tool for performing site inspections and creating site reports for architects, contractors, and engineers. Unlike pulling out a notebook and pen, ArchiSnapper provides users with the capability of creating proper field reports via mobile gadgets. Regardless of whether you are directly at the construction site or sitting in a business meeting this architectural drawing app can be utilized as a handy tool for recording construction progress.
Key Features:
- Site Reports: Automatically generate and organize professional site reports.
- Punch Lists: Create punch lists to keep track of tasks, ensuring nothing is missed on a construction project.
13. Construction Master Pro
Best for: Construction calculations.
Available on: iOS, Android
App Overview: Construction Master Pro is ideal for all field and construction personnel to carry around and refer to at their convenience. It includes enhanced calculators for measuring angles, distance, and other important aspects of construction. The architectural drawing app is most beneficial for architects and contractors who require accuracy on insufficient construction info or at the early stages of the project creation.
Key Features:
- Construction Calculations: Quickly calculate dimensions, areas, angles, and volumes.
- Advanced Functions: Calculate stairs, roofing, and other complex building components directly from the app.
Final Thoughts
The 13 architecture apps presented here are necessary for sketching, 3D modeling, making field reports, and solving construction equations. With these applications, you can reduce time spent and make collaboration far easier, as well as enliven your designs. There are so many available tools and as you can see, there is nothing bad in trying different applications in order to find those ones that perfectly solve architectural or construction issues.