I can't decide!

“Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain this life?” 1^st Corinthians 6:3

Judgement is one of the most profitable skills you need to develop as a human being. In this age of unlimited data sharing, It is harder to make the long term decisions more than ever.

So, Which is the best software for making architecture?

This is a common dilemma for lots of students entering the architecture field and landscape. I remember spending months trying to decide which one to use. We have these, and lots more software on the market:

Today, ai products are emerging and you need a lens through which to filter for the best choices. Lets help you as you make the choice that is best for you.

1. Project Requirements

Before exploring this and that software, identify the class/field project requirements. Consider the type of design, modeling complexity, rendering requirements, and documentation tasks that need to be accomplished. This is help narrow down options based on project goals.

2. Research Options

From general-purpose software to specialized tools and plugins, you want to arm yourself with available information. Part of sound decision making comes from awareness of lots of possibilities.

Conduct a thorough research in the market and it will serve you well

3. Ease of Use

What matters is not the software but what you can do with it. So you might want to pick a user friendly tool. You want to balance between powerful, robust features and an intuitive interface that will allow you work efficiently and effectively.

One of the major reasons I picked Archicad was because I found it to have a shorter learning curve compared to the complexity I experienced in 3Ds Max… In this 👇🏽👇🏽 example below

4. Industry Acceptance

Visit Local firms or even research about your dream practitioner to discover what they are using. It is important to think long term, as it will be extremely difficult to pick up new software later while staying competitive at the same time.

5. Affordability

Take advantage of trials and demos. Also most software have education versions that you can apply for. This gives you time to actually decide whether the software will be worth your investment in the long term.

6. Personal Preference

Every one has a different working style and set of personal preferences. Choose software that feel comfortable and intuitive to you as this will enhance your productivity and make you enjoy the whole process of making architecture.

7. Just Pick!

Indecision is costly, it eats away valuable time that could move you forward. Even important, once you pick, commit to it. Don’t keep switching from one to another and you will soon realize you can make “almost anything” with any “competitive” option that you choose.

There is no best software in reality as each has capabilities and limitations. It comes down to you and what you are willing to go for regardless of its shortcomings. I would advise that you commit to one software, learn and explore it in and out, then: down the road, acquire basics in other related software.

In the end, these are just tools. You have to learn how to create meaningful architecture regardless of which tools you use. What will matter is thinking behind the choices you make.

All the best.

-Namara Allan

If you like to learn the software that I personally use: Archicad, click here to enroll for free