Over the years, better lighting systems, material systems, and revolutions like real-time ray tracing have narrowed the gap between architectural renderings and finished architectural photography. What was once considered exceptional has become an industry expectation.

Despite this evolution in the photorealistic 3D image of architecture, one part of the architect’s workflow has changed surprisingly little.

Rethink: The Design Review

And that is the design review process.

The folks at D5 have been doing a deep rethink of what the design review process is and what it should be like. Today, design reviews still largely focus on static images or pre-rendered animations with pre-determined camera paths. These collateral items do a very good job of documenting design decisions already made, but they rarely can participate in the review process discussion itself.

D5 3.1 shifts its focus to support “interaction” in collaboration design review workflows. This image shows how, from within D5’s Interactive Presentation workflow features, an image can easily be switched from Day to Night along with any other variable of the scene.

Participation is a high-level threshold for imagery in the design review, but an important one. As architectural practices are much more collaborative in nature, with all types of design reviews, it only makes sense that these meetings become more like the working sessions they actually are.

D5 3.1 — Interaction

Visualization, therefore, is beginning to reshape itself into a new role. Instead of just documenting design decisions made, the medium is becoming interactive. This means visualization can serve the changing nature of the design review by supporting comparison, change, and the decision-making process.

This industry shift is foundational to D5 version 3.1. Instead of asking how the rendering can become more realistic, the release focuses on how the visualization can remain more useful once the meeting begins.

D5 3.1 responds with Interactive Presentation. This is a purpose-built workflow that allows architects to organize presentations like slides while maintaining access to the live project. Teams can easily move between design schemes, materials, lighting conditions, weather settings, and viewpoints without having to prepare multiple image sets or separate animations. Instead of a sequence of predetermined image items on slides, the D5 Interactive Presentation feels like a living, collaborative design workspace.

This GIF animation shows how D5 supports team collaboration.

D5’s new Interactive Presentation sits within a broader set of tools aimed at making architectural review more immersive and adaptable. This includes support for Stereoscopic Panorama for VR to help clients understand scale and materiality at scale, along with spatial relationships that only virtual reality can convey. The Spatial Tour features have evolved with faster scene generation, smoother transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, and dollhouse views that simplify navigation through complex projects.

D5 Lite for Rhino and Revit

Following on its earlier release for Trimble’s SketchUp, D5 Lite is now expanding to Rhino and Revit, bringing real-time visualization directly into more of the tools architects already use.

To learn more about D5 Lite for Rhino or Revit, click here.

Renderings Still Matter

D5 Render version 3.1 introduces a series of production-focused improvements to strengthen realism while preserving real-time responsiveness in the application.

One such improvement is the adoption of ACEScg Working Color Space. This is a production-grade color pipeline used in the film and visual effects industry. This improves color consistency in D5 throughout the visualization and post-production workflows. Then there is HeightField Tracing, which generates richer surface relief for displacement materials without adding geometry complexity. This will improve the look of stone, brick, timber, et cetera.

MORE: D5 Lite for Rhino and Revit Now Available

There are also improvements for landscape visualization, more nuanced via Seasonal Vegetation. A series of smaller workflow refinements—including Custom Pivot, MeasureLine, improved City Generator controls, smarter Auto Exposure, and expanded Gaussian Splatting support—reduce repetitive adjustments while maintaining continuity throughout production.

Together, these developments reinforce a broader idea: interactive presentations depend on rendering technologies capable of supporting both visual fidelity and real-time responsiveness.

See D5 3.1 Live

D5 will demonstrate the version 3.1 workflow in a live webinar on 21 July 2026 at 1:00 PM UTC. The session covers D5 Lite for Rhino and Revit, Interactive Presentation, VR review, Stereoscopic and Panorama mode, AECESgc, HeightField Tracing and Seasonal Vegetation.

Registration is available through the webinar page here, and anyone who registers but cannot attend live can receive access to the recorded session.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

D5 continues to push the envelope of interactive realism in architectural visualization. And their position that the future of design reviews in architecture is changing due to new capabilities that they are bringing to market is spot on. Readers should definitely not miss this free webinar and sign up, even if you are going to watch it recorded later. 

The addition of D5 Lite for Rhino and Revit is another major addition to the D5 user’s arsenal. You can learn more about that over here. We look forward to D5’s continued advancements, and we understand that some Mac support for D5 Lite in eligible Apple devices is in the works, though no formal timeline for that. 

The post D5 Render 3.1: The Future of Architectural Design Reviews appeared first on Architosh.

Here is the way to think about how Autodesk is organizing its AEC products and services. They have them in three categories: Design, Simulate, and Manage. We are going to talk about what was shown or focused on at AIA26 in a moment, but briefly, products are organized like this:

• DESIGN — Forma Building Design, Revit, AutoCAD, and others
• SIMULATE — Forma Site Design, Forma Carbon Insights, and others
• MANAGE — Forma Data Management, Navisworks, and others

At AIA26 in San Diego, the business areas of Autodesk’s booth—based on our several visits to and by their booth—were focused on Forma Building Design, Forma Site Design, and other Forma-branded areas, including Forma Data Management, Forma Carbon Insights, Forma Design Collaboration, et cetera.

Meeting Autodesk at AIA26

Our primary visit to the Autodesk booth was to meet with Jesper Staahl, Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Autodesk, who was going to run us through Forma Building Design, including its newly launched schematic design model (LOD 200-300) and Revit integration.

MORE: Autodesk intros new Forma Building Design

Autodesk’s Forma Building Design is progressing at a reasonable pace. Jesper spent time reviewing the facade design capabilities that allow architects and designers to quickly and efficiently explore iterative facade design options. Despite being parametrically driven,  there is a fairly decent amount of plasticity and flexibility in the tool with respect to openings. And architects can also push and pull the building’s facade levels backward and forward. I asked if parts of the facade could be organized into groups (think base level, mid level, and upper levels), and Jesper quickly showed that capability.

Autodesk’s booth was clearly heavily visited at AIA26 San Diego. This was the first time at AIA that the new Forma rebranding and integration of products were on full display.

Another thing Forma Building Design can do with respect to facade design is to analyze your facade’s impact on the building design by taking that model into Forma Carbon Insights. Technically, you are not “pushing or pulling” geometry data between these two tools because they operate on a single, continuous cloud data thread. Once you begin looking at the impact of your design work—and especially your facade design work back in Forma Building Design—inside Forma Carbon Insights, you can explore and benchmark energy impacts. As an architect, you can see where facade decisions are costing you energy costs, and you can then balance trade-offs between geometry and orientations as they inform your building design.

To our eyes, the Forma Building Design area (station) was the hottest area within the Autodesk booth space. Lots of architects and designers were learning about this relatively new product offering that ties into Forma Site Design and other Forma cloud solutions.

Forma Carbon Insights (formerly Autodesk Insight) can also connect to Revit models and do the same kinds of things it does in Forma Building Design, giving architects the capability to refine design based on energy and carbon impacts even after the design work has moved from Forma Building Design to Revit. What has been described is what Autodesk refers to as connecting Design to Simulate.

As for Forma Site Design, this product is more similar to the original Spacemaker.AI tool Autodesk acquired and from which it is based. This is your early-stage design and analysis tool from Autodesk, and the one you use before jumping to Forma Building Design. Forma Site Design helps you with your site and building planning (test fitting), starting with GIS-level real-world coordinates and site context via native ArcGIS data and enterprise sign-in.

MORE: AIA26: Architosh 12th ‘BEST of SHOW’ honors for digital technologies at AIA San Diego

Environmental analysis for the impact on sites that buildings make and how contextual buildings impact new buildings, Forma Site Design (formally just Forma), shows you sun and shadow impacts, daylight potential, noise analysis, wind analysis, embodied carbon, and more. All of those technologies are why we have awarded Autodesk Forma our BEST of SHOW award in past AIA national conferences.

Forma Site Design also features Forma Board for organization and presentations. Forma Site Design also dovetails with other Forma-branded products and other Autodesk tools like Revit and Dynamo. Third-party sector leaders like McNeel’s Rhino 3D are also connected.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Autodesk’s global AEC “Forma” brand is probably one of the smartest things it has done recently. While it will take existing users some time to mentally switch from old names, the unification reflects Autodesk’s master AEC strategic product plans. Earlier in the year, the company implemented the rebranding integration with ACC, fully joining the Forma environment. Even BIM 360 is now known as Forma Design Collaboration. (see, Architosh: “Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is now Autodesk Forma,” 31 Mar 2026).

BIM Collaborate Pro (formerly BIM 360) is now Forma Design Collaboration. This application runs in the cloud (web browser-based) and connects multidisciplinary teams, data, and workflows during the design phase of the project. It supports automated clash detection, issue tracking, simultaneous editing, timeline packages, and more.

Aside from seeing this unified Forma rebranding presented to the North American architectural industry for the first time, it seemed to us that Autodesk’s booth had even more energy than it typically has each year. Architects were flocking around the Forma Building Design station, the Forma Site Design station, and other Forma Data Management, Forma Build, and Forma Carbon Insights stations. These areas were the hottest areas of Autodesk’s booth, signaling perhaps that the US industry is beginning to grasp Autodesk’s AEC future direction. 

Next Page: AIA26: Expo Show Floor Report 2 — Nemetschek Group

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Design Intelligence Strategy

“Building on the Design Intelligence Strategy introduced last year, Graphisoft is unifying key components into a single, cloud-native platform that extends from feasibility studies to detailed BIM and lifecycle collaboration,” said Márton Kiss, Chief Product Officer, Design Division & Graphisoft. “This next step reinforces our mission to deliver an intuitive, data‑driven design experience that helps architects and engineers focus on how buildings should be built, not just how they can be built.”

Advancing Open Collaboration

Graphisoft notes in its press materials that the global construction industry experiences an annual USD 2.1 trillion loss each year due to project overruns and delays. In response to this waste and inefficiency, Graphisoft has announced that the Nemetschek Group is developing what it calls an “open collaboration fabric” of the Nemetschek Group design ecosystem, one that is more broadly open to the greater AEC industry than anything currently offered elsewhere.

Design Intelligence Platform showing carbon analysis on a conceptual tower building in a city. See our discussion below on Previewing AI-Assisted Design.

To address roadblocks, cost overruns, broken handovers, misalignment, and miscommunication, the Design Intelligence technologies will synchronize models, documents, issues, and decisions across Graphisoft solutions and the broader Nemetschek portfolio while robustly supporting standards such as IFC (Industry Foundation Classes), BCF (BIM Collaboration Format), PDF, DWG, and RVT (Revit). The solution, due in early 2026, will be a browser-based, multidisciplinary collaboration environment that brings architects, engineers, builders, owners, and operators into a common single source of truth.

