Tools for Architects: types and advantages
Posted 10/11/2024 in Resources

Online tools, software, exclusive technical drawing, BIM tools... There are many tools for architects that we find today and that we have summarized according to the types and advantages they offer us in the different stages of the architectural process.
The new technologies and digital resources that exist today are very numerous and diverse. A possible classification of the best tools for architects, regardless of the field of architectural specialization decided, would be: if they are exclusively online tools, software or applications; if they work with BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology or if they are exclusively floorplanners focused on technical drawing; and – perhaps what is considered most essential today – if they develop their technology with specific Intelligence engines Artificial.
1. Tools for online Architects such as software or applications.
The main aspects that differentiate online tools from traditional software are accessibility, functionality, cost, ease of use, and security.
- Accessibility: From the user's point of view, traditional software requires, in addition to an internet connection, that the computer devices have certain hardware characteristics, which are generally limiting. In addition to the high consumption of resources such as memory and graphics, both during the download and installation process and during use. On the other hand, online tools usually develop their processing on their own servers, which makes it easy to use them from any type of device without the need for large resources beyond a good internet connection. Another interesting aspect is that the updates are automatic, and do not require any type of action on the part of the user.
- Functionality and performance: In general, traditional software usually has more powerful and complete functionalities than those developed by online tools, as well as having customization options and specific plugins. Not surprisingly, this is changing by leaps and bounds, and every day it is more common to find online tools with the same capabilities and functionalities as traditional software.
- Costs: Online tools often cost much more than traditional software, offering the possibility of monthly payment or even a free version, usually with limited options, for a certain time. This makes online tools more attractive to hire for architects who are starting their professional activity, small studios or even students.
- Ease of use: Although online tools are usually designed to facilitate their use by all types of users, experts or not, the main advantage in terms of their use over traditional software is that they allow collaborations and teamwork to be established simultaneously.
- Safety: Although the security of online tools is dependent on third-party servers and services, storing data in the cloud makes it easy to retrieve and access from anywhere in the world. On the other hand, data recovery in traditional software, dependent on storage on the local device, can be compromised if a proper backup is not made.
In conclusion, online tools for architects are more beneficial than traditional software, as it is possible to achieve agile professional development at a lower cost, with collaborations between different users in real time and access to information from anywhere in the world.

2. Exclusive technical drawing tools v.s. BIM tools.
To make a comparison between exclusive technical drawing tools – generally known as CAD tools – and tools with BIM technology, you have to focus mainly on workflow, functionality, accuracy and costs.
- Workflow: From a conceptual point of view, in the exclusive technical drawing tools, graphic representations are worked on through lines, shapes, stains and annotations; not having the capacity to transfer information beyond the visual language suitable for technicians and architects. In addition, they do not usually allow the development of the work simultaneously, that is, if several users intervene, they must do it in a chain. Consequently, the work process of these tools could be defined as linear and fragmented.
On the other hand, tools with BIM technology are based on a three-dimensional representation of the construction where all the necessary information – both technical and graphic – can be nested: materials, costs, schedule, life cycle and sustainability analysis, etc. In addition, they usually allow the development of the work by several users simultaneously. In this way, the work process of these tools could be defined as integral and centralized. - Functionality: Tools with BIM technology allow not only to achieve the same functionalities with respect to the graphic representation as CAD tools, (building plans, elevations, sections, construction details, etc.), but are also capable of carrying out simulations and analysis of performance from energy areas (sunlight, life cycle, consumption, carbon footprint, etc.) to technical and economic aspects of the work (schedules, execution deadlines, construction budget, profitability for market studies, etc.).
- Precision: In the case of CAD tools, the accuracy and level of detail is the sole responsibility of the architect. This way, when design modifications occur, updates must be made one by one across all affected representations and manually. However, when working with BIM methodology, the user can drill down into the level of detail shown based on the characteristics indicated during the model generation; as well as proceed to generate global modifications comfortably quickly and efficiently.
- Costs: Licenses for tools that work with BIM technology are usually more expensive than those for exclusive technical drawing tools; This seems logical due to the complexity of the development of some with respect to others. It should also be noted that BIM tools will require greater investment in hardware, demanding powerful processors and graphics cards.
Therefore, we consider that BIM tools, although more expensive than CAD tools, are more effective when it comes to professional development of architecture; as they allow the complete integration of information during all stages of the project, providing a level of precision and coordination superior to those that can be covered with exclusive technical drawing tools.

3. AI Tools for Architects.
The development of Artificial Intelligence is transforming all work and social spheres, including architecture. In general, AI tools for architects, as opposed to traditional tools, provide certain benefits related mainly to automation, optimization, data analysis and processing, efficiency, collaboration, error detection and cost.
- Automation: AI tools in Architecture stand out mainly for their ability to automate based on specific parameters, which allows a generative design to be developed that is limited by the criteria of the technician or architect. With AI training, it will be able to learn from previous projects and designs, suggesting improvements or more appropriate solutions in the future.
- Optimisation: The technology itself that integrates the tools with AI is based on adjusting the processes and results obtained automatically by default. This, compared to traditional tools, exponentially reduces the number of manual iterations required to optimize an architectural design.
- Data analysis and processing: As a result of the potential offered by these new technologies, Artificial Intelligence tools are capable of generating all kinds of data analysis and processing without effort or high consumption of resources to facilitate, through access to information by the technician, decision-making in each and every one of the projects. In this line, the analysis of energy performance, structural capacity, cost efficiency or even sustainability stands out
- Efficiency: From an exclusively formal point of view, the integration of AI for architects into design tools has helped to drastically reduce the time needed to produce; Thus, in the same space of time, numerous and diverse designs can be generated.
- Collaboration: The use of Artificial Intelligence in collaborative applications related to design and architecture has not only made it easier for changes and interventions in projects to be carried out simultaneously by different users, but also to condition the suggestions offered by AI to some users depending on the decision or action taken by others.
- Error detection: Tools that integrate Artificial Intelligence are capable of autonomously and automatically detecting errors or failures that, with traditional tools, could only have been located manually. This makes the process more efficient and conflicts are avoided throughout the development of the project.
- Cost: As is recurrent in the technological field, tools that contemplate the latest advances and improvements tend to have higher prices than those that are already established. In the specific case of AI tools for architects, this is currently more evident than in other areas of work as there is not a large offer on the market.
Although for many professionals traditional tools are essential, they require a lot of manual intervention and demand a lot of time for each process. On the other hand, with AI tools for Architecture, manual times and interventions are reduced by benefiting from automation, autonomous optimization and analysis processes.

Conclusion
Having analysed the above aspects, if you are dedicated to the field of architecture and construction design, you should bear in mind that the ideal tool for you may be completely online, with BIM technology and that satisfactorily integrates Artificial Intelligence.