Architect's tools: what software and hardware are essential?

What architectural tools are essential for designing and carrying out construction projects?

Because the profession of architect involves a wide range of activities and skills, from drawing to project supervision and managing building permits, it is vital to use a range of specific and increasingly optimised tools.

Are you going to architecture school and wondering what equipment to pack in your rucksack? Are you a professional looking for an overview of the different types of software you can use? Are you working in architecture and looking for a complete list of architectural tools?

In this article, you'll find an overview of the most commonly used drawing and modelling equipment. And on the software side, we look at the different types of solutions (3D modelling, CAD, administrative management, etc.) that you can rely on on a daily basis to carry out all your assignments.

See all software Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

What hardware does an architect use?

As early as the national school of architecture and the preparation for the state diploma, budding architects learn to use the equipment that is essential for carrying out two activities specific to the profession: drawing plans and designing models.

Subsequently, professionals may choose to use digital solutions for certain tasks. Nevertheless, many of them, for reasons that we will now discuss, are still attached to this traditional know-how.

But creativity means "to each his own". An architect can develop his own technique and add his own touch, using unusual tools such as watercolour or Indian ink. That's why this article presents a list of the essentials, which you can use to build up your own arsenal of the perfect architect! Note that it can also be used as the basis for a list of supplies for architecture school.

Drawing materials

Ground plans, floor plans, facade plans, sectional plans... architects produce a large number of drawings in the course of their studies and careers. These are the best way of representing the future architectural project graphically and technically.

However, when it comes to producing plans, there are two schools of thought: hand-drawn or computer-generated? While digital technology offers the possibility of precision work, hand-drawing still has a long way to go:

• It enhances the expertise of the architect or design office, and is a recognisable signature to the public;
• the organic nature of paper encourages a different approach and a different way of understanding plans;
• learning to draw helps architects to understand spaces, the play of light, and all the fundamental concepts of architecture in general. It's a prerequisite for using software properly!

Feel like putting pen to paper? For your next works, use this list of materials, which you can buy in fine art shops such as Rougier&Plé or Boesner:

• a sketchbook: don't stop your creative impulse and draw whenever you like,
• Paper in a variety of formats: your medium for getting all your plans down on paper,
• A mechanical pencil or drawing pencil: to start sketching your plans,
• tubular or rapido pens: popular with architects for their precise lines and consistent thickness,
• tracing paper and graph paper: for easy tracing and precise drawing,
• a scale ruler: quickly calculate the dimensions of the drawing in relation to the actual dimensions,
• A tee and a square: draw parallels and perpendiculars,
• templates: make different shapes (geometric, symbols, etc.) to scale,
• a drawing board: perfect for guiding and fixing your tee,
• a drawing table: draw in comfort, even for hours on end,
• a drawing board: perfect for guiding and fixing your tee, a drawing table: draw comfortably, even for hours on end, a plan holder: transport your pretty drawings without damaging them.

The above list also covers the interior designer's material needs.

Equipment for models

The list of essential tools for architects also includes model-making equipment.

A reduced 3D representation of the future construction project, the architectural model remains a good way of presenting a project to the client or the public. Often integrated into its surroundings (land, vegetation, road, etc.), it allows you to better project yourself into the future building. It is therefore an excellent communication tool, and reassures buyers with a more realistic rendering than a simple drawing.

These days, however, the question is whether to use hand-made models or 3D printing. The latter undoubtedly saves time, especially when it comes to reproducing small elements such as balconies. But a hand-made model guarantees a more realistic representation, which is more appealing to the customer.

Although a model maker may be commissioned to produce the model, architects and apprentice architects will have to try their hand at it. Here's a list of the basic materials you'll need:

• featherboard or foam board: the basis of your structures, it is both light and strong, and is easy to cut with a cutter,
• Cellular foam blocks: can be cut, hollowed out and trimmed,
• Sheets (of wood, metal, plastic, cork, slate, etc.): for a more attractive look and greater strength in your constructions,
• rods and tubes: create frames to consolidate your models,
• a cutter: cut your shapes easily and precisely,
• A metal ruler: to make cutting easier,
• Transparent glue: assemble the different elements of your model without leaving any marks,
• DIY tools (jigsaw, screwdriver, sander, etc.): essential for working with certain materials, or for more complex jobs,
• scenery: elements (vegetation, people, etc.) that add a touch of realism and friendliness to the model.

The architect's other equipment

Finally, it should be noted that practising architects use tools other than drawing and model-making equipment, particularly when working on site. These include

• a compass, to find your bearings and guide the architectural project on site,
• laser rangefinders, to measure distances easily and without having to be constantly on the move.

As you can see, the profession requires highly specialised manual skills, and an architect's equipment must meet these requirements. But as in other fields, the profession is moving more and more towards digital technology.

So let's ask ourselves what type of professional architectural software is most widely used.

What software is essential for architects?

In reality, given the architect's wide-ranging remit, several types of software are essential for carrying out the tasks assigned to them. They all have very specific functions. 3D modelling tools, CAD, BIM... let's take a closer look at the differences and advantages of each.

3D modelling software

The advantages of 3D modelling software

They simply model shapes and scenes in three dimensions. In the field of architecture, they are used to model the future building: the rendering obtained, often very realistic, offers the client a convincing visualisation of the project. What's more, some of these software packages are easy to learn.

3D modelling of a house (source: jfl-media.com)

For all these reasons, 3D modelling tools are useful for architects, but not only! Sales people, for example, rely on this kind of solution to present their project to the customer, making it easier to close the sale.