“Our goal is simple,” said Sylwester Pawluk, VP, Product Management – Collaboration, Graphisoft and Nemetschek Group. “To offer the AEC industry a truly open alternative — one that is trustworthy and accessible for everyone. This is the open collaboration layer our entire industry has been missing.”

Previewing AI-Assisted Design

Also in development is a next-generation, web-based design intelligence platform that is infused with AI-driven workflows and integrated simulations to help design teams make smarter decisions with greater impact on the project earlier in the design-build process.

Users will be able to explore hundreds of massing, layout, and building performance scenarios in seconds, all while keeping project stakeholders aligned in a shared, browser-based workspace, without requiring BIM expertise. This design intelligence platform (which will have an exciting name, Graphisoft executives tell Architosh) is being developed to scale across the Nemetschek Group and its solutions, with AI-assisted solutions planned for early access in October.

Márton Kiss, Chief Product Officer, Design Division & Graphisoft, stated:

Readers interested in gaining a further peek into Graphisoft’s Design Intelligence Strategy can do so at this link. And we provide additional contextual oversight below.

Archicad—Autodesk Forma Connection

In other critical news from AIA26 San Diego, Graphisoft also announced its new Archicad—Autodesk Forma Connection, coming this month (June). This connection enables Archicad to fully participate in the Autodesk Forma CDE (common data environment), formerly known as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and BIM Collaborate Pro. (see, Architosh: “Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is now Autodesk Forma,” 31 Mar 2026).

A view of Archicad with its AI Assistant providing assistance to the user.

Graphisoft is also building its AI portfolio, including its new AI Assistant and AI Visualizer, plus additional upcoming AI services built on the common platform described above. In fact, AI is a core pillar of the Design Intelligence Strategy, and readers can learn more about that here.

Architosh Analysis & Commentary

It is important to clarify that this combined Graphisoft press statement timed for AIA26 is saying essentially two things. First, what was last year called “Project Aurora” is now simply Graphisoft’s “design intelligence platform,” a web-browser-based cloud software system akin to other BIM 2.0 systems with differences, of course. The design intelligence platform (DIP) helps with design intent exploration, including site potential or test-fitting, space planning, sustainability (energy impacts of early-stage design modeling and layouts), plus cost/time impacts from an early-stage looking forward. 

The second thing announced was the “design intelligence strategy,” which is exactly what it sounds like: a strategy to link together Graphisoft and Nemetschek tools with an open BIM model framework supporting wide data exchange via APIs and MCPs across portfolios. This means native BIM connectors (see below) and the synchronization of data with 2nd and 3rd party clouds, such as the newest (and certainly not the last) Autodesk Forma.

This “design intelligence platform” is just one component area of the larger Graphisoft – Nemetschek Group design intelligence strategy discussed above. Starting with Agentic workflows (AI embedded in all products), project intelligence, generative design, optioneering, quality checking, and simulations (all BIM 2.0 characteristics) feed into the project as it advances from these new cloud-based tools into Graphisoft’s and the Nemetschek Group’s older desktop era tools like Archicad. Importantly, the Nemetschek Group’s ecosystem strategy includes modernizing its portfolio of solutions to include updated APIs and MCP (model context protocol) for interoperability with modern data and AI workflows. This means that projects may begin in the design intelligence platform (which will have its own new name) and then push out data to Archicad and possibly other Nemetschek solutions.

Furthermore, Nemetschek’s existing desktop-era design tools will have native BIM data connectors. This means they will read each other’s data natively. This is a monumental change from past postures the daughter companies had toward each other. This means that Archicad users can benefit from Vectorworks Landmark’s superb land planning and terrain modeling capabilities, things that Archicad or Revit lack, for example. It also means more streamlined workflows between, say, engineers working in Allplan and RISA and architects working in Archicad or Vectorworks. Moreover, Vectorworks’s new acquisition of Morpholio Trace won’t stay exclusive to Vectorworks long-term. That tool will likely flush out its BIM integration path with Vectorworks users and push those capabilities to Archicad and maybe Allplan users as well. Morpholio—much like Vectorworks Landmark—is too valuable a tool to keep exclusively connected to one daughter company. 

These are just some of the plans and ideas that are both possible and coming when the Nemetschek Group pulls its diverse portfolio of solutions into an intelligent, cloud-native single platform with API and MCP data exchange and native geometry interoperability. When you step back and look at how the Nemetschek Group is now beginning to operate and compare it to its chief rival ecosystem (the world of Autodesk), we see new reflections of each other that echo how the AEC market and its users want to operate. All AEC/O users want better data and geometry model interoperability. They also want “mix and match” streamlined solutions within company ecosystems—something few of the big four AEC software firms truly deliver. This last point is crucial because AEC firms vary widely in size, expertise, building types, and regions. 

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Bluebeam Max

First shown at Bluebeam Unbound 2025 in Washington, DC, last fall, Bluebeam Max ushers in powerful new AI-powered workflows, including deep Revu and Anthropic Claude integration, automatic stitching, magic markups, and intelligent overlay and review technologies.

Key Takeaways

• Bluebeam Max has a tight integration with Claude from Anthropic via MCP (model context protocol), thus giving Bluebeam Revu users a natural language path to prompt Revu into automating numerous regular and repeating Bluebeam Revu workflows.
• Smart Overlay and Smart Review are new AI-powered features that quickly enable teams to identify design changes and discrepancies across entire drawing sets and disciplines, as well as provide clear, actionable insights. 

Max brings smart automation so that Bluebeam Revu customers can accelerate their workflows by automating away tedious and time-consuming tasks.

This image shows Bluebeam Max with Revu and Claude integration. Click the image to read the AI prompt workflow and the output that can be generated.

Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam, stated:

Bluebeam Max delivers these specific functionalities that are either entirely new or substantially automated from regular Bluebeam Revu prior, including:

• Revu + Anthropic Claude via MCP — enabling natural language prompts to automate repetitive tasks and transform markup data into actionable insights.
• Stitching — automatically combines multiple drawing sheets into a single, navigable, to-scale view for large and linear infrastructure projects.
• Magic Markups — to automate repetitive markup and reduce manual clicks, making takeoffs faster and more accurate.
• Smart Overlay — allowing teams to quickly identify design changes and discrepancies across entire drawing sets and disciplines.
• Smart Review — provides clear, actionable insights into design discrepancies, scope gaps, and missing information to catch issues early and prevent costly setbacks.
• Connected Studio Sessions with Revit, linking Bluebeam markups directly to the correct location in Revit drawing and model views to collaborate effectively across PDF and BIM.

The results from over 2,000 beta program users reported that productivity gains from Bluebeam Max were substantial, calling it a “game-changer” for design and planning workflows.

Client Success Stories

Martin-Harris Construction 

Martin-Harris was a Max beta tester firm. They benefited from Bluebeam Max with multiple Revu workflows, including utilizing Max’s Smart Overlay and Smart Review features to compare revisions for pricing and impact analysis during both design and construction.

The Bluebeam Max supports a deeper integration between Bluebeam Revu and Autodesk Revit.

“Bluebeam is already the backbone of how we review and collaborate on projects, but Bluebeam Max takes that to another level,” said James Miranda, Director of Preconstruction at Martin-Harris Construction.  “Features like Smart Overlay help us instantly see what’s changed and where to focus, which is critical when you’re managing complex projects at scale. As the full AI capabilities continue to evolve, this has the potential to significantly reduce manual effort and free up our teams to focus on higher-value coordination and decision-making.”

KPFF Consulting Engineers – Los Angeles Office

KPFF also found notable gains with Bluebeam Max, where its LA-based civil and structural engineers benefit from Bluebeam Revu in their day-to-day work.

“Even small improvements can have a big impact on our workflows,” said Dillon Wilke, Associate and Bluebeam Max early adopter at KPFF LA Civil Office. “Features like offset are reducing the need to go back into CAD for certain tasks, especially when working with parallel utilities or curved geometry. What used to take multiple manual steps can now be done much more efficiently in one place.”

Bluebeam Max is available now, and readers interested in learning more can do so by following this link and reading more in our analysis and commentary section below.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Last year, Bluebeam announced it was acquiring AEC AI startup Firmus-AI. That technology included the foundations for Smart Compare and Smart Review, based on Firmus-AI’s. Bluebeam already innovated the industry’s first “compare” features, but Firmus-AI took it to another level, and now that technology is inside Bluebeam Max. 

Firmus-AI’s solutions were cloud applications, and we can see that the newly integrated AI-powered capabilities in Smart Compare and Smart Review are also cloud-based. Notice the browser window. But notice the dashboard summary.

The Smart Review AI technology is equally impactful, if not more so. AEC design professionals struggle to maintain consistency and catch conflicts and omissions in their drawings due to the sheer volume and time pressures to get projects out the door. Now Bluebeam Max has the tools to help solve that glaring issue in the AEC. This AI technology can read AEC industry drawings and identify scope gaps, contradictions, errors, and omissions. Running Smart Review and Smart Compare can help architects and engineers increase accuracy and consistency in their documentation before it heads out to the construction site, helping prevent construction issues and embarrassing conflicts that cost owners money and increase liability for design and engineering professionals. 

Another impact-building new feature is the stronger tie-in to Revit so that comment markups link back into the right locations in Revit, where architects, engineers, and designers live to take action on these issues. 

And last but not least, the Anthropic Claude integration enables Revu users to leverage AI to compare two documents (document 1 and document 2) and highlight the differences in the Bluebeam issues markup list. A perfect example would be different versions of a section in the building code. See how the building code or any kind of document has changed. 

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Claude Meets SketchUp

A new SketchUp Connector brings in the power of an MCP (model context protocol) service that allows Claude to interact directly with SketchUp (.SKP) files.

Key Takeaways

• SketchUp users can utilize Claude AI to generate 3D models from prompts, including both text prompts and pictures.
• SketchUp users will need a Claude AI account to utilize the new SketchUp Connector for Claude.

The connectivity benefits users by enhancing their ability to create 3D models, regardless of their SketchUp 3D modeling skill level.

What Can You Model

Users can create new geometry by simply describing their design goals, such as building massing models, landscapes, or furniture.

SketchUp Connector for Claude AI powers AI-generated 3D modeling in Trimble SketchUp.

They can provide plain-language inputs, reference images, sketches, photos, floor plans, and dimensions that they upload to give Claude the necessary context to understand the design modeling objective. Claude then builds the geometry in a cloud SketchUp session, iteratively verifying the dimensions.

