As an Architecture student, what architectural related computer programs should I pursue studying?
The essential software tool for any architect is a CAD program. Autodesk dominates the field with (AutoCAD and ADT but there are local differences such as Microstation in UK and Allplan in Germany (see CADalyst’s 2007 survey and Evolve Consultancy’s 2006 survey for further details).
The new kid on the block is Sketchup – well worth learning in depth as it is proving a surprisingly invaluable design tool in professional practice. Easy to use, great visuals for presentations and ties in to CAD programs and Google Earth!
As a result of the appearance of Sketchup other 3d programs such as 3dStudio Max are now becoming redundant as they are slower to produce results and feedback. If you enjoy 3D then learning Max can be rewarding. Otherwise don’t and you can avoid getting sidelined into 3D instead of doing ‘real’ architecture.
3D is now going hyper-real with VRay and Maxwell. Experts are many and therefore images are cheap. Leave it to them and pay them for final images for the client. Remember you own presentation graphics don’t have t be like photos – they just have to communicate well your great architectural ideas!
You will also need knowledge of general office software (word, excel, powerpoint). Depending on the responsibilities of an architect in the country where you will be working engineering calculation or quantity surveying software is useful to now but can be easily picked up on the job.
I recommend the following work flow. Sketchup to Powerpoint until the client is happy then Sketchup to AutoCAD to produce working drawings.
First posted on Yahoo! Answers.