Computers For Architects

Gone are the days of hand drafting, design professionals use computers almost exclusively for our production and design work. If you’re new to the field and looking for a few “good-better-best” computer options, this is your guide. I update it frequently so you can choose the right setup for your needs. My best advice as you’re just getting started is to purchase as much laptop as you can reasonably afford. Naturally portable systems are more expensive per unit of power you receive, but their portability and flexibility make them a wise choice when you’re not 100% sure if this is the right profession for you.

Laptops

Most design professionals and students will opt for a Windows-based laptop because most of the popular design softwares we use were developed for Windows and they’re a cost-efficient investment for most. There are exceptions, of course (see my setup below) but if this is you, these are the key components that you’ll want to pay attention to:

CPU (processor)

The chipset will be made by either:

AMD, Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9; or Intel i3, i7, i9. Higher numbers are better.

Try to avoid the 3-series if you want to future-proof your purchase.

RAM (Memory)

This will determine the speed your machine and how ‘fast’ the UI feels to you. If you like to keep 30 tabs on Chrome, AutoCAD and Photoshop open and build out a large model in Sketchup 8GB of RAM is going to feel terrible. I think 16GB+ is a minimum (I have 24GB) but more is always better, if you can’t spring for more now, make sure the machine you choose has the capacity to upgrade it later. If you like supreme speed and use 3DSMax for rendering, 128GB will feel right, but honestly, that’s a very special use case! See the breakdowns below for more detail.

GPU (Graphics Card)

A dedicated graphics card is vital for creating a smooth user experience when doing calculation-rich tasks like 3D modeling + rendering. It takes the load off of the CPU and handles all the intense tasks on its own. If you hate laggy screens like I do, you’ll want to spend more on a graphics card. In fact, I’d even consider opting for a smaller screen if it allowed you to purchase a better graphics card.

There are two types: integrated and dedicated. You want dedicated. Choose one made by NVIDIA XXX 0000. The series you need will depend on the software you plan to run and each software package with have recommended minimums you should pay attention to. More on this below.

Storage

Again, two types are available HDD and SSD. You want SSD (solid state drive) and, again, more is better: 512GB is a minimum (1TB is ideal). Removable storage is always an option.

SCREEN

This determines your overall drawing experience. As a design professional you’ll be working on large sheets with multiple windows open simultaneously and zooming in and out all day long. There’s a balance though and laptops typically range from 14-17”. Buying a larger screen comes at a premium cost and at a certain point, you’ll just defer your drafting tasks to an external monitor (which I recommend). I think 16” offers a good balance. When using your laptop in an office or desktop environment, you’ll want a dedicated high-quality, color accurate, wide screen monitor (24” - 32”). For a separate monitor, I like the ASUS ProArt monitors.

Architecture work requires running modeling and rendering applications that are graphically intense. Because of this, a computer processing unit (CPU) needs to be able to compute as fast as possible. If you plan to perform lots of 3D rendering, video editing or simply multitasking, a multi-core processor that is able to source more processing power for multiple programs is preferable. However, if you're looking for simply a workstation for CAD work, single-core processors will work just fine. Check the software you’re using to see if they work more efficiently using multi-core processors (you might be surprised to learn that many don’t.

Those are the main things to pay attention to. Choose a specific laptop based on the software demands and tasks you’ll be doing most. There are three general categories of work we do most often as design professionals:

1 - Drawing + Image Editing

Everyone will likely fit into this base-level category running software like: Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, and AutoCAD (LT). These require very little from your computer’s hardware. If your tasks are primarily limited to these then choose any CPU other than the lowest tier (Ryzen 3, Intel i3), 16GB of RAM, and add a dedicated GPU: Nvidia MX000 (good), GTX1000 (better), RTX0000 (best).

This category of laptop can be thought of as “thin and light”. It’s the most portable but the least fully featured. If it’s doubling as a desktop, be sure to pair it with an external monitor (see below for my suggestions).

Good tier option: Acer Nitro 17 : 17” screen, CPU: Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM; GPU: RTX4050

2 - 3D Modeling

If you’re planning to use software like Rhino, Revit, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, and Blender these will require slightly more from your hardware. Again, the CPU choice should be anything other than the lowest tier (Ryzen 3, Intel i3), 16GB of RAM should be sufficient, but it’s possible you’ll want more depending on the complexity of your model (32GB+). The GPU requirements for 3d modeling tasks are much more important, here you’ll want an Nvidia RTX0000 series card.