Chris Cronin, vice president and general manager of architecture and design solutions at Trimble, says:

“Natural language prompts and the power of AI make it easy for anyone to get started and excel,” adds Cronin, “including inexperienced and non-traditional 3D design users, bringing us closer to our ‘3D for everyone’ goal.”

This new specialized Claude integration with SketchUp is consistent with Trimble’s overall initiatives to democratize advanced technologies and make them available to a wider range of users.

More Claude Advantages

SketchUp Claude Connector also tracks version history within a single chat, allowing users to quickly navigate, troubleshoot, and refine their models. If the design is not quite correct, the user can describe what is wrong, and Claude will make adjustments based on what is specified as wrong.

MORE: Trimble set to acquire AI-powered Document Crunch

When a model is complete, the Connector creates a 2D preview thumbnail and provides a direct download link to the (.SKP) file. Once downloaded, the user can then manually edit the model.

And one more final note. Users can train Claude on core skills and unique workflows to complete competitive tasks.

Availability

Users can get started today by enabling Trimble SketchUp in Claude’s MCP directory connector settings. Accessing the connector does require a Claude account and a Trimble ID for authentication. Users receive a free SketchUp entitlement that allows them to save up to 30 SketchUp models; after that, a paid entitlement is required. Resulting files can be opened in SketchUp for Web, Desktop, iPad, or iPhone.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

As some additional directions. When you log into your Claude account, go to Customize, click on Connect your Apps, and then you will have a list of all of Anthropic’s partners. Search for Trimble. Hit the plus icon to connect Claude with SketchUp. 

View of Claude’s main sign-in page. You need an Anthropic Claude account in order to link SketchUp to Claude for AI-powered modeling.

In watching some users explore this technology, the results are varied but also quite solid. Reference images only type Claude-generations may be off quite a bit, while others are strangely very good. Perhaps most positive is that a combination of detailed reference images (those including dimensions), combined with detailed prompts with dimensions, can yield substantially good results. We are talking about whole combinations of rooms, like a bedroom suite. Another positive side is that Anthropic‘s Claude appears to be quite fast. Trimble doesn’t really note that in their announcement, but user tests are showing good speed for results. You still have to download the file, but that doesn’t take a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, especially if Claude saves you 30 minutes of modeling. 

The post SketchUp Adds Anthropic’s Claude—AI-powered 3D modeling appeared first on Architosh.

New in Revit 2027

Revit 2027 focuses on three primary areas: AI and data-driven BIM, production efficiency, and a modernized experience, which includes UI improvements.

Key Takeaways

• Autodesk Revit 2027 features on-board MCP (model context protocol) AI technology to enable context-aware AI.
• Autodesk Assistant can perform common workflow tasks, like finding and tagging elements, generating views and schedules, and more. 
• Revit 2027 features deeper connectivity with updated Forma Cloud offerings
• Accelerated Graphics is no longer in tech preview—Section Box offers real-time graphics

Revit 2027 now features Autodesk Assistant, an AI text prompt tool that leverages MCP technology to help you implement a large array of BIM functions, from finding and tagging all elements of a certain type, to generating certain views and organizing schedules, to providing in-product guidance to complete tasks and resolve issues.

Autodesk Assistant (tech preview), shown in this image of the new Revit 2027, helps users more deeply with context-aware AI assistance.

Autodesk’s AI agent (Autodesk Assistant) leverages Anthropic’s MCP (model context protocol) and is the first version of Revit to officially leverage a built-in MCP server. Introduced in 2024 by Anthropic, MCP is an open-source standard designed to solve “isolation” problems in AI models. What that means in short is that MCP enables AI to look into live BIM model data as if it were a native part of the Revit software, thereby bypassing the long-standing problem of BIM data being isolated within the walled garden of a software application. (see Architosh Analysis and Commentary for more).

MORE: Event: ‘archi+tech’ Social Night at AIA Conference in San Diego

This enables Autodesk Assistant to help you manage and accelerate your BIM workflows, refine those BIM workflows, and automate them. Autodesk Assistant can also save your prompts, so repeatable work goes faster. While early AI tools in Autodesk software helped you understand the application and what it can do, MCP-based AI actually helps you run the Revit 2027 software.

Forma Connectivity

To aid efficiency across teams and multi-stakeholder workflows, Revit 2027 has new connections to the newly updated Forma Cloud. Revit 2027 connects to the new Forma Data Management Essentials, Forma Site Design, Forma Building Design, and Forma Board. All of this comes as standard with a Revit 2027 subscription. For the user, this establishes a cloud foundation for Revit 2027 users, from early-phase site analysis and preliminary design through CDs to construction-phase workflows.

MORE: Autodesk intros new Forma Building Design

Issues for Revit are now part of the core Revit 2027 version. Users can display pinned issues from Forma Data Management directly in their model or create the issues directly in a Revit 3D view, assign responsibilities and due dates, and associate models. The Revit 2027 user can continually monitor and track issues from inside Revit.

Revit 2027 also improves interoperability with more granular control over the model, generating superior IFC exports for consultants. There is a new updated IFC parameter mapping control toolset. Recap Pro and Revit are also more tightly integrated.

Modernized Experience

Revit 2027 is also improved under the hood. Revit’s Accelerated Graphics is no longer a tech preview but is fully supported. The Options Bar is now removed, offering a cleaned-up modern UI/UX. And under the hood, Revit 2027 has been updated to .NET 10 runtime, which provides a faster, more modern, and stable foundation for Revit and its add-ins.

Accelerated Graphics is now foundational in Revit 2027 and works in tandem with .NET 10, which enables Revit to keep pace with modern software development on chips with unified memory (Intel Core Ultra, Apple M-series, etc.). Improved multi-processing due to .NET 10 fundamentally changes how the GPU and CPU process their memory tasks simultaneously, this time during Section Box manipulations.

Dynamo 4.0.2 now runs on .NET 10, resulting in dramatically faster geometry operations, helping complex parametric workflows. As for day-to-day use, the graduation of Accelerated Graphics from tech preview is the biggest win for users, says Autodesk. This is especially true for the user with a powerful GPU.

The section box now updates in real-time as you drag it, a huge win for Revit users who have longed for this since seeing it in rival BIM solutions offered years ago. Archicad’s 3D Cutting Planes have felt instant for well over a decade, and Vectorworks introduced its Clip Cube back in 2014. Why did Revit lag on this for so long? The difference goes back to how Revit was originally coded. Revit has worked by recalculating the entire model’s visibility and graphics every time the box moved. (see our Analysis Section below for a more technical explanation).

With Accelerated Graphics now foundational to Revit in version 2027, it should mean users experience much improved model navigation, increasing speed and responsiveness.

To learn more and watch some videos of the new Revit 2027, visit here. 

Editor’s Note

15 Apr 26 — The article has made a correction with Model Context Protocol, correcting “control” for “context.”

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Software applications have long been a “walled garden” for data, especially for CAD and design applications like BIM. The long-held way to get data out of the walled garden was through a gateway we call “exporting” into industry-standard file formats like DWG, STEP, or IFC, for example. Another way data has been accessible outside the walls of the application is through a dedicated API (application programming interface) provided by the application itself. However, MCP solves technical limitations in an API. Every application API has its own inherent structure, and an AI model like Claude or ChatGPT doesn’t necessarily know how to talk to a Revit API. Without having to write thousands of lines of code to teach an AI how to translate AI prompts into API commands, MCP offers a plug-and-play MCP server model where you can point a generic AI like Claude at the server and the AI self-discovers what an application (like Revit) can actually do by reading its menus and available tools, commands, and knowledge. 

You can think of it like this. With Revit 2027 now having its own MCP server, an AI agent can learn nearly everything about Revit, map its software’s capabilities, and understand your specific BIM model’s data. The MCP server itself provides a list of JSON-based schemas that define what the AI can actually do. And the AI instantly understands your BIM model in context. There is so much to be said about the MCP technology in Revit 2027. (see, BIMsmith, “Revit 2027: What the Built-in MCP Server Actually Does in Practice,” 7 Apr 2026).

Finally, on the live section box, catch up. Why so long? The answer is that Revit was originally built as a massive relational database—a parametric spiderweb, if you will. In Revit, every element is aware of every other element. Historically, when you moved the Section Box, Revit tried to “re-solve” those relationships for every element being cut. The foundational issue is how Revit “thinks” about the model versus how other BIM solutions think about the model. 

In the case of Revit’s primary rival, Archicad separated the visual representation from the “database” much earlier. Well over a decade earlier. The same with its sister BIM, Vectorworks. The 3D visual environment of Archicad is more like a video game environment, built for real-time speed and interactivity. So, in short, Autodesk finally decoupled the “visual state” from the “database state” as part of its Accelerated Graphics technologies. We believe it now keeps a cached version of the model’s geometry in your GPU’s memory, enabling the user to interact with that geometry while the CPU waits for the mouse to stop before it rebuilds the Revit database. .NET 10 enables these actions to happen in simultaneous multi-processing threads. 

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Forma Building Design

Forma’s origins come from the Spacemaker.ai acquisition from a few years ago, where the Scandinavian SaaS offering was focused on pre-design and early design analysis.

Key Takeaways

• Forma Building Design is a new product offering from Autodesk and works like a specialized module within the broader Forma AEC industry cloud.
• Revit is the first official Forma Connected Client, and the implication here is that there will be more Forma Connected Clients in the future

Forma Building Design (FBD) enables teams to develop more complete architectural designs based on analysis data, including daylight, sun hours, and carbon energy impacts. It begins with teams geolocating their building site, which happens in minutes. FBD can then generate building design options, and architects can evaluate these based on a comprehensive set of analysis data.

Autodesk introduces Forma Building Design with Revit as first Forma Connected Client. The new application expands the existing Forma platform toolset and is a supplement to Forma Site Design.

Forma Building Design enables direct plan and massing manipulation so architects can work fluidly in a way that is much more difficult in today’s BIM tools. Program areas, unit types, and mixes are all definable and can serve as criteria in an outcome-defined workflow. The entire goal and purpose of Forma Building Design (FBD) is for architects and designers to explore and evaluate design options quickly before committing to more detailed design directions and pushing into other tools to continue the design work.

Sandra Petkute Roberts, Solutions Consultant at Arcadis, says:

“Forma Building Design is making it easier for us to explore more facade and layout ideas without heavy manual effort or in-depth expertise in more complex tools,” she adds. “With the potential to scale well across different teams and regions, Forma Building Design makes early design exploration more accessible for our designers during the schematic design process.”

