Best Architect Apps to Make Work Easier In 2022

10 Min Read

Tools

Scope of Work

Taxes

Tom Smery

Tom Smery is a certified CPA for over a decade. In his free time, he writes articles to pass on his expert knowledge on taxes and accounting. Thomas has a wide range of deep knowledge on 1099 taxes, and finance topics. You can find him fishing when he is not preparing taxes for his clients or writing about accounting.

Technology has transformed the way we work, and we now have an app for everything. For example, the app stores are packed with the best architect apps to make your job easier. So, you need to just pick the one that works best for you.

The issue is that these architecture apps come in various shapes and forms. Some will help you create the sketches for the project. Others will create structured reports and take care of the financial parts of your job. The offer is limitless, so app users must choose wisely according to their priorities.

Note: If you are an architect looking to automate your invoices, contracts, proposals, taxes, and payments (all in one place), try Bonsai. Bonsai's online product suite for freelancers has everything you need to run your architect business. Access our library of templates and software today. Click here.

Best architect apps:

Bonsai
Cedreo
SketchUp
Sun Seeker
ArchiSnapper
RoomScan Pro
Magic Scan
Morpholio
AutiCAD
FormIT
Pixlr
Shapr3D
ARKi
Homestyle Interior Design
Sketchbook
Concepts
Procreate

Why Use Apps for Architects?

As someone who works in the construction industry, you probably pride yourself on the fact that you can easily create floor plans and multiple models for a building. However, technology has brought us to a good place. Even if you are in full control of the old ways, you may still benefit from the new ways.

Imagine if you could create professional architectural drawings in a couple of minutes rather than a few hours or days. Nowadays, you can get a simple app on your mobile device to automatically create dynamic layers for the job site.

Such apps for architects can save you a lot of time - time that you could spend on other more important tasks. These architecture apps can create interactive presentations and solve construction math problems without giving you any issues.

App Types that Architects Need

As an architect, you will realize that there is no app that rules them all. It's one app that can fit one or several specific purposes. When an app is created, here is how it is usually categorized:

Sketching and Drawing App

Sketching and drawing apps are for those who want to create drawings of their work. Rather than using stacks of paper, people prefer to create their work on something like an iPad, using an Apple pencil. The work created will go into local storage, so it will be much easier to "carry" around.

Viewing and Editing Tools

Sometimes, clients will like to see an actual image of what you are trying to bring to life. 3D models are very common nowadays, and you'll more likely to close a deal if the app generates a realistic render of the work or some scene animations. It will also give you a better idea of the structure that you will have to create.

Tools to Generate PDF Reports

While many may believe architecture is about drawing, there is also a fair amount of calculation going on. You'll need to engage in math and physics, and you will also have multiple reports to write. A powerful app for architectural projects should also have a data analysis feature, generating all the technical information that you would need for such a report.

Read our list of tools used by architects.

17 Best Architecture Apps

There are several applications and tools that you can use to simplify your tasks. Here are the best architecture apps that most architects use for their projects. We'll start with the app we know best, our own.

Bonsai's Online Freelance Tools Suite

The Bonsai Online Freelance tools suite can be a great asset to the financial part of your architectural business. You may create proposals based on the project that you have in mind, giving your client a better idea of the costs involved in this task. It can also help you with architecture invoicing and fees, ensuring you always receive your payment on time.

Invoicing, Proposal, Contract Tools

No matter the size of your business, providing architectural services will require you to get payments. This means that you need an app where you can send proposals and invoices, receive payments, and manage your cash flow.

The Bonsai Freelancer tool can help you in more ways than one. You have the Bonsai Cash feature to send invoices and manage your cash flow, but you also have Bonsai Tax that can help you manage the tax part.

This app type is essential for architects, especially if you are a freelancer and don't work under a specific company's employment. Make sure you get an app such as Bonsai that you can sync across multiple mobile devices. As an architect in the modern era, you'll probably need that.

Here are some tools you can get when you create a Bonsai account.

Customize our free architect invoice template
Legally reviewed contract templates
Bonsai Cash is an online business bank for architects
Proposal & quotation templates to help you land more clients
Expense tracking
Automated architect invoicing software

Try a 14 day free trial today.

