Software Company Software Strength
ArchiCAD Graphisoft Primary BIM platform. Used extensively overseas. One of the earliest BIM platforms.
Bentley Building Bentley Systems Primary BIM platform. Often used on federal projects. Includes structural and MEP versions, and tie ins with infrastructure tools.
Digital Project Gehry Technologies Parametric design and analysis, construction coordination, simulation, and logistics.
Ecotect Autodesk Performance analysis: thermal, daylighting, solar heat gain, and more.
ETABS Computers & Structures Structural analysis and design, and work on large projects.
Fluent, Gambit Ansys Flow modeling: CFD, airflow, and hydraulic analysis.
Generative Components Bentley Systems Parametric design tool focused on relationship-based geometry.
Grasshopper McNeel North America Plug-in for Rhino. Automates geometry generation using parametric criteria.
Green Building Studio Autodesk Web-based energy analysis tool intended primarily for architectural purposes.
IES Virtual Environment IES Performance analysis: thermal, daylighting, solar heat gain, CFD, cost, regulation compliance, and more.
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Spreadsheet and data organizer to supplement BIM models (including material schedules, bill of quantities, and more.)
Navisworks Autodesk Collaborative environment with multiplatform project support, clash detection, 4-D, and visualization.
RAM Bentley Systems Structural analysis and design, and work on large projects.
Revit Autodesk Primary BIM platform. Model-based design, preliminary visual analysis, and documentation. Includes structural and MEP-specific versions.
Rhinoceros (Rhino) McNeel North America Model-based design with development of conceptual geometry.
Solibri Solibri IFC-based, BIM integrity and code compliance checking.
STRAND Bentley Systems Structural analysis and design, as well as complex geometries.
Tekla Structures Tekla Inc. Structural tool for fabrication and BIM, providing data-rich modeling.
Vectorworks Nemetschek Primary BIM platform, concentrating on architecture and landscape design.