Performance efficiency is the key to successful project delivery in the architecture and construction spheres. That’s why a thoughtful organization of workflows and strict compliance with them are crucial there.
However, successful planning and realization of architectural and construction projects are hardly possible without specialized architect project management software. Here’s our selection of the best tools for creating, monitoring, and managing project works.
13 Leading Architect Project Management Software Tools
1. actiTIME
Key features:
- Automatic and manual time tracking
- Client billing
- Mobile app
Project planning and progress monitoring are critical for the efficient management of architectural projects. actiTIME – a smart tool combining work management and time tracking features – can assist your team in performing them impeccably.
Here’s what actiTIME has to offer for effective architecture project management:
- Multiple time tracking modes. You can track time manually via online timesheets, make use of one-click timers in the mobile app, or opt for the hands-off approach with a fully automated browser extension. This versatility is perfect for architects on the go, allowing them to manage time seamlessly as they shift between tasks and locations.
- Project planning. Create in-depth task lists that include deadlines, estimates, priorities, and comments. By planning everything out in advance, you can stay organized and get a better chance of keeping projects on track and collaborating effectively with your team.
- Time off records. actiTIME accrues employees’ time off automatically based on your custom rules and enables users to log time off in just a few seconds. You can also link it to actiPLANS and tap into its extensive leave management functionality to enjoy smoother and more efficient resource scheduling and foster a better work-life balance in your team.
- Billable time and cost tracking. Set cost of work rates per employee hour and separate billable vs. non-billable time to gain clear insights into project profitability and expenses. This way, you can stay in better control of the project budget and ensure fair compensation for your team’s hard work.
- Automated PDF invoices. actiTIME generates automated PDF invoices based on the tracked time and the set billing rates. It makes the billing process smooth and professional, saves you lots of time, enhances your credibility with clients, and helps get paid faster.
- Performance reports and visual charts. Easily assess your team’s productivity results and resource usage at a glance. Detailed data makes it simple to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, allowing you to adapt swiftly and make informed decisions for future projects.
Capterra rating: 4.6 (91 reviews)
Pricing:
- Free 30-day trial
- Free version for 1-3 users
- Paid plans start at $5 per user/month
I’ll recommend actiTIME for an architectural business like ours
I’ll recommend the software, especially for architectural business like ours – the solution seems to be intuitive and streamlined, the learning curve is modest and the product works as you expected. A web-based interface is a big plus as well – it is very easy and very simple!
2. Outplanr
Key features:
- Task planning
- Workload management
- Email notifications
This architect project management software offers work management and project planning features.
The tool is rather simple but it offers a few handy features that are sure to be helpful in architect project management:
- Task priorities. By assigning different priority levels to tasks, you can ensure that high-impact activities get the attention they require. This feature keeps you organized and lets everyone know what their top responsibilities are.
- Estimates. Use time tracking data to inform your task estimation process and then compare your actual time usage to the initial estimates. Ultimately, this helps you set realistic deadlines and budgets, reducing last-minute surprises that can derail your projects.
- Workload planning. Outplanr provides a clear overview of who is doing what, allowing you to identify any bottlenecks or overly stretched team members. By balancing workloads effectively, you create a more harmonious working environment where everyone thrives.
G2 rating: 4.3 (20 reviews)
Pricing:
- No pricing information available
3. BQE Core
Key features:
- Project management
- Accounting
- Payment processing
This architect project management software tool is designed explicitly for architects and combines various essential features: project planning, billing, office management and others.
- KPIs. You can track such metrics as resource utilization and profitability in depth to quickly gauge how well your team is performing against set goals.
- Project budgeting. Create and manage budgets that align with your architectural projects. Predict costs accurately and monitor expenses in real time to stay on track financially and minimize the risk of overruns.
- Interactive Gantt charts. Map out project timelines, assign tasks, and visualize work progress at various phases. Make sure that your projects flow smoothly and deadlines are met without a hitch.
All in all, BQE Core helps streamline process monitoring, organize work, and analyze critical business data. Thanks to customizable dashboards and flexible information visualization options, you can configure it to virtually any business need.
Capterra rating: 4.5 (763 reviews)
Pricing:
- Get a quote from the BQE Core team
4. ArchiSnapper
Key features:
- Project collaboration
- Reports
- Document management
This architect project management software is created for onsite work management in construction and architectural projects. It fosters effortless progress observing, note-making, and report generation.