To help teams do deeper energy analysis work in early phases, Forma Carbon Insights is also available now across Forma Building Design.

Revit as First Client

Autodesk Revit is the first Forma Connected Client and is now available as such in Tech Preview mode.

Forma Building Design also works with Forma Board as well as Forma Data Management Essentials.

Inside Tech Preview, teams can move building and sites into Revit from Forma Building Design and Forma Site Design, respectively, without manual file exchanges. The Revit connection is an important first step in the broader Forma Connected Clients initiative and will continue to expand to additional desktop solutions over time.

Availability

All current Revit subscribers now have access to Forma Site Design, Forma Building Design, Forma Board, and Forma Data Management Essentials. The Essentials version of Forma Data Management (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud) provides all Revit subscribers with a more basic version of Autodesk’s cloud-based AEC industry CDE (common data environment). (see, Architosh, “Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is now Autodesk Forma,” 31 Mar 2026).

To learn more about Forma Building Design, visit here.

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Real-Time Redshift

Starting with sister company Vectorworks, Maxon has launched Redshift for Vectorworks, the German company’s first real-time archviz solution. Alongside this release, Redshift for Revit is also announced as an official beta launch. (There are open sign-ups here.)

Maxon Redshift is now available for Vectorworks, offering an industry competitive real-time to final render pipeline solution.

Graphisoft’s Archicad will get its real-time Redshift for Archicad later in 2026. In all cases, the new real-time Redshift solutions for architectural design tools mark a major milestone for Maxon, which has always served high-end architectural visualization users with its famed Cinema 4D solution. The new Redshift real-time technology embeds its features directly into the host design applications.

“Maxon’s tools have a rich history in media and entertainment, used by the creative teams behind so many popular Hollywood movies to create Oscar-winning visual effects,” said Nicolas Burtnyk, Maxon’s Executive VP Rendering. “Now, we’re bringing this same magic to architects and interior designers, helping them translate their vision into cinematic visual experiences worthy of big screens.”

Solution Details

Engineered for architects and interior designers, Maxon is bringing its award-winning Redshift rendering technologies straight into the AEC industry’s globally leading BIM and design solutions, beginning with global BIM/CAD solution Vectorworks.

An example of Maxon Redshift’s rendering quality.

Redshift for Vectorworks launches alongside the release of Vectorworks 2026 Update 4. The solution allows users to smoothly move from real-time design previews to high-end, photorealistic renders all within the same unified ecosystem. Redshift for Revit (now in beta) and Redshift for Archicad will be released later in 2026, with further launches planned for 2027.

Technicals include:

• Archviz in real-time — Architects can visualize designs instantly in real time, then elevate scenes using the same Redshift technology used in feature films – without leaving their CAD environment. Projects can be sent to Cinema 4D with a single click for advanced modeling, animation, simulation, fly-throughs, and rendering.

• Exceptional ease of adoption — Early user testing highlights a key priority: effortless setup, intuitive controls, and fast results, especially for iterative workflows where architects need to explore lighting, materials, and composition quickly.

• Intelligent, production-ready asset libraries — Maxon’s platform includes a vast library of assets known as “Capsules” – materials, plants, furniture, and environmental elements – updated monthly and supported by procedural tools and AI-assisted search for rapid scene building and creative iteration. As the Archviz solution evolves, so will its library.

• Full Mac and Windows parity — Whether teams work on Mac, Windows, or a mix of both, Maxon’s AEC solution delivers consistent performance and functionality across platforms. Architects can collaborate fluidly, share files with confidence, and maintain unified workflows throughout their design-to-visualization process.

• Better value for architects and studios — Compared with market alternatives, Maxon’s first-wave AEC offering launches at a significantly more affordable price, while offering compatibility with broader DCC pipelines, including Maya and Houdini.

Maxon will be showcasing this new Redshift product line at upcoming architecture and AEC events, including the DigitalBAU (24-26 Mar 2026) and AIA26 Conference on Architecture and Design (10-13 Jun 2026), in San Diego, California.

Availability and Cost

Redshift for Vectorworks is available now for purchase through either Maxon or Vectorworks (initially only in English language, with additional language support coming soon). When bundled with Vectorworks, users can benefit from significant discounts, making it the most affordable renderer in its category.

Redshift for Revit Beta Sign Up

For readers who are Revit users and want to sign up to test out the beta, visit here.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Maxon’s Redshift renderer is a GPU-accelerated raytracing system and provides real-time raytracing. The more powerful your GPU, the faster and smoother the UX. Like several of its chief real-time rendering competitors, Redshift for Archviz—which will ship as an annual subscription and include all integration plugins—works as a plugin in a host application and brings up a second dedicated Redshift rendered window from which a side-by-side view is shown. When you rotate your building model in, say, Vectorworks, the building rotates in synch in the Redshift window. 

The visual results shift as you move around in the environment. When you stop the rendering, it up-scales in quality. We are curious how fast Redshift may be on the latest M5 Pro and M5 Max chips since they have much more powerful GPU cores with a neural accelerator in each core. We hope to speak to Maxon executives soon to learn more details about this new offering. So far, the demo results look compelling, but the market is crowded with excellent solutions. One thing we did notice is that Redshift for Archviz is priced quite low at just USD 289.00 per year. That is a compelling offer. 

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We have seen the Fusion technology Apple has used in the past for creating the “Ultra” versions of its M1, M2, and M3 chips. It skipped the M4 Ultra to focus on re-engineering Apple Silicon for the M5 line. Apple says this is the biggest chip design update since the original M-series debuted.

In this article, we will dive into details that others may miss and highlight the relevance of these chips to the AEC markets.

M5 Pro and Max

The M5 Pro and M5 Max are interesting because now the fusion technology is deployed between the Pro and Max, whereas previously it was deployed between the Max and Ultra. More than that, the division is between CPU and GPU, where before an entire Max chip was doubled using Apple Fusion to create the Ultra version.

Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max introduce a totally new Apple Silicon architectural strategy and industry-leading chip performance.

This time, the CPU for the Pro and Max is essentially the same, just binned with one core each, but the GPU die is doubled to get the Max variant from the Pro.

• The M5 Pro – 
• 5/6 – super cores
• 10/12 performance cores (18 core total max)
• 16/20 GPU cores

Or the:

• M5 Max –
• 6 – super cores
• 12 – performance cores (18 cores total)
• 32/40 GPU cores

Apple explicitly says in its press release that the “M5 Max pairs the 18-core CPU with an up-to-40-core GPU.” So the CPU and GPUs are definitely their own dies, and the GPU dies come in two sizes, and Apple may have engineered them so they are cuttable at the wafer level to control how many of each-sized GPU die they need.

Fusion Architecture Details

The new Fusion Architecture connects two dies with advanced IP blocks and maintains high bandwidth and low latency using advanced packaging. Exactly which sub-components on which die isn’t fully clear.

M5 Pro chip diagram (not official), based on Apple’s descriptions of the Apple Fusion Architecture. (Image: screen grab from Gary Explains, with Architosh-added text)

To make this efficient at the wafer level, the CPU and GPU dies would likely want to be the same die size, unless Apple engineered its chiplet so that TSMC produced the CPU and GPU dies on separate wafer runs. But how Apple achieves this at the manufacturing level isn’t really our concern, and we may learn about it eventually.

Super Cores and P Cores Only

Another interesting aspect of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips is that they feature only performance and super cores. There are no efficiency cores for the Pro and Max. This isn’t a full departure from ARM’s big.LITTLE architecture philosophy as the super cores are larger than the performance cores, but it signals that Apple is gunning to compete with chip competitors trying to nip at its heels, especially at multicore CPU performance.

MORE: End of an Era: How Silicon Will Decide BIM’s Future

For instance, ARM competitor Qualcomm, with its Oryon architecture, only has “performance” and “prime” cores and explicitly omits traditional efficiency (or E) cores. Qualcomm’s thinking is that performance cores are efficient enough at low voltages to handle background tasks without needing purpose-built efficiency cores. Apple seems to have fully embraced this strategy as well, at least for the M5 Pro and M5 Max.

The GPU also features Neural Accelerators integrated into each GPU core. This is a game-changer for GPU performance and AI performance alike, and it shows in Apple’s AI benchmarks.

Node and Performance

The M5 Pro and M5 Max are manufactured on TSMC’s third-generation 3-nm process (N3P), which yields only a 4% improvement in transistor density but up to 30% faster multithreaded CPU performance, which is notable. GPU performance is also substantially faster than the M4 series. Even without the efficiency cores, the new node is helping Apple get up to 24 hours of battery life.

Another notable improvement is the memory speed-up. Bandwidth is now up to 307GB/s for the M5 Pro and 614GB/s for the M5 Max, with maximum memory of 64GB and 128GB, respectively.

MORE: Intel Debuts Panther Lake—Intel 18A: For CAD and BIM? 

For graphics performance, the new chips feature enhanced shader cores with second-generation dynamic caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading. Also, Apple’s third-generation ray-tracing engine is onboard these new chips, which will improve rendering performance across numerous AEC applications.

Massive Single-Core

Apple leads the world in single-core performance, and the new super cores are the world’s fastest yet. This is partly driven by increased front-end bandwidth (wider front end, new cache hierarchy, and new branch prediction technology. Apple remains hyper-focused on industry-leading IPC (instructions per clock), and the ultra-wide fetch and decoder can process more instructions simultaneously before they even reach the execution units.

Vectorworks Architect is showcased on Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max webpage. The application is a model of modern code development for OS-centric optimization across platforms, but especially macOS. Maxon’s Redshift rendering engine is also noted and featured in this image. These kinds of tools are highly single-threaded and dependent for main design modeling tasks.

At the same time, the 30% improvement in multicore CPU performance is also dramatic, and we will see how the M5 Max fairs against the leading Apple Silicon chip on multithreaded performance, the M3 Ultra.

AI Performance

But beyond Fusion, Apple’s strategy of placing a Neural Accelerator into every single GPU core is another major architectural change in Apple Silicon, yielding big results. Apple says the M5 Pro and M5 Max offer over 4x peak GPU compute for AI compared to the previous M4 generation of chips. This is massive.

Additionally, the Neural Engine itself is faster than previous versions, and these chips also boast the latest Media Engine for video workflows and an industry-first Memory Integrity Enforcement and Thunderbolt 5. Learn more here.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Apple Silicon has traditionally been strongest in IPC and single-core performance, an area we have emphasized is absolutely critical to the CAD industry because CAD and 3D software are intrinsically resistant to parallelization. The entire M5 chip family continues to place emphasis on this industry leadership, which is a boon for performance-hungry BIM and CAD professionals using macOS native CAD and BIM platforms, from AutoCAD to Vectorworks and everything in between. 

