Architectural Designs

What is the best architectural design software?

I'd just like to know what any architects and/or designers have to say. What do you use, and do you like it? Is there anything else that you know of that is supposed to be really good or bad? I have some experience with Chief Architect, SoftPlan, and VectorWorks, and I just want to know if I've been missing out on anything. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. i use autodesk inventor at college, really is incredibly comprehensive if a little complex, that said you need a beast of a computer to run it its something crazy like 2.6ghz core2duo, 4gigs ram, direct x 10 video card, (thats the min) still its amazing
2. pls use autocad 2010 for architectural design
3. I doubt this is as technical as the programs you've mentioned, but it's simple to learn and free! I have more experience with engineering programs (favorite is Solidworks). Hope this helps!
4. the long time autoCAD users in my office have a hard transition, but microstation is the only program i have ever known and i love it. the new version made a few changes to make it more like autoCAD, but they did give us the option to us die-hard microstation users to turn them off. it’s a little more point and click and less key-in, plus you can use 2 monitors. 2 monitors and up to 8 drafting windows give you more space to work