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Choosing design, bim & generative design software

Design and BIM software covers modelling, coordination and early feasibility. It matters most to firms that design or coordinate, less to those that only build from drawings.

Our own general advice, not a recommendation of any product.

Questions to ask on every demo

  • Which file formats does it import and export, and does it work with the model formats my team already uses?
  • Is it a replacement for my current modelling software or a plug-in on top of it?
  • How much training does a new user need, and is training included?
  • What are the hardware requirements?
  • Who owns the output, and can I take it elsewhere?

What to watch for

  • Generative design tools produce options; someone licensed still has to own the design decisions.
  • Check that the tool matches your local codes and standards, not just a generic set.

If you are a small firm

If you are a builder rather than a designer, you usually only need viewers and coordination tools, not the full modelling suite.

Terms you will hear

BIM (building information modelling)
A digital model of a building where each element carries data such as size, material and cost, used for design, coordination and quantity extraction.
Clash detection
Checking a combined building model for places where elements collide, such as a duct passing through a beam, before they are built.
Digital twin
A digital representation of a building or site that is kept up to date with real-world data, so it can be used to track progress or operate the asset.

Full glossary →

The 8 tools in this category

Alphabetical. Tick “Compare” on the category page to put up to four side by side.

Augmenta AI Building systems design software that automates electrical routing and coordinated 3D modeling in Revit for VDC and modeling teams; mechanical and plumbing are listed as coming soon. Quote on request Autodesk Forma Site Design AI Browser-based tool for early-stage site planning, feasibility, massing and environmental analysis, part of Autodesk Forma and connected to Revit. Starting price listed Free trial Endra AI MEP design platform that generates models and documentation for electrical, lighting, fire alarm and other building systems, integrating with Revit and exporting to common formats. Quote on request Higharc AI Design-to-construction platform for homebuilders that links home plans to 3D visuals, estimating data and construction documents, plus an estimating product for building material distributors. Quote on request Motif AI Browser-based BIM platform for architecture teams, with parametric modeling, live Rhino, IFC and Revit import, real-time collaboration and design review tools. Starting price listed Free trial Revizto AI Collaboration platform combining 2D drawings and 3D models in one workspace for clash detection, location-based issue tracking and project dashboards. Quote on request SWAPP AI Platform for architecture firms that automates construction documentation, modeling and QA checks inside Revit and Archicad, trained on each firm's own standards. Quote on request TestFit AI Real estate feasibility platform for testing sites: automated site plans, parking layouts, deal evaluation and concept iteration, with exports to Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp and Excel. Published pricing