To simplify the project management process, the tool offers you:
- Template checklists and blueprints. Need to conduct a site inspection? Simply pull up your pre-made checklist tailored specifically for that task. The time saved from creating checklists from scratch means you can focus on what really matters
- Automated field reports. Generate comprehensive reports instantly. Add photos, notes, and sketches right from your inspection site to elevate the way you document progress.
- Mobile app. Manage projects wherever you are! Whether you’re on-site or in a meeting, enjoy full access to all your tools, templates, and reports at your fingertips.
Capterra rating: 4.6 (45 reviews)
Pricing:
- Free 14-day trial
- $29 per user/month
5. Xledger
Key features:
- Budgeting
- Accounting
- Automation
Xledger is a cloud ERP system that provides workflow automation, budgeting, and planning features. Due to scalability and flexibility, it meets the needs of most architectural and construction companies without additional customizations.
Xledger includes a plethora of features to help you manage the financial side of your architectural projects:
- Time and expense tracking. Log work hours and expenses on the go to make client billing accurate and get insights into resource allocation and project efficiency.
- Budgeting and forecasting. Take labor, material, and overhead costs into account when creating your project budgets and estimate future expenses based on current trends.
- Comprehensive financial reports. Analyze project profitability, cash flow, and overall financial performance. Identify successes and areas for improvement to enhance your decision-making and strategic planning.
Capterra rating: 4.5 (11 reviews)
Pricing:
- Get a quote from the Xledger team
6. ArchSmarter
Key features:
- Revit macros
- Dynamo scripts
- Cheat sheets
This unique platform is designed to empower architects and design professionals by providing a plethora of resources, insights, and tools that can streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
ArchSmarter offers a bunch of helpful resources for Revit users:
- Revit macros: They automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and reducing the chance of human error. With a few clicks, you can generate schedules, manage views, and manipulate elements faster than ever.
- Dynamo scripts: Leverage parametric design principles and create complex geometry or workflows without diving deep into programming. Quickly generate iterations of designs or optimize your building models based on specific variables.
- Cheat sheets: Sometimes, all you need is a quick reference to get you back on track. ArchSmarter’s cheat sheets serve as handy guides, packed with essential tips and shortcuts for both Revit and Dynamo.
Pricing:
- Free Toolbox for Revit
- Starting from $14 for Smart-Pack for Revit
7. GoodDay
Key features:
- Work calendar
- Gantt chart
- Reminders
GoodDay is an architect project management software tool that supports your team throughout the project life cycle.
With its help, you can:
- Plan project workflows from scratch. Create tailored workflows that fit your specific architectural needs. Structure projects in a way that enhances clarity and boosts team collaboration just the way you want it to.
- Estimate tasks. Use data to set realistic deadlines for tasks, allocate your team’s time more effectively, and foster smoother project execution.
- Monitor progress. Enjoy real-time updates on task completion and project milestones. Immediately address any delays and keep your projects on track.
- Get deep insights into the matters of team productivity, performance expenses, and revenues. With this data at your fingertips, you can optimize resource allocation, enhance productivity, and boost your bottom line while ensuring that your architectural projects remain profitable and efficient.
Capterra rating: 4.7 (146 reviews)
Pricing:
- Free for 1-15 users
- Paid plans start at $4 per user/month
8. Archicad
Key features:
- Building information modeling (BIM)
- Team collaboration
- App integrations
Our list of the best architect project management software wouldn’t be complete without Archicad, one of the finest BIM tools on the market today. Its functionality covers everything one needs to visualize a project and think through all the functional properties of a building or space you’re working on.
Here’s how Archicad improves architectural project management:
- 2D and 3D modeling. Visualize projects from different perspectives. Create detailed models that bring your visions to life and effectively communicate ideas to clients.
- Sketch rendering. Instead of typical photorealistic renders, this feature allows architects to present their designs in a hand-drawn style, making the concept feel more approachable and imaginative. This can be particularly effective during initial design discussions, as it encourages feedback and helps clients connect with the creative process.
- Change tracking. Document changes made throughout the project lifecycle to keep everyone on the same page. A clear record of modifications helps to minimize the risk of miscommunication and lets clients easily see how their feedback has been incorporated. In the end, this fosters trust and improves collaboration.
