Understanding the unique tech challenges of architects

Gone are the days when architects would visualise their designs with pen and paper. Over the years, the industry has developed incredible technology and software that has replaced traditional methods, making the architect’s job more efficient and effective.

However, as with all new technology, there have been some bumps along the way and challenges to overcome. In fact, some of the tech has brought with it a whole new set of IT problems that didn’t actually exist before.

Here are some of the common issues our specialist IT support teams regularly help our architect clients to overcome.

The ongoing pressures of architect file sharing and collaboration

When sharing plans with clients and colleagues, architects often need to exchange files of significant size. So naturally, file sharing services used in architect practices need to be fast and robust, with the capacity to handle very large files.

Security is key when sharing files with external stakeholders. Drafts, estimates and other documents related to architectural projects need up to date, first class security measures to prevent unauthorised access. This is particularly true when dealing with big commercial developments under strict non-disclosure agreements. 

File sharing software such as Binfer or ShareFile take the security of your files seriously, providing fast and reliable ways to transfer large amounts of data with bank-level encryption to protect your files.

Architectural software frustrations that keep you up at night

While all the new and exciting tech in architecture has brought many benefits to the industry over the years, unfortunately some of the software doesn’t always match up to expectations. If you’re an architect and you find yourself wrestling with SketchUp and Photoshop on a weekly basis, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Whether you’re struggling to create a face where you want it, the software is running excruciatingly slowly, your edges won’t sink in, or the whole thing just crashed and you lost your model – you’re not alone in your frustration.

A good IT Services provider will ensure you’re running the most up-to-date software and that all updates and security patches are installed – often without you even being aware.

If you are experiencing a slow running device, they’ll investigate the probable causes and come up with solutions. These will often be device specific – such as an audit of your CPU, clearing up memory space or recommending new software – but sometimes it’s company-wide – like finding a new broadband provider or recommending an on-premises server. 

Constantly wondering if your devices are up to scratch

Keeping up with the latest hardware, or constantly worrying about whether your equipment is fit for purpose can be a challenge for architects and their Practice Managers.      

Whether you’re the director of a successful practice looking to streamline your team’s working methods, or you’re a cash-strapped architecture student just starting out – choosing the right hardware to suit your circumstances can be really tricky.

It’s important to upgrade your company’ devices from time to time, or you risk being left behind when the most recent design software is released – but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to blow your budget or upset your accountant!

Our IT Consultants  can advise you on the best tech to meet your business goals as well as managing the full lifecycle of all your company’s Apple devices.

It’s not easy being green

In this day and age, architects are facing a new challenge – to design with the environment and the future of the planet in mind.

With a long-term focus on carbon-neutral buildings, energy-efficient homes and a greener built environment, sustainability has become an integral factor of many architectural designs.

Of course, while architects pioneer to find long-lasting solutions to the environmental crisis, tech innovation plays a big part in helping them get there. For example, energy consumption is an important factor when designing sustainable buildings. Tools like eQuest and Energy Plus have made energy modelling easier and user-friendly.

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your technology, you should consider getting expert advice to understand how, when and what the IT trends are for the future of architecture and how they can be applied to meet your own company’s ambitious business goals.

How the experts can help

At Dr Logic, we help architecture practices overcome their technical challenges with the right IT setup and support.

Whether you’re using AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks or something similar, our team of expert IT Support Engineers have hands-on experience supporting a variety of design packages.

From MAC and Windows integration, Cloud migration projects, to business continuity planning and disaster recovery – we can work with you so you can focus on what you do best.

For more information on how we’ve provided IT services to architecture practices like yours, check out our case studies or get in touch for a chat.