Which 3D modelling software to choose

There are a number of free 3D modelling programs on the market, such as Kozikaza. As well as being free, Kozikaza has the advantage of being easy to learn and use, and has a large community of users. But when we use it, we quickly come up against certain limitations... particularly limited functionality and a less high-quality output.

That's why we recommend that architecture specialists turn to professional 3D modelling software. Take SketchUp, for example.

Why SketchUp?

• Although there is a free version, the paid versions (SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio) are particularly well suited to architects.
• When it comes to 3D modelling, SketchUp is still a must-have, as it is very powerful, quick to learn and easy to use.
• What's more, it facilitates collaborative working and the management of architectural projects, thanks to unlimited storage space in the cloud.
• Finally, it offers customers a more immersive and convincing experience, with plans displayed in virtual reality. It's a real eye-opener!

CAD software

CAD, which stands for "computer-aided design", is defined both as a technique and as the software package that implements this technique. It also goes by the acronym CAD (computer-aided design). But what exactly is CAD?

The advantages of CAD software

CAD software is used to model manufactured products virtually, and above all to test them.

A CAD tool differs from simple 3D modelling or CAD (computer-aided design) software in its technical interpretation, the ability to understand interactions and any incompatibilities.

What we're really talking about here is intelligent virtual construction of the object. CAD is also used in fields other than architecture, such as mechanical engineering and furniture.

Which CAD software should I choose?

Are you looking for high-performance CAD software? AutoCAD remains the benchmark.

Why AutoCAD?

• Comprehensive, intuitive and very powerful, it enables highly accurate 2D and 3D drawings, with the option of automation and annotations (dimensions, reference lines, tables, etc.).
• AutoCAD also contains a set of specialised tools for the architecture sector (rapid renovation design, creation of elements with realistic behaviour and construction, etc.), ensuring real time savings.
• Finally, the software adapts perfectly to architects' working conditions: practice on the move thanks to the included web and mobile applications.

BIM software

BIM (Building Information Modelling) stands for "information modelling". A fairly recent concept, it is defined above all as a collaborative construction process. Involving the design of one or more intelligent digital mock-ups (or models), BIM leads to the efficient management and production of building-related data.

The benefits of BIM software

In practice, the model created (usually by the architect) reproduces all the functional and aesthetic aspects of the project, in a very precise and structured way. It is then shared with the various stakeholders (architects, clients, engineers, etc.). They in turn have the opportunity to add to or make technical changes to the model, throughout the project's lifecycle.

Thanks to this working method, teams can coordinate even before the first stone is laid, making site monitoring easier and avoiding delays and loss of money.

Which BIM software should I choose?

To take full advantage of the BIM process, dedicated software includes the ability to model a digital mock-up with parametric objects.

There are several solutions of this type on the market, such as Allplan and ArchiCAD. But Revit remains one of the most widely used by building professionals.

Why Revit?

• Revit is a documentation and design tool that makes skilful use of 3D modelling of building data.
• Revit perfectly supports the different phases and disciplines inherent in the project.
• It also enhances team cooperation and coordination, thanks to its project-sharing and multidisciplinary features.

Management software

The architect's remit is wide-ranging and encompasses many different tasks. Creative by nature, they draw and design the future building. However, they must also constantly monitor compliance with budgets and legislative standards.

Responsible for the smooth running of a project, they take charge of all project-related tasks: sales proposal, time and resource management, planning, invoicing...... So many tasks to manage! Fortunately, there are software packages designed specifically for the architectural profession, to make these tasks easier to carry out.

Here are 2 management software packages tailored to the architectural profession:

Fitnet Manager

Fitnet Manager is an easy-to-use , Made in France ERP specifically designed for service companies. With a module designed for architects and backed up by over 15 years' expertise, it can help you manage your entire business:

• automated invoicing : compliance with the Loi MOP, management of holdbacks, agents and co-contractors, etc;
• comprehensive opportunity tracking: monitoring of responses to tenders, centralised management of the contact database, notification reminder tool, etc.
• project planning and management: control of workload planning, monitoring of time spent and deliverables, management of project models, etc;
• real-time financial monitoring : profitability control, detailed analyses by phase/project, reporting.

OOTI

Dedicated to architects, interior designers, town planners and design offices, OOTI handles a range of related tasks:

• administrative
• project management
• employee management
• expense reports
• invoicing,
• monitoring budgets and working hours, etc.

The software supports you from the moment you take charge of the project right through to delivery, and provides a real-time overview of the business. In short, thanks to OOTI, architects are freer to devote themselves to higher added-value projects.

See all software Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

A wide range of tools for creativity

The importance of the task assigned to architects means that they must constantly equip themselves with the best tools. From their studies right through to the end of their career, architects need to make the most of their creativity, while remaining in tune with the demands of their customers and the reality of a profession that is constantly evolving.

And evolution means digital transition. While drafting equipment and models are still part of the daily routine for many architects, the use of industry-specific software has become essential. Saving time, improving precision, working together... these are just some of the many advantages they have to offer for the development of ever more ambitious buildings.

Finally, let's not forget that an architect often takes on the responsibility of project manager. That's why it's a good idea to use solutions capable of relieving them of their administrative tasks and managing budgets and resources, so that they can concentrate on more creative tasks.

Are you an architect who prefers to work "the old-fashioned way", with software, or both? Share your experience in the comments section.