Capterra rating: 4.5 (278 reviews)
Pricing:
- No pricing info available
9. Jira
Key features:
- Scrum
- Roadmaps
- Reports
Jira is a paragon of agile project management software. It enjoys worldwide popularity and is now utilized by professionals and businesses of all kinds, including architecture agencies and independent designers.
The features that make Jira so vital and sought-after include:
- Roadmap builder that allows for planning through your projects from scratch.
- Kanban and Scrum boards that facilitate workload management and progress tracking.
- Task priorities that help everyone understand what to focus on.
- Informative performance reports that make it easy to analyze your results and get insight into possible problems.
Moreover, Jira supports integration with many incredibly useful tools, and you can check some of them in this post.
Capterra rating: 4.4 (14,404 reviews)
Pricing:
- Free for up to 10 users
- Paid plans start at $7.16 per user/month
10. Newforma
Key features:
- Centralized project management
- Communication
- Document management
This project management software is created with architects’ needs in mind.
Here’s how Newforma helps:
- It lets you keep all project documents in one place and share them with vital stakeholders safely and quickly.
- It includes collaborative message forums where your team members can discuss their pain points, ask essential questions, and express new ideas.
- Moreover, Newforma is largely based on automation. Thus, it helps you streamline workflows and stay informed about project updates at all times.
In other words, it’s a worthwhile option to try out.
Capterra rating: 3.7 (12 reviews)
Pricing:
- No pricing info available
11. Monograph
Key features:
- Task planning
- Resource management
- Time tracking
Architects must juggle a lot of tasks in order to make their projects successful. Drowning in paperwork is an often-used metaphor to describe the amount of work that goes into project management. But Monograph is here to help make drowning a thing of the past.
Everything from task allocation to working through budgets can be simplified with Monograph:
- Project reports. Track progress, identify potential issues, and keep stakeholders informed. Get real-time insights that let you boast about how on top of things you really are, while also making it easy to pinpoint areas that need attention.
- Budgeting. With visually engaging budget tracking tools, you can analyze spending patterns, make informed financial decisions, and avoid those pesky overruns.
- Staff allocation. Assign tasks based on your team members’ strengths and availability and rest assured that everyone is engaged and productive.
Capterra rating: 4.5 (232 reviews)
Pricing:
- Starting from $25 per user/month
12. Notion
Key features:
- Roadmaps
- Timelines
- Wikis
Notion is an intuitive, easy-to-use software designed to help keep all aspects of planning and running projects in one place. With its streamlined and flexible interface, it’s the perfect place for collaborating on tasks, planning timelines, and syncing shared data among team members.
Notion gives you full visibility into progress and allows you to easily customize project workspaces to match your workflow. It features:
- Wikis. create a central hub for all your project documentation, empowering everyone on your team can easily access the latest information.
- Calendar view. Effortlessly drag and drop tasks, set deadlines, and see your team’s workload at a glance
- Project boards. With the Kanban-style boards, you can segment tasks into different stages, from “To Do” to “In Progress” and “Completed.” This not only enhances accountability but also allows for quick status updates.
So if you’re dreaming of simpler and more organized project management, Notion may just become your best friend.
Capterra rating: 4.7 (2,231 reviews)
Pricing:
- Free version with limited functionality
- Paid plans start at $10 per user/month
13. Heeros (aka Taimer)
Key features:
- Scheduling
- Collaboration
- Invoicing
Heeros (aka Taimer) makes architect project management simple – it’s like having an extra hand that takes care of the tedious task while you focus on doing what you do best.
Here are some of the standout features:
- Resourcing. Allocate staff and materials efficiently across multiple projects. Easily see who’s available, track workload, and ensure that your team is optimally utilized.
- CRM. Get a 360-degree view of your client interactions. Track leads, manage follow-ups, and maintain project histories effortlessly.
- Expense management. Log expenses in real time, categorize them by project, and gain insights into budget performance. Keep project costs under control and avoid nasty surprises at invoice time.
Capterra rating: 4.4 (11 reviews)
Pricing:
- Plans start at €19 per user/month
Conclusion
Every architecture project is unique, and the same goes for software used to manage those projects. That’s why it’s important to explore all your options before settling on a single project management option.
Hopefully, this list of the best architect project management software has given you some ideas about which one might be best suited for your own venture. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the abundance of choices – take your time and consider all factors carefully so that you make a well-informed decision. After all, only you know what works best for you!
Now get out there, put in the work, and reap the rewards of successful project management armed with one of these great tools.