It is notable that the M5 base model chip also features the same architecture core improvements, with four Super cores being paired with six Efficiency Cores. The base M5 chip maxes out its unified memory at 32 GB, which is the threshold you need to run Windows in Parallels in a professional AEC environment. This is the one regret we have, as a 48 GB option would have given the market a more affordable machine for contractors. They only need to run tools like Revit, SketchUp, and Bluebeam, along with web-based tools like Procore, but they are generally not authoring in tools like Revit. 

For architects who need access to Windows apps like Revit but prefer working on the Mac, the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro at 48 GB is an ideal starting point for a powerful mobile workstation with industry-leading snappiness across all native applications. 

Beyond all this, the new shader cores, third-gen ray-tracing engine, and Neural Accelerators in each GPU core all benefit visualization tools and workflows that architects and designers need.

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This is the largest startup investment in Autodesk’s history and echoes a conviction that AI should augment, not replace, human ingenuity while going beyond text and language and entering the physical world.

World Labs

World Labs is a frontier AI research company co-founded by Dr. Fei-Fei Li (CEO), Justin Johnson, Christopher Lassner, and Ben Mildenhall. The company is focused on spatial intelligence and is a world leader in this domain of artificial intelligence. World Labs is building AI models that can perceive, generate, reason, and interact with the 3D world.

A screen capture from Autodesk’s video on its investment in World Labs. We like this image because it conjures the feeling of the unknown and the weightlessness of the promises of AI. How much weight will AI tech take off the shoulders of design professionals? But at the same time, working in the future of AI is like working in outer space. It’s that radical. (IMAGE:  Autodesk)

World Labs’ first product is called Marble, and it generates spatially consistent, high-fidelity 3D environments that you can inhabit and move through. Once created, you can also edit them as you are inhabiting them. You can also model inside them with familiar modeling tools, but in general, the feeling is a combination of traditional 3D manipulation and text-prompt-based editing and generation.

Investment from Autodesk

World Labs’ Marble platform looks especially strong in many, if not most, of the fields that Autodesk software operates, from architecture and interiors to robotics and manufacturing to gaming and entertainment. The strategic investment at a glance looks like this:

• USD 200 million in World Labs (an AI startup working at the frontier of AI)
• Autodesk’s largest startup investment to date
• A research-level / technical collaboration focused on physical-world AI and multimodal world models.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li remarks about the backing and investment by Autodesk and their strategic collaboration, saying:

“Physical AI must understand worlds, not just words. With Autodesk’s deep expertise in geometry, simulation, and real-world design, we have a uniquely complementary opportunity to ground AI in how the world is actually designed and built, for designers, builders, and creators.”

Marble’s API technology enables third-party tool providers to leverage the World Labs AI technologies in their host applications. One such application is web-based Fenestra. (see image below).

World Labs spatial intelligence AI technologies have attracted the investment interest of Autodesk, AMD, Nvidia, Fidelity, and more.

Both Marble and Fenestra are fully web-based, and both support Gaussian Splats rendering through SparkJS. When a user submits an image or text prompt using Fenestra, the web-based software connects to the Marble API and constructs a navigable 3D environment, which can be further edited and explored. Both spatial and 2D elements can coexist in supplying the AI engine the inference data it needs.

Another tool using the Marble API is Interior AI. This new tool has garnered quite a bit of publicity from top-shelf press, including the New York Times and Fast Company. We don’t like its homepage tag line, “Fire your interior designer,” and the messaging it sends, and especially think that Autodesk’s position with AI technologies is that they will complement the design professional, not eliminate them.

What Autodesk is saying is that the company wants to forge a different path for AI, as opposed to the hyperscale AI investments and centralized platforms crunching on ever larger LLMs. They write, “Our investment in World Labs represents a different path, focused on solving the hardest problems in designing, building, and operating the physical world, guided by human needs and domain expertise rather than scale alone.”

To read the blog post about the investment, go here. 

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

With a USD 1 billion funding round from heavy hitters like Nvidia and Fidelity, Autodesk’s largest-ever investment in a startup appears to be a strong strategic play. We wonder how the Marble API may interact with the new AI technologies we saw at last Fall’s Autodesk University. Those neural CAD engines were aimed at a different kind of utilization of AI technologies, but we can certainly see how multimodal AI workflows and technologies can be combined. 

World Labs says they are focusing next on fully interconnected design canvases. Fenestra is working on what they are calling an Infinite Canvas. CAD and BIM systems today already have infinite internal 3D and paper-space 2D worlds (ie, “canvases”). What we are seeing in the AEC/O market is vast, rapid advancements in the “pixel”-based technology stream of our industry. This has been the case since Midjourney and GANs. AEC pros, however, must get this pixel image-oriented or vide-oriented pixel laden content into precise and accurate parametric 2/3D vectorial data. That challenge has begun, but it’s a vital bridge piece that will greatly help the acceleration of these kinds of AI visual tools in the AEC markets (not that these tools aren’t already on fire in the market, because they are!) 

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The update is built on the latest version of Maxon’s acclaimed Redshift rendering engine and supports Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPU, Nvidia Hopper GPUs, as well as Apple M4 and M5 systems. The company says this is a major architectural update to the benchmark software.

Cinebench 2026

Based on the latest Redshift rendering engine, Cinebench 2026 reflects real-world 3D production workloads more accurately than ever before, applicable to 3D CAD/BIM/DCC industries. Redshift is Cinema 4D’s default rendering engine, and the benchmark now leverages the latest technological advancements in Redshift’s development.

Cinebench 2026 is now available and free.

The new benchmark supports Nvidia’s new Blackwell (5000 series) GPUs, AMD 9000 series GPUs on Windows, as well as Nvidia Hopper and Blackwell datacenter GPUs. Moreover, the latest version also supports Apple M4 and M5-based Macs.

The benchmark is also capable of evaluating the performance of SMT-enabled CPU cores, so users can directly assess the performance gains offered by SMT (simultaneous multithreading) compared to single-threaded execution. SMT refers to a processor’s ability to run multiple execution threads on a single physical core by sharing internal resources, and the term is used by AMD. Intel has its own term for this called Hyper-Threading.

More Technical Details

As most Architosh readers are aware, rendering is a highly parallel workload, and multicore processors can speed up render times dramatically. SMT and Intel’s Hyper-Threading essentially enable the operating system to see a processor’s physical cores as made up of two or more “logical” cores. For example, a 6-core CPU with SMT enabled will show 12 threads in Cinebench 2026’s multi-core test.

SMT and Hyper-Threading boost chip efficiencies. If one thread is waiting for data from memory, the core can use the idle time to process instructions for the second thread. When rendering software is well-optimized, SMT can provide performance gains of over 30% compared to running just one thread per core.

Apple Silicon Comparisons

While Apple’s M4 and M5 chips are significantly faster than Intel and AMD’s best processors at single-core performance, Apple has yet to deploy SMT. The new CPU Single Core vs Single Thread tests in Cinebench 2026 make for a useful comparison to processors from Apple, as well as to see how performance gain is enabled by SMT for AMD and Intel processors.

Because of the new architectural improvements to Cinebench 2026, the new scoring system is not compatible (comparable) with Cinebench 2024 scores.

To obtain the new free Cinebench 2026 industry-standard benchmark, go here to download.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Cinebench is considered a top industry-standard benchmarking software and is used and cited widely by Intel, AMD, Apple, and other chip makers. While Geekbench 6.5 is widely considered the best tool for comparing disparate chip architectures (like ARM vs x86), Cinebench is also right up there in that category due to its extensive cross-platform capability. It supports Windows on x86, Windows on ARM, and macOS (x86 and ARM). However, Geekbench covers a broad spectrum of everyday and professional computing tasks that are typically relatively short. On the flip side, Cinebench has always focused on brute-force “sustained” chip performance. Why does this distinction matter, especially for CAD and 3D users? 

Geekbench 6.5 tests and subtests are rather short (under five minutes). They also include a 5-second pause between sub-tests to minimize thermal throttling (ie, prevent it from happening). This makes it the gold standard for “bursty” single-core responsiveness kinds of tests. And CAD and BIM tools, in particular, are not only dominantly single-core (single-threaded) but also the workflows are very “bursty” by nature. In CAD and 3D, there are pauses between actions as the user manipulates 2D and 3D content. This makes it a very good test for measuring how “snappy” a computer feels when opening up an app or moving a line in CAD. 

Cinebench, on the other hand, measures “sustained” performance (not “bursty” performance) and will test a system’s chips to the maximum of their thermal and power limits. This is critical because in the real world, processors can throttle down performance when thermal limits are reached. And this is critical in mobile computers, where, under battery power, peak performance may be very short. If a given chip relies on “bursting” to hit peak performance and has poor cooling capability, its Cinebench score will likely plummet over time as Cinebench runs tests for 10-30 minutes. This is where we are likely to see large advantages of Apple Silicon (M4 / M5) over Intel and AMD mobile processors. 

Cinebench also tests how CPUs and GPUs handle large parallelized rendering workloads. It also measures 3D ray-tracing which is extremely taxing on heavy floating-point math. And a big reason why Cinebench is so widely considered a standard is for its multicore focus, where the system’s many cores can be hammered simultaneously at full power. Because the operating system has less input compared to other benchmarks, Cinebench is a favorite of high-end workstation builders and overclockers. 

We use both Geekbench and Cinebench as primary comprehensive testing tools. The first captures the “bursty” nature of general computing and CAD/BIM apps, while the latter (Cinebench) captures raw power and “sustained” performance up against a system’s thermal limits. We highly recommend both for readers to deploy when benchmarking their own systems and setups. 

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Importantly, SketchUp AI introduces two new powerful AI tools—AI Render and AI Assistant.

Sketchup AI

Trimble SketchUp now deploys “AI-driven modeling assistance.” These are the intrepid early steps BIM and 3D modeling companies are taking with AI inference, and where we point out in our special feature (coming Christmas Eve day), it shows direction for the future of BIM and how such compute workloads (in this case, inference-based generative geometry creation) are executed more favorably on GPUs and NPUs, and in this particular case, in the cloud.

AI Render

AI Render is the other half of the new SketchUp AI. Formerly called Sketchup Diffusion, this technology is also inference-based and can work with negative prompts, reference images, and inpainting. The goal is for SketchUp users to rapidly produce compelling visualizations, working with AI Render’s capabilities and predefined styles.

