If you are an architect, you must have been using some software to create your designs. But, do you know there are a lot of mobile applications for Architects which you can use as a professional or an intermediate Architect.
Well, if you have a smartphone, you have an access to the internet and various other resources which can help you grow. As an Architect, you can make use of your device in a positive manner.
Whether you are active in any specific domain of architecture, there are numerous apps to choose from.
To help you more with this, I have created a list of best Apps for Architects you should use in 2021. So, without any further discussions, let’s get started.
List of Best Android and iOS Apps For Architects
Below are the most popular, highly-rated, and very-useful apps for Architects.
1. magicplan [For Measuring, Reporting, and Estimating]
magicplan is a multipurpose app suitable for both professional Architects as well as the students. With this app, you can scan rooms and create floor plans.
The app also allows you to calculate the estimates for the desired job. Also, it will help you to create floor plans with its sketching tools. You can also make 3D models using this app.
With this app, you can create a separate report for each project and add all your sketches, photos, 360-degree videos into it. This app has an impressive UI. And these features make this app one of the best apps for Architects.
Key Features:
- Creat 2D and 3D floor plans
- Calculate prices of projects
- Use the free version
- Easy measurements
Paid Plan starting from 9.99$
Available on Both Google Play Store and App Store.
2. SketchUp Viewer
This app basically helps you to open your 3D files on your mobile devices. You can open files from Trimble Connect, 3D Warehouse, and other locations. The app has a clean UI by which it becomes easy to navigate through your files.
You can set custom screens and animation to view your animation from any angle. If you use its in-app purchase ($9.99/year), you will be able to use its 3D in AR features. This feature will allow you to see your 3D models combined with the real world.
The app offers a clean view of your models and you can navigate easily using the zoom, pan, and orbiting gestures. There are various other amazing features you would definitely love in this app as an Architect.
Key Features:
- Visualize plan views
- Adjust face styles, edges with X-Ray mode.
- Use Orthographic Cameras
- Take measurements using the Tape Tool
Available on both Google Play Store and App Store
3. BIMx – BIM eXplorer [View your ARCHICAD Models]
This app is made for those who want to view their ARCHICAD models on their mobile devices. The app is equipped with its BIMX Hyper-model technology which will help you to navigate 3D building models and drawing sheets.
The main use of this app is to show your ARCHICAD models to the clients and teams using your mobile device.
So, as an Architect, you can definitely make use of this app if you often work on ARCHICAD.
Key Features:
- 2D Documentation Viewer
- Walk and Fly mode
- 3D Cutaway feature
- Stereo 3D Mode
- Zoom, Pan, and Rotate controls
Available for Both Android and iOS.
Price of BIMX Pro: 49.99$
4. Floor Plan Creator
As the name suggests, this app is the best pick if you want to create amazing floor plans and the overall interiors using your mobile phone. You can design multiple rooms inside your plan in various shapes. This app will help you to customize the size, shape, and design of your rooms easily.
You can also use S-Pen and mouse to have precise control options. Also, once your model is ready, you can use 3D tour mode to show your project to others just by using your smartphone.
The app has an inbuilt library of various symbols including doors, windows, furniture, fire, electrical equipment, etc. Because of these and various other features, this app becomes the best pick for Architects and Engineers.
Key Features:
- Import your existing plans and edit them.
- Do calculations for rooms, walls, perimeters, etc.
- Create files in .obj format
- Import in SVG, PDF, and DXF formats
- Easily modify sizes and dimensions
Available only for Android.
5. Sun Seeker [Compass, Sunset/Sunrise Tracker]
With this app, you can easily analyze the spatial variability of the Sun. This app offers a sun-like dial that you can easily use as a sun tracker app. So, as an Architect, this app can help you a lot to find the sun path, direction, and exposure.
The app uses a magnetometer, GPS, and gyroscope to give you the accurate position of the Sun. You can see Sun’s current position using its 3D AR camera overlay. Even if you are not on the approached location, you can add a manual location. The app supports more than 40K cities.
Key Features:
- Includes equinox and solstice paths
- Map view
- See shadow length ratio
- See atmospheric path thickness and a lot more
The app is available both on Google Play Store and Apple iOS Store.
