Architectural Designs

Which software or CAD programs do architects personally use?

I will be studying for my Bachelor of Architectural Design next year and the 2 main programs I design with at the moment are "Envisoneer Express 3.0" and occasionally "Google SketchUp". I have just found an updated program released in January this year (2008) called InteriCAD 6000 but I am yet to try it out for myself. It looks incredible but I can imagine it would cost an arm and a leg. If any registered architects could reply with the program they use and recommend, I would be greatly appreciative. I will eventually end up working closely with residential (domestic) designing, interior designing and possibly landscaping... I'm expecting to be back in a classroom for around 7-9 years all up. So if anybody knows of relevant software or programs, would you mind letting me know? Thanks in advance everyone. And just to let you know, I am familiar with the following programs: Cadsoft's Envisioneer Express 3.0 & 4.5 Google SketchUp The "Punch" Home Design/Landscaping series

Public Comments

1. AutoCAD. It's like 3,000 dollars for a professional license. This is what we used (except it was the educational version) in my CAD class.
2. In my experience residential architects can get by with a good program like Chief Architect. It is similar to the Punch software. In larger offices that may do more than residential you may find a number of 2D programs: AutoCAD and Microstation, BIM programs: Revit, ArchiCad and Bently. For graphics Sketch-up and 3D Studio Max are invaluable.