Trimble’s new SketchUp AI offers powerful generative-AI 3D capabilities, allowing users to text-prompt to new geometric 3D forms.

With AI Render, a user can combine their SketchUp model with a text prompt and/or predefined styles to create rendered images in seconds. These can be early-phase images or final quality images for realistic client deliverables.

AI Assitant

This new technology is a chatbot that is a 3D modeling partner. ‘AI Assistant’ can help the SketchUp user navigate, troubleshoot, or create 3D geometry in SketchUp. Generate Object, an AI Assistant capability, allows the user to turn a text prompt or image into 3D objects in seconds. These objects can then be utilized as part of your SketchUp model or scene.

“The design process should feel intuitive, not cumbersome,” said Sandra Winstead, senior director of product management at Trimble. “We are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI. By reducing time-consuming tasks and lowering the barrier to entry for modeling and visualization, SketchUp AI empowers professionals to explore creative ideas more freely, work more efficiently, and make informed decisions at every stage of the design process — all within SketchUp.”

To learn more, visit here.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary:  In the case of SketchUp AI inference abilities, they are offloaded to the cloud and are possibly being computed on Nvidia Blackwell or Hopper GPUs at Microsoft Azure. Since SketchUp Diffusion requires an active internet connection to work, we know these AI features are not locally computed. So what we see here is what we are talking about in the special feature on silicon’s role on the future of BIM. SketchUp AI is a classic example of “heterogeneous” compute, mixing CPU, GPU, and NPU-based workloads. Though at this moment, it likely is just CPU and GPU (local) and GPU (cloud AI). 

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Vectorworks Architect, the company’s flagship product for the AEC industry, won the honor over the competition. Moreover, OMI Architects, a Vectorworks-based firm, won the Sustainability Project of the Year award for the Havelock project.

Top Honors

“We are delighted to be recognized by the Construction Computing Awards,” said Rubina Siddiqui, AIA, senior product marketing director at Vectorworks. “This honor reaffirms our commitment to empowering design professionals with tools that combine creative freedom, workflow efficiency, and sustainable design. In a time when innovation, agility, and environmental responsibility are more vital than ever, Vectorworks Architect helps designers bring bold, sustainable ideas to life — and this award reflects that impact.”

Vectorworks Architect takes top honor for Best Architectural Design Software.

The Construction Computing Awards recognize outstanding technologies, tools, and solutions that power continued efficiencies and innovation in the AEC industry. Winners were recognized during a ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London.

Havelock Project

Located at 70 Great Bridgewater Street in Manchester, the Havelock project transformed a dated office building, formerly known as Evershed House, into a modern, energy-efficient workspace. Utilizing Vectorworks Architect, OMI Architects collaborated closely with their project partners to coordinate design models, optimize building performance, and communicate design intent across every stage of development.

More Info

The complete list of winners is available here and will also be featured in the November/December issues of CAD User and Construction Computing magazines.

To learn more about the latest release, visit vectorworks.net/2026.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

The Nemetschek Group companies tend to dominate the Hammers each year, a clear recognition of the popularity of their software products in the UK’s AEC industry. Vectorworks Architect 2026 delivered more innovation this year in a continued direction towards deepening the program’s core strengths in graphics leadership (both 2D and 3D) for a BIM solution, innovative UI updates, worksheet slicing, new BIM tools for windows and doors, and dashboard technology in its first instance as a sustainability dashboard complete with embodied carbon analysis. 

The post Vectorworks Wins “Architectural Design Software of the Year” appeared first on Architosh.

Additionally, there are new professional 2D conceptual drafting tools in LayOut and much more, as we describe below.

SketchUp Advancements

As part of SketchUp for Desktop, there are now all-new sharing and real-time viewing capabilities. Architects and designers can securely share models with stakeholders, controlling who can view and comment on the model shared. The built-in commenting functionality allows those with whom the model is shared to add comments and attach them specifically to 3D geometry, ensuring conversations are linked to the relevant part of the model.

The latest SketchUp launches with in-app collaboration and real-time multi-party participation.

All collaborators see instant updates to the model, creating a shared space for real-time design conversations. Moreover, cursor and camera tracking features allow clients and stakeholders to follow along during presentations, making sure nobody gets lost and everyone is on the same page.

“Great designs are shaped by conversation, iteration, and shared insight,” said Sandra Winstead, senior director of product management, architecture, and design at Trimble. “Rather than jumping between email threads or third-party tools to hold conversations, collaborate, and make design decisions, we’ve built collaboration directly into SketchUp. Now, designers can have a two-way dialogue with clients and project stakeholders in the SketchUp model for quicker iterations and better alignment throughout the design process. Collectively, from collaboration to documentation, context and visualization, these advancements impact critical design workflows, helping designers move from concept to reality with greater speed, clarity, and confidence.”

Improved Documentation

SketchUp comes with LayOut, its paper-space-oriented application for setting up drawing sheets with basic drafting capabilities. There are now new 2D drafting tools that are more intuitive and precise for drawing common documentation tasks. There is also a new set of scrapbooks for quick access to standard architectural graphics, such as doors and windows for scaled, 2D composition in LayOut.

Real-time collaboration will be a benefit for Construction Industry professionals as they utilize SketchUp as a construction BIM platform.

Additionally, this latest version of SketchUp features enhanced DWG export and preserves SketchUp geometry and tags, and rework is minimized when moving from 3D in SketchUp to 2D in other CAD and BIM tools.

Improved Site Context

Upgrades to Scan Essentials streamline the process of adding real-world conditions from point clouds into designs and create a seamless workflow when working with a shared coordinate system. New tools, Textured Projection, Surface Mesh, and scene management capabilities open up more efficient and improved ways of working with point clouds for visual outputs. Users have new import options in Add Location to easily add existing buildings into the terrain as pre-built 3D geometry.

Visualization

The visual qualities of SketchUp have also been enhanced. Users gain more precision in stylistic control and a wider range of options, from Color Ambient Occlusion, Ambient Occlusion Scale Multiplier, and Invert Roughness. An upgraded Diffusion Labs offers higher-fidelity AI visualization, enabling greater control over the scene.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

These latest updates to SketchUp are transformative, turning the popular AEC 3D modeler into a real-time collaboration platform. With the features we discussed during the AIA25 BEST of SHOW award honors, we see Trimble slowly turning SketchUp into a different kind of BIM platform—one focused on “design” as opposed to “documentation” with the key BIM 2.0 characteristic of real-time, multi-party collaboration at its center. While SketchUp continues to gain more advanced features, it manages to keep its overall ethos centered on its class-leading ease-of-use.

This focus on ease-of-use may explain why SketchUp has, up to this moment, refused to address long-term demands by some of its users for more advanced (Rhino-like) modeling features built into the program as opposed to third-party add-ons filling that need. Indeed, its ease-of-use factor enables the flattest onramp to learning 3D software in the AEC industry and thereby wider stakeholder participation, which is why it remains popular with construction professionals as much as with architects, landscape architects, and interior designers.

Instead of challenging Rhino for the hearts of young architecture students, Trimble is focusing on SketchUp for seasoned AEC professionals, layering in BIM 2.0 features and slowly turning SketchUp into a new kind of BIM 3D collaboration platform anyone can use. 

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Bluebeam, one of the world’s leaders in software for the building industry, and a daughter company of German AEC industry giant the Nemetschek Group, is unveiling Bluebeam Max, a next-generation AI-powered version of its namesake flagship software Bluebeam. Bluebeam is world famous for its AEC industry-specific markup tools that contractors, engineers, and architects use for collaborating, reviewing, and marking up PDF-based construction plans and documents.

Bluebeam Max

The new Bluebeam Max is a new premium subscription plan that boosts Bluebeam Revu with a range of AI features powered by Anthropic’s Claude AI platform technologies.

Bluebeam Max with Anthropic’s Claude AI integration.

In addition to the new Claude AI integration, there are multiple other new features, including additional AI features and capabilities. Here is what Bluebeam Max looks like in full:

• Revu + Anthropic Claude Integration — this new AI integration enables Revu users to utilize natural language AI prompts to automate tasks and transform markup data into actionable insights
• AI-REVIEW — AI technology from the recent Firmus-AI acquisition, AI-REVIEW uses the industry’s leading AI technologies to surface data in drawings uploaded to the cloud to uncover design issues early and detect scope gaps.
• AI-MATCH — AI technology that automatically matches various plans in overlay fashion with unparalleled accuracy, including plans from different AEC disciplines and at different scales to help in coordination workflows.
• Stitching — automatically combines multiple drawing sheets into a single, navigable view for infrastructure-scale projects.
• Advanced “MagicWand” Markup Tools — new Convert To, Duplicate As, and Offset markup actions automate repetitive placement and reduce manual clicks to make takeoffs faster and more accurate.
• Connected Sessions with Revit — this tech bridges 2D markups with 3D BIM models for faster coordination between design and build teams.

“AEC professionals are entering a new season of intelligence where AI isn’t just a buzzword –it’s a tool that empowers teams to eliminate waste, reduce risk, and build with greater confidence,” said Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam. “Bluebeam Max is designed for this moment, blending the trusted collaboration of Revu with the transformative power of AI so our customers can spend less time managing files and more time shaping the world around us.”

In addition to the introduction to Bluebeam Max, at Unbound 2025, the Pasadena-headquartered software company also announced other important updates to its Bluebeam Revu desktop flagship software and its cloud and mobile platforms. Look for our second report on that shortly.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

As we await the keynote this Wednesday morning in DC to learn more about the new AI Claude-based features, we can safely assume that Bluebeam had a particular reason for selecting Anthropic’s Claude AI engine over competing chatbots and LLM technology from OpenAI or Google, with its Gemini AI technology. This is interesting because Nemetschek already has former AI Google researchers and experts leading the German company’s broader AI strategic plans, and the utilization of Gemini in future brand products seems assured. We look forward to learn what specific criteria led to the incorporation of Anthropic’s Claude technology. 

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Bluebeam + Procore

The new integrations are called Procore Documents + Bluebeam and Procore Submittals + Bluebeam.

Procore Documents + Bluebeam

The first of these integrations enables users to add markups directly to files stored in Procore Documents, with all changes automatically saved back to Procore. Files can be imported into Bluebeam Studio Sessions for quick, multi-user review and markup work. Project stakeholders are ensured that they have access to all the latest content without the risk of version control issues.