This category of laptop is a ‘balanced’ option, with more horsepower it’s more versatile and will have a longer useful life to you as you grow into the profession.

Better tier option: ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 : 16” screen, CPU: Ryzen 7; 32GB RAM; GPU: RTX 3060

3 - Rendering + visualization

The third tier is for the most demanding software which uses real-time rendering: Enscape, Lumion, Vray, Twin Motion, and Unreal Engine 5. These require the most from your CPU and you’ll want an AMD Ryzen 5,7, or 9; or Intel core i5, i7, or i9. For RAM 32GB is a minimum and more is - of course - better. For the GPU you’ll need a high performance Nvidia Series (in ascending order of quality) like: RTX2070 , RTX3060, RTX2080, RTX3070, RTX3080. The higher tier you choose, the more future-proof your system will be.

This category of laptop could easily replace a full desktop system, suited to the most powerful tasks you set out to accomplish.

Best tier option: ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED CPU: Core i7; 32GB RAM; GPU: RTX3080 Ti

Any of these systems should serve you well as you decide whether this is the right profession for you. Purchasing the highest tier usually doesn’t make sense as it’s a highly specialized and powerful machine made for a career you may still be unsure of. Even as a seasoned professional, the tier 3 option is more than I need as I will outsource rendering + visualization tasks when needed. Don’t forget, as a student you’ll have access to your school’s machines which may not be as convenient but can save you thousands in the short term.

External Monitors

I like the ASUS ProArt series for external monitors, the wider the better! I also prefer the all black styling of the 31.5” monitor.

peripherals

Mouse: The Logitech MX Master 2S is quite popular amongst design professionals. It’s fast, customizable, comfortable and it’s compatible with both Mac + Windows. I happen to like and use the Magic Mouse (it’s not for everyone).

Keyboard: I use the Magic Keyboard . If you’re into mechanical keyboards, I’m afraid the appeal eludes me so I’m of no help. Check Matthew Encina’s website for more details.

Printer: HP T210 right-sized for the studio, print 11x17 or using a 24”x150’ roll. This printer is an affordable workhorse.

What I use

My practice is slightly unusual in the sense that my workflow can be done entirely in the Mac OS ecosystem (iPad, iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iCloud, iMusic, iPhone, Airpods, AppStore, AirDrop). Being a practice of one means this works for me but I realize it won’t be the right choice for everyone. If you’re considering going Mac OS AND you’re planning to use industry standard programs like Revit + 3DS Max, recognize that this will require Bootcamp to run on Mac OS (and newer chipsets may not be supported). My current desktop system is a 27” iMac which features lots of screen real estate, making it easy to switch between multiple drafting and project management tasks. For drafting I use AutoCAD LT and SketchUp for basic modeling. It capably runs: Photoshop, Lightroom, FCPX, Keynote, Word, Excel, Outlook, Slack, etc. and because the system and monitor are one package it doesn’t take up much room on my desk.

I've upgraded the RAM and added an external 8TB Lacie RAID Hard Drive for backup storage which has a thunderbolt connection for fast transfer speeds. Because I’m always working with large image and video files the SD slot on the front makes transferring files easy. I’ve configured this in RAID 1 which mirrors 4TB to the other 4TB, allowing all of my files to always have a backup that can be accessed as needed.

I’ve been hesitant to upgrade my 27” iMac given the smaller screen of the next gen iMacs (only 24”) but it’s getting a little slow as it ages. Here’s what I’m considering replacing it with: a Mac mini (M2 pro chipset), 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD paired with a 31.5” wide Asus ProArt studio monitor. This combination is less expensive than the M2 iMac setup, the CPU has more cores and I’ll be graduating from a fixed display that’s linked to the CPU. In the future, I can upgrade the CPU and the monitor separately minimizing upgrade costs and ensuring I can extract the most value from each component purchase. This combination should take up a similar amount of space given my current desk setup the difference being the mini will live below the desk on the shelf.

Ipad for architects: How i use it

For me, a tablet will never replace my desktop system, it’s not the right tool for creating drawings in CAD or even basic 3D modeling; it’s better suited to sketching + mobile work tasks. I’ve found it indispensable on the job site for referencing drawings and schedules, documenting site conditions and real-time problem solving with contractors (mostly via sketching). The iPad capably swings between many different use cases with a larger screen than a phone, yet still more portable than a laptop when traveling and working in the field. For me, it’s definitely plugged some holes in my design process and workflow.

Learn more below in the videos below if you’re interesting in seeing how I use it and some of my favorite apps.