George,
ArchiCAD to Revit is a tough comparison. Depending on who you talk to you get different info and most of us tend to like what we are used to. I have been on ArchiCAD for 8 years and I have loved every minute of using both the product and being away from Autodesk. The lack of customer care from Autodesk was a big push out the door for me. I have found the ArchiCAD companies and
add-on products to be genuinely responsive and helpful in trying to solve my problems. ArchiCAD is also cross-platform which allowed me to switch to the speed and power of a Mac without losing my files, templates, past projects, etc. They were an initial member in the
interoperability movement that created IFC files. Because of that, ArchiCAD works with ("talks to") about 14-16 different programs,
all major structural programs (including Revit Structure), all major
mechanical programs, and created their own
EcoDesigner that allows you to control the green aspects while you are in design. Though most of us single station users did not appreciate it, Graphisoft spent an entire version (AC14) perfecting their BIM server (
TeamWork) for maximum efficiency, speed, and data safety. I am sure I sound like a shill for the product, but over the years it has allowed me to compete with much larger companies because of the quality of the output and speed with which it coordinates. I just finished a 20,000 SF 7-plex movie theatre for a project 5-states away in about 3-months, fully coordinated and no change orders. However, BE WARNED! The down time switching from any 2D product to BIM is significant, and my downtime was about 6 months. I have not tried VectorWorks. It would be the only other one I would even try, just for the beauty of renderings it produces native to the program.
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Mark Vacha AIA
Principal
mvacha design
San Diego CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-28-2012 07:47
From: Larry Warner
Subject: Vectorworks or ArchiCAD
I have used Archicad since 4.5 and find it to be at the top of the heap. I look at a few different BIM products , including rivet, vectorwors etc. every year to make sure I have the most complete and affordable software. ell I am still using Archicad 15 so I guess that says it all. The only thing I will more manufacturers would provide models part in a native Archicad format rather than just Revit. Seem like they may be missing the boat as more Archicad users come on line.
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Larry Warner
Sun City AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2012 08:52
From: George Jennings
Subject: Vectorworks or ArchiCAD
I have used Revit off and on for a couple of years, but I keep falling into the "use it or lose it" void in how I spend my time. But as it has been mentioned, Autodesk is expensive and when I do use Revit, I am always on the phone or e-mail trying to solve problems with the software.
Does anyone know ArchiCAD compares with Revit. Maybe I have what I need and just need to use it more!
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George Jennings AIA
G Booker 3
Tappahannock VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2012 21:04
From: Craig Bagley
Subject: Vectorworks or ArchiCAD
I work with ArchiCAD as well, and concur with David Brach's remarks. The learning curve is painful, but once your through it, you won't look at the practice of architecture the same way. Finding new ways to use the BIM features can be exciting, especially during the construction phase of a project.
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Craig Bagley AIA
Principal
Craig Bagley Architect
Santa Cruz CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2012 08:36
From: David Brach
Subject: Vectorworks or ArchiCAD
I design new homes, remodels, and additions and I switched from Autocad to Archicad a few years ago. The learning curve was very painful because I was going from basically drafting to BIM. It took me about 6 months to really become productive, so I felt like I took a big hit, but in retrospect it was worth it and I love using the program now. I feel that I am at the point where, even if I am not using the 3-d modeling capabilities of the program, all of the other features still make my workflow faster than it was. I don't, however, feel that I have been able to exploit the BIM aspects of the model, except to have a few 3d drawings in my construction documents. I would definitely have a plan for learning and exploiting the program.
About 6 months ago I set up a server using their BIMserver software, and I can work on projects with draftspeople and interns from their own locations relatively smoothly. It's pretty cool.
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David Brach AIA
Principal
Brach Design
Salt Lake City UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-16-2012 12:46
From: Anthony Taylor
Subject: Vectorworks or ArchiCAD
This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Technology in Architectural Practice .
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I am tired of Autodesk expense and incompatibility with its own products. Considering Vectorworks or ArchiCAD, any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Anthony Taylor AIA
Principal Architect
CTA Architects Inc.
San Marcos CA
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