Procure Submittals + Bluebeam

This integration connects the Procore Submittals workflow with the powerful markup tools inside of Bluebeam. Teams can launch Bluebeam Studio Sessions directly from Procore, review the PDFs collaboratively, and return the marked-up documents automatically to Procore. This does away with the manual steps of preserving a complete audit trail for shop drawing submission, review, and approvals.

Luke Prescott, Head of Product at Bluebeam remarked:

“By deepening our integrations with Procore,” he continues, “we’re removing barriers to collaboration and ensuring that project teams can work more efficiently and accurately. Our goal is to empower construction professionals with tools that keep everyone on the same page, across the project lifecycle.”

Bluebeam + Procore integration showing the new Procore Submittals + Bluebeam integration process.

“Seamless collaboration is critical for driving efficient and successful project delivery,” said Geoff Lewis, SVP of Product Management at Procore. “Our expanded integrations with Bluebeam give customers powerful, connected workflows that reduce friction and ensure everyone is working from the same set of information. Together, we’re helping the industry build smarter and faster.”

Other Integrations

Bluebeam’s expanding integration strategy includes other leading AEC/O industry tools, both inside and outside the Nemetschek Group. Additionally, other Nemetschek Group brands also have new integrations with Procore, including:

• Solibri — The new Solibri CheckPoint integration brings advanced, cloud-based BIM model checking and issue management into Procore for real-time validation of Revit and IFC models
• GoCanvas & SiteDocs — GoCanvas enables automated mobile data collection and safety management workflows within Procore, while SiteDocs links compliance records and safety forms to projects for a unified safety platform.
• dRofus — a new workflow between dRofus and Novorender, a Procore company, allows instant visualization of BIM project data within Novorender’s 3D environment and direct integration into Procore for comprehensive coordination.

For readers wanting to learn more about other integrations and innovations from Bluebeam, they can register for the Bluebeam Unbound annual global event for AEC professionals, taking place 30 September — 2 October, in Washington, DC.

Procore and Bluebeam will host a session about the partnership on Wednesday afternoon of Unbound.

For even more industry insights, catch Bluebeam at Procore Groundbreak, October 14-16 in Houston, TX.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

It appears that Bluebeam has been making significant progress on its cloud and API technologies, and integrating more deeply is a major win for North American construction professionals who rely on both platforms extensively. At the same time, we wonder how a deeper partnership with Procore and others impacts Bluebeam’s own plans for Bluebeam Cloud. We will be in attendance at Unbound this week to hear the exciting keynotes. 

Unbound in Washington, D.C., this week will be a major event for the Nemetschek Group and not just Bluebeam. Speakers include not just Nemetschek Group CEO Yves Padrines, but also Professor Georg Nemetschek and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Duncan Wardle, former head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney, will also be a speaker. 

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However, there is one significant problem with very mature parametric CAD engines, and that is they were not designed for the AI era. They only understand computer-human input from the pre-AI era and cannot comprehend new types of inputs associated with AI and soon-to-be Agentic AI. Furthermore, parametric CAD limits the user to a preset degree of detail (from conceptual to highly detailed and dimensional) and cannot easily transition between these levels.

The first AEC-related AI foundation model sits in Forma Building Design today. The neural CAD engine enables users to rapidly move from design concept models to detailed building layouts and structural systems quickly and to iterate. (click for larger view)

Imagine if a new tool enabled rapid and iterative workflows that allowed users to explore and test ideas quickly at scale. It could then scale up these iterative tests from conceptual, rough, and approximate forms to highly detailed, dimensional versions, all within the same tool. And imagine if users could input a generative CAD system with voice-text commands, hand sketches, and images simultaneously?

Neural CAD Engines

All of this is possible, but only with neural CAD engines. Autodesk announced the existence of two neural CAD engines, one with a geometry focus aimed at the D&M workflow with Autodesk Fusion and the other with a building logic, structural, and spatial focus aimed at the AEC workflow with Autodesk Forma Building Design.

Now Autodesk asks us to imagine the following scenario:

Autodesk demonstrated the early workings of such a scenario. Using voice for input, Autodesk’s new AI foundation models (neural CAD engines) were able to ingest spoken language instruction and free-hand sketch input for the design of a chair, also pairing instructions that came in the form of a picture of a chair that had aspects the user wanted to see in their neural CAD engine-generated (generative AI) based design.

Beyond LLMs

This is moving far beyond just pairing large language models (LLMs) with existing solutions. Autodesk’s approach for the next level of AI innovation is a complete re-architecting of the traditional CAD engines behind tools like Forma, Revit, Fusion, Civil3D, AutoCAD, and more.

These new neural CAD engines are capable of creating CAD geometry from a multi-input system-level approach. At the same time, unlike the 3D graphics that today’s AI systems, such as ChatGPT, can produce, Autodesk’s new neural CAD engines generate CAD geometry that is fully editable using traditional parametric CAD inputs as well.

In terms of architecture, Autodesk’s new neural CAD AI foundation models (aka: neural CAD engines) currently consist of one dedicated to the future of Forma. It is already forming the basis of Forma Building Design, which is why the system can allow text-box instructions to generatively produce alternative building design layouts.

This view of the geometry-oriented AI Foundational Model (neural CAD engine) can create designs spontaneously from a text prompt. It is an entirely new machine learning approach to generating CAD objects, in contrast to classical parametric CAD engines that have existed for over 40 years. (click for larger view)

Forma Building Design can rapidly produce alternative designs based on changing the structural grid, selecting alternative structural systems, and more. You can ask Forma Building Design to produce a single-loaded corridor design and a double-loaded corridor design, and then the software can let you compare them side-by-side.

But in speaking to the folks at the geometry-oriented neural CAD engine about architecture—and in describing the process whereby architects today use physical trace paper in a recursive iterative process during design at both the plan, elevation, and 3D level—the importance of sketch input (something Autodesk demonstrated) with the geometry-0riented neural CAD engine seemed relevant to architecture in their eyes as well as my own. In other words, I was able to describe and somewhat convince the neural CAD guys that the AI foundation model for Fusion has capabilities that are useful for architects.

These two AI foundation models will likely share common aspects over time. The Fusion-oriented model can produce shapes that Fusion can make now. The Forma Building Design-oriented model seemed to only demonstrate box-shaped architecture. Granted, the vast majority of buildings are rectangular in nature and do not feature curved surfaced bodies or facades, but the common work of “maquee design firms” does.

Reasoning with CAD Geometry

Autodesk AI researchers have been working to teach their AI foundation models to reason with CAD geometry, systems design, and the real world. This, of course, complements their ability to reason with LLMs.

The future of these AI foundation models lies in their availability to customers, who can personalize them by tuning them to their organization’s proprietary data and processes. That is the big picture view of the future of Autodesk’s neural CAD engine models, and it offers an enticing view of the future of design.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

While Autodesk has shown its hand with its generative AI technologies, the software leader in AEC isn’t entirely in its own space with this capability. There were third-party Autodesk partners at AU25 that had similar or related generative AI technologies, including ones that could do sophisticated automation of multi-step operations inside of tools like Revit. Outside of the Autodesk world, there are competitors that are also offering similar generative AI functions. (see: Architosh, “Architosh 11th ‘BEST of SHOW’ honors for digital technologies at AIA25 Boston,” 2 Jul 2025)

However, what is perhaps most unique about Autodesk’s neural CAD engines is the demonstration of multi-modal input methods, ranging from speech to hand sketches to images to slider user-interface widgets, and the various combinations that are possible. This, combined with the company’s intention of enabling organizations to customize their AI foundational models with their own proprietary data and operate on granular data across the entire Forma cloud platform, is what sets Autodesk apart within its own ecosystem. It’s the vision of the total lifecycle of a building and its data, and where AI technologies can actively participate in various workflow processes. 

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At Autodesk University today, Autodesk made several notable announcements about its AEC/O solutions stack, including application changes, new features, rebranding, and new connectivity. A notable new application is the cloud-based Forma Building Design, a new solution inside Forma Cloud that can create BIM models at LOD200/300 detail.

At AU2025 this year, Autodesk is starting to pull together its grand vision for Autodesk Forma as the AEC/O industry’s cloud for all phases of the building lifecycle. The introduction of Forma Building Design is a notable milestone.

Forma Building Design

Said to be the first of many new Forma-branded solutions that will support a broad range of industry and project phases, “Building Design” is an easy-to-use, detailed building app with automated design tools and onboard building analysis capabilities. For instance, the demo in the keynote showed detailed daylight analysis.

With Forma Building Design, CAD and BIM professionals will be able to generate detailed building models with both speed and precision, primarily through rapid automated modeling from a Forma interface similar to what Forma looks like today.

This video showcases the evolution of Autodesk Forma. Moving forward, the cloud-based Forma will include deeper connections to desktop software from Autodesk, deeper integrated data, and collaboration features. 

As part of this new offering, Autodesk Forma, the current solution for early-stage planning, will be rebranded to Autodesk Forma Site Design. When architects begin a new project, they will be able to begin the site design process inside Forma Site Design, utilizing the capabilities for site analysis that currently exist inside Autodesk Forma. As they begin to give a building design more shape, they work within Forma Building Design.

Revit: A Forma Connected Client

As part of the overall Forma Cloud vision for AEC/O, Autodesk is also introducing the term “Forma Connected Client” to label all desktop software applications that technically have a deep integration with Forma industry cloud.

Forma’s environmental analysis tools are seen here in this image of a future Revit functioning as a Forma Connected Client.

In the next major update to Autodesk Revit, Revit will become the first Forma Connected Client. Autodesk states that this means Revit users will be able to tap into Forma’s contextual data marketplace, leverage the power of Forma’s environmental analysis capabilities, and utilize Forma’s collaboration features without leaving their Revit desktop environment, eliminating the need for exports, imports, or rework over time.

Another image of Revit as a Forma Connected Client.

Autodesk says that while Revit will be the first Forma Connected Client, other Autodesk desktop solutions will also become such clients over time, further streamlining disparate tools and workflows into a more data-integrated workflow with common data and AI technologies capable of unlocking potential workflow acceleration that is just not possible without the power of Autodesk’s overall Forma cloud for AEC/O transformation. Powered by Autodesk AI, Autodesk Assistant is now coming to Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil3D.

Forma Building Design launches in beta later this year. You can join the waitlist at this link.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

What is exciting about Forma Building Design at this stage is less about its details and more about its existence as Autodesk begins to expand upon what the cloud-native Forma platform can actually do. Autodesk has long promised that Forma would do more than just pre-design phase work, and today the company has delivered on that promise.