6. Shaper3D [Create 3D Models on the go]
This amazing 3D modeling app doesn’t have an Android version yet, but you can expect some amazing results on your iPad. I have tested this app numerous times and I have found it pretty helpful for creating industrial, mechanical, structural, and architectural models.
You use this app pretty easy to present your 3D models to your clients. Just connect your iPad with a bigger screen or a projector and this app will allow you to highlight every detail you want.
The app has an amazing sketching and rendering engine by which it becomes very high-performing. Also, if we talk about the exporting options, you get numerous formats including PNG, 2D DXF, DWG, IGES, STL, STEP, and JPG etc.
I found this app great when it comes to the configurations with other apps and software. You can easily integrate your modeling with AutoCAD, NX, Catia, Fusion360, Solid Edge, Onshape, and various other apps.
Key Features:
- An excellent tool for creatives using the Apple Pencil
- Creative impressive 3D designs on the go
- Flexible with CAD files
- Suitable for any kind of architectural and mechanical designing work
Just test it now after installing it from the App Store.
7. Concepts [Built for Sketching]
If you looking for an app that can help you with the sketching stuff, you should use Concepts. Not only this, you can use this app for illustration, design, and visualization purposes.
The app offers realistic pens, brushes, effects, and painting options. So, if you have a tablet or other mobile device with pen support, you can easily use this app to create immersive drawings and designs. As an Architect, you can use this app for various designing purposes.
Concepts app is loved by millions of artists all over the world. So, if you are looking for a platform to show convert your imaginations into visuals, just use it once.
The app offers an infinite canvas where you have a lot of room backed by different tools and options to create the visuals you want. Words can’t describe all the features. So, you should try testing it for sure.
Key Features:
- Resolution Dependent designs
- Lots of brushes and drawing tools
- Easy to use as a beginner
The app is available both on Google Play Store and Apple iOS Store.
8. Homestyler [For Interior Designing and Decoration Ideas]
If you are more into the Home and Interior designing stuff, this app is definitely going to help you a lot. You can use the Homestyler app for home decoration, renovation, and building projects.
Start creating your own projects and this app will help you to share them with others pretty easily. You can also create your profiles on this app as an interior designer.
Creating 3D models is also possible with this app. The app gives you the latest design ideas which you can easily customize as per your desires. So, whether you want to use this app for your personal home design projects or for clients, it will help you with everything.
Key Features:
- Built-in Furniture Library
- Supports both 2D and 3D designs
- Great for building floorplans
- Amazing decoration ideas
- Use the view mode to show your work to others
The app is available both for Android and iOS devices.
9. AR Plan 3D Ruler [Measure using Augmented Reality]
If you are looking for the best apps for floorplanning, AR Plan 3D could be the best one for you. This innovative app makes the best use of Augmented Reality to scan and measure the rooms using your camera.
You can easily measure Perimeter and height along with adding doors, windows, and other stuff. Floorplanning features are just amazing when you combine them with the 3D views.
Not only 3D, but you can also use the 2D floor planner and the side view. Tape measurement feature is another impressive offering. There are various other things you will find pretty amazing in this app. So, just try it out now.
Key Features:
- Automatic perimeter calculator
- Easy to use tape measurement feature
- Lots of units including mm, cm, inches, etc
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
10. Houzz [For Home Design and Remodelling]
Whether you are looking for the app for house remodeling, designing, renovation, or decoration, Houzz is one of the best apps to use. This app has a huge number of installs on both Android and iOS stores. With thousands of positive reviews, this app becomes worth checking as an Architect.
The app offers you numerous high-quality photos for your home designs. You can see numerous latest offers and deals going on for your purchases.
Along with that, you can hire professionals to provide you with their innovative support for your projects. This app is not only for the architects but for the individuals who want to explore the best home design and decoration ideas.
Key Features:
- Made for both professionals and beginners
- Share your ideas and get other’s ideas
- Find professionals to work for you
Just check it out on the Android and iOS app stores.
Final Verdict
I hope you have found this article helpful to find the best android and iOS apps for Architects. Consider sharing your views in the comment section.