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INDEX 02: CAD: AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction)

  • Anthony Frausto-Robledo, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

    • HERE WE HAVE a complete list of CAD apps for the AEC industry for the macOS platform. The list is in alphabetical order below.

    We spotlight three of those apps below. Two of these are dominating forces in the entire AEC community while we focus on another promising software company that aims to be delivering a unique position within the overall AEC BIM market. (Note. We have a BIM-specific apps list in the making here. Much more to come as we develop it further).

    Mac CAD AEC Industry Notable Apps

    The first AEC industry CAD app of note is GRAPHISOFT’s ARCHICAD, the original first BIM application. In the beginning, prior to the term BIM (Building Information Modeling) the Hungarian company called it Virtual Building software. Today ARCHICAD is arguably the technology and innovation leader in the AEC industry. It has the fastest BIM platform and scales exceptionally well. It is also multi-threaded at the highest level in the industry. Unlike Autodesk’s Revit, which benefits from high-frequency single-core processing, ARCHICAD (aka AC) goes into turbo mode on 6-8 core computers.

    01 – ARCHICAD features a uniquely direct connection to GRASSHOPPER

    02 – Vectorworks 2018 has added powerful new SubD modeling features.

    03 – BricsCAD BIM 2018 is growing rapidly in features and supports IFC.

    The second AEC industry app of note is Vectorworks. Like ARCHICAD, this tool is part of the German software holding company, named Nemetschek Group, so the first two apps of note are sister apps from sister companies. Vectorworks Architect is a full-fledged BIM application, and Vectorworks Landmark is a top-tier CAD/BIM for landscape architects and related professionals. Vectorworks, being a more general app, is the Mac CAD market share leader, with robust users bases in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and the United States, among its key core markets.

    Finally, we want to note BricsCAD BIM from Belgium, an emerging Mac, Windows and Linux CAD/BIM application that is DWG native. This means it feels comfortable for AutoCAD users. It features increasingly SketchUp-like modeling tools, is IFC compliant at base levels and is establishing itself within European markets.

    A Word About BIM

    Not everyone needs a BIM-capable CAD package for AEC. In the list below the reader will find many mid-level to top-tier CAD packages for AEC at both the 2D and 3D level. Standouts include AutoCAD, ARES Commander, Chief Architect, HighDesign, and others.

    INDEX 02: A complete listing of Mac AEC CAD/BIM Apps

    There are exactly 20 AEC CAD apps listed below and nearly all of these are major solutions with strong user bases.

     

    Growing This List

    Have we missed a key software package? If you think so please email us at info@architosh.com and tell us about it. We will be sure to add it to the list at the next update AND we will give you a complimentary annual subscription to Architosh INSIDER premium membership.

    series index page: Mac App Guides for CAD/CAM/3D/AEC industries.

    Architosh will be reviewing and updating all our App Lists on a regular basis. See the dates below.

    Listing of Updates by Date

    01 Dec 2017 — Creation Date

     

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