Forma—which came by way of the acquisition of Spacemaker.AI,—has transformed into an in-depth pre-design BIM 2.0 application with a wide array of capabilities critical to the early stages of a building project’s planning and conceptualization. Forma leads the charge in the industry in the BIM 2.0 evolution of BIM by concentrating on critical new capabilities that can have the largest impact up front in the design process, from critical site planning analyses to carbon footprint impacts. 

The assumption of Forma Building Design is that architects can take these earlier-stage building design models and advance them further into a true schematic phase, detailed design, LOD 200/300 level work on route to design development phase work, which will likely take shape as models are pushed to Revit. Until we see Forma Building Design in action, we can’t yet report on any specifics, but we will surely do so in a follow-up report shortly.

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The three-day event unites architects, designers, and industry leaders to explore innovation, collaboration, and the future of design.

Graphisoft IGNITE 2025

IGNITE builds on the previous successes of past IGNITE conferences, which continue to gain popularity among partners and customers. The event will open with a welcome reception on 6 October 2025, followed by two full days of keynotes, product showcases, and interactive sessions led by experts from Graphisoft, its partners, and the broader AEC/O industry.

Graphisoft IGNITE 2025 takes place starting October 6th through the 8th in Budapest.

Graphisoft CEO Daniel Csillag says:

There are several highlights planned for the event, including all of the following:

• Yves Padrines, CEO, Nemetschek Group, on how the Group’s vision fosters innovation in the AEC/O industry.
• Graphisoft keynote from Daniel Csillag, CEO, on the company’s vision for empowering architects and designers worldwide.
• AEC industry keynote from Fred Mills, Founder, The B1M, the world’s largest, most subscribed-to video channel for construction.
• Graphisoft Product Strategy and how the 2025 product lineup is delivering the first results of the new product strategy, including innovative solutions like Graphisoft MEP Designer and Graphisoft AI Assistant.
• Graphisoft Product Launch, introducing Archicad 29, Graphisoft MEP Designer, Graphisoft AI Assistant, and ‘Project Aurora.’
• Industry-leading speakers sharing insights on the future of sustainable design, digital transformation, and collaboration in architecture.
• Networking opportunities in one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, including evening events and informal meetups.

“International Graphisoft events allow us to engage with other users on a global scale,” said Jake Timmons, P.E., at Riverstone Structural Concepts. “We’re able to meet, dialogue, and learn with the best Archicad users in the world. These events also open up opportunities with potential new clients and collaborators.”

“Graphisoft events have been great for networking with others and for strengthening our own team as we share ideas and discuss opportunities to leverage the power of Archicad more deeply,” said Graham Whipple, Architect, at Resin Architecture. “These events have also included some great after-hours experiences to interact with members of the Graphisoft team and other attendees.”

Attending IGNITE 2025

Registration for the IGNITE Conference is now open. For more information, to register, and to purchase a ticket, visit Graphisoft IGNITE 2025.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

Graphisoft’s conference events continue to evolve with the times. In the past, a key client conference (KCC) was an amazing conference to attend, especially when held in Japan, as impressive and large architecture customers using Archicad demonstrated bleeding-edge implementations of Archicad, creating globally significant architecture. In recent years, Graphisoft has hosted a special launch event in the fall, primarily for press and select key partners. The event typically coincided with a live product unveiling and press day. 

The IGNITE Conference is an invitation to customers and key partners to attend a true conference, which will undoubtedly coincide with the release of information about—and possibly the release—of the next version of Archicad (version 29), due in October. 

The IGNITE Conference 2025 will also feature exhibitors, including a large collection of fellow Nemetschek Group companies, including dRofus, dTwin, Solibri, the Nemetschek Group itself, and, surprisingly, Vectorworks, a fellow Group BIM competitor. It is quite interesting to see that Vectorworks will have a booth at this Graphisoft conference. Does this hint at possible future integrations between Archicad and Vectorworks? Interoperability with the ability to directly access each other’s file formats could actually be an interesting development. 

Others at IGNITE include Chaos, Lumion, Land Software A/S, Velux, ArchiXT, Epic Games, BIMM Solutions GmbH, Enzyme, Epstar, Rhinoceros (McNeel), Volum3 (a CDE), and Zenesis. We have highlighted some of these lesser-known companies, allowing readers to learn more about them. 

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Firmus AI

Bluebeam is already an AEC/O market leader in the construction market and heavily used for drawing reviews and project coordination. The acquisition of Firmus AI will add cutting-edge AI technologies to the Bluebeam workflow. Firmus AI offers two main products, AI-REVIEW and AI-MATCH, and also boasts Procore integration.

MORE: ToshTalks Episode 25-02: Chaos Envision and Futures with Roderick Bates

Firmus AI-REVIEW can detect and mitigate design issues it sees in drawing documents. Advanced AI analysis detects incomplete designs, scope gaps, and discrepancies in drawing documents and reports them in a comprehensive but streamlined dashboard overview. For instance, if an architect’s drawings show that the bathroom walls are finished in paint and the interior designer’s documents indicate they are finished in tile, this is the kind of issue that Firmus AI can detect and report.

Firmus AI-REVIEW uses in-depth Computer Vision AI technologies to analyze construction documents uploaded to the cloud application.

Firmus-AI is shown here in this screenshot with matched-up overlay information (plans). Firmus’ AI technologies can match plans automatically between disciplines, phases, and scales, and will highlight differences, giving users more insight into the evolution and changes in drawings. But Firmus AI-REVIEW is where the real power in this company’s technologies matter as they smartly surface issues, quantify and organize them into easy-to-understand dashboards and provide a workflow for resolving scope gaps, missing information, conflicts and other issues.

Firmus AI-MATCH overlays and matches drawings with each other. This is similar to the overlay features found in tools like Bluebeam today but with unparalleled accuracy and more robust features. AI-MATCH can not only match up different views but can do so across scales, meaning comparison overlays between small-scale and large-scale drawings of the same information. It can also compare drawings between different disciplines and different phases. AI-MATCH complements AI-REVIEW and vice versa, offering a comprehensive set of de-risking features that will aid contractors.

Joining Bluebeam and Firmus-AI

“Drawings are the universal language of construction, and that’s where risk hides,” said Shir Abecasis, CEO of Firmus. “By joining Bluebeam, we’re placing Firmus’ drawing‑first intelligence exactly where millions of AEC professionals already work. Together we’ll help teams surface issues earlier, communicate them clearly, protect their reputation, and move projects forward with greater confidence and trust.”

“Bluebeam has always been about empowering teams to collaborate more effectively,” said Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam. “Firmus brings an AI engine that understands 2D PDFs at a granular level – spotting scope gaps, inconsistencies and changes across disciplines and revisions. Integrating Firmus’ capabilities gives teams quality assurance that reduces reviews and the “stop-everything” moments late in a project. This is pivotal for a better informed and collaborative future in construction.”

“The acquisition of Firmus’ groundbreaking technology underscores our strong commitment to leading AI-driven innovation in the global AEC/O industry and will complement our AI-first strategy” says Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group. “Bluebeam is already the industry standard for construction collaboration in North America and is rapidly expanding its reach in EMEA and APAC. By combining the unique strengths of Bluebeam and Firmus AI, we will significantly accelerate our AI roadmap, drive even greater value for our customers and create synergies which will further accelerate our growth.”

Combining Bluebeam and Firmus-AI together enables:

• AI‑powered Review in the Workflow: Firmus scans and analyzes PDF drawings to provide insights with AI-generated markups, dashboards, and trackable issues within existing workflows.
• Smarter Overlays & Comparisons: Enhancement of Bluebeam’s existing Overlay and Compare features with high‑accuracy cross‑discipline and cross‑phase identification, surfacing mismatches and inconsistencies between, for example, architectural, structural, and MEP sheets.
• Speed & Scale: Automation of repetitive manual checks across hundreds of sheets, helping teams compress review cycles while improving document quality and completeness.
• Elevated Collaboration: With Bluebeam Studio as the central hub for real-time collaboration, teams are already connected around their drawings. Firmus will enrich this same shared Studio environment by identifying hidden risks in PDF drawings, transparently sharing unbiased findings, and closing gaps to prevent rework.

Bluebeam will begin bringing Firmus capabilities into its products in early 2026, with a preview of Firmus AI technology planned for Bluebeam Unbound, the company’s annual global event for AEC professionals, taking place September 30 – October 2 in Washington, D.C.

About Firmus AI

Firmus AI provides drawing‑first, preconstruction risk analysis for AEC teams, in the cloud. Its flagship products, AI‑REVIEW™ and AI‑MATCH™, read and interpret 2D PDF drawings to detect missing information, scope gaps, and cross‑discipline inconsistencies, delivering visual reports and prioritized issue tracking that streamline collaboration and reduce rework. Firmus is used by contractors, developers and designers to elevate document quality and clarity, mitigate financial risk early, and enhance stakeholders’ collaboration and trust.

Architosh Analysis and Commentary

We think Firmus-AI looks like an intelligent and smart addition to the Bluebeam portfolio of solutions. Bluebeam is already a gold standard and market-dominating software solution for 2D drawing and project management in AEC. It’s markup capabilities are regularly used by contractors to do quantity take-offs, scan for issues, process shop drawings, review drawings and process them for RFIs, and do multi-discipline team collaboration. 

Firmus-AI’s technology definitely adds the ability to surface issues sooner in the process because contractors can simply upload 2D PDF drawings into Firmus’s tools to begin the human-led process and gain a head start on their common workflows outlined above. This technology is what has been missing at Bluebeam itself, so the Firmus-AI acquisition looks smart. 

Comments on M&A

As a business addition to the Nemetschek Group, Firmus is reported to deliver annual recurring revenues (ARR) in the mid-single-digit million euro range by 2026. Those are rather low figures but decent numbers for a young software company. This is a tuck-in acquisition by a daughter company, so the usual metrics that the Nemetschek Group seeks for acquisition targets don’t really apply. The Group acquires companies with recognized leadership in their segment and demonstrated customer traction, prioritizing SaaS-based companies with established or soon-to-be strong margins. 

Firmus-AI has technical leadership

Firmus has market-leading AI technologies in this specific segment of the market—analyzing 2D drawings and matching technologies that serve “drawing compare” functions which are useful in numerous AEC/O workflows. 

While Firmus-AI is a “drawing-first” AI-based issues surfacing and drawing matching tool, it is not alone in the market entirely with this kind of technology. However, it seems to be far ahead and more mature with leading and large-scale contractor customers. Togal.ai and Bild.ai are two similar technology companies that exist but are more focused on quantification and seem far less mature. 

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