Cedreo For Augmented Reality

If you want to create a conceptual home design, design proposals, or a floor plan, this is the app for you. You can also find it on the web, and it makes it easy for you to reduce the time for the sale cycles and improve your closing rates. You can create full-scale drawings and complete proposals on-site in just two hours.

SketchUp Mobile Viewer

If you need digital sketching paper to put together a home design project, SketchUp can be a great helper. You can use it to create interactive layers in both 2D and 3D formats, allowing you to give your clients a walkthrough of the projects.

There are plenty of preset models out there that you can use, shortening the time needed to create a blueprint for the house. You also get a tape measure tool that allows you to view dimensions, making it one of the best architecture apps for detailed projects.

Sun Seeker

Your clients may want the best light in their homes - and for that to happen, you should know the sun's position at any moment. This is especially important if the home has a limited number of windows or even roof windows in certain positions. Sun Seeker can help you with that.

Plus, not only does it determine the solar path, but it also finds out the lunar path. This will help the home get the best light, regardless of the time of day.

ArchiSnapper

ArchiSnapper is a good option for field reports, inspections, and site visit checklists. It takes away the need of having to use programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel, reducing the paperwork and allowing you to choose the file format.

Once you are done, you can store files locally on your smartphone. You can also add annotations and connect the app to other applications such as Bonsai to share the project data.

RoomScan Pro

If you want a handy app to create floor plans, Scan Pro one can be very helpful. You use it to scan the space available on site, and the app automatically generates a format and design for the floors. After that, you can create virtual tours on 3D models, showing off your project in augmented reality.

Magic Plan

Magic Plan is also a good option for estimates, floor plans, and field reports. Available on various platforms such as Android devices or even as an iPad app, you can use it to generate a floor plan and create an estimate for the final costs. The data can be synced into a centralized hub or a program such as Bonsai, depending on what you use to handle the finances of your business.

Morpholio Trace Pro

If you made multiple site visits and you want to trace over maps, documents, or pictures, then the Morpholio Trace Pro app is something that can come in handy.

You can enhance your hand drawing using AR, VR, and lots of in-app intelligence that can make your work much easier. You also have numerous custom stencils that can speed up your work so that you may finish your projects much faster.

AutoCAD Mobile App

Developed by AutoDesk, the AutoCAD mobile application is the perfect choice for reviewing files straight from your phone. You have a feature where you can view 2D and 3D models at any time, regardless of the software that you used to create them.

You can also measure dimensions, go through large-scale models, and even markup your designs across multiple devices, making it a good option for the freelance architect.

Autodesk FormIt

Perfect for architectural sketching and 3D modeling, this app can be used across multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, and Windows. Not only does it allow you to sketch, but it is also a great source of information.

You get integrated energy analysis, as well as a materials library where you can test out multiple materials (i.e., floorboards, paint colors, etc.). It even has a real-time collaboration tool packed with an in-app chat, where you can keep in touch with your clients and other professionals in the field.

Pixlr Express Free App

Are you an architect on a budget? In that case, the Pixlr app from Autodesk can prove to be an invaluable tool. You can edit and add professional modifications to your architectural pictures and play with the photos to create the perfect home project. It's a free tool but it has various features that the majority of similar apps do not have.

Shapr3D

Do you need to see your 3D models on the go? In that case, you may benefit from using the Shapr3d app. It's also great for sketching, allowing you to switch between 2D and 3D models. Plus, not only can you use finger-based interaction with this guide, but you may also use Apple pencils with it.

ARki

If you are looking for 3D presentations or interactive AR technology, this app can prove very helpful. You can create and explore 3D models and offer your client interactive presentations of what you are planning to build.

You can use layers and models across different devices, toggle between the views, and store the images locally. This way, you will also get offline access to your documents no matter where you are.

Homestyle Interior Design

If your work involves creating the perfect home all the way to the furniture, then Homestyle Interior Design can help you with that. You need to take photographs during the site visits, and then the app will compile a set of furniture that would look best in the space.

This app will take your floor space in mind, as well as other architectural aspects of your home. After that, it will create a 3D model to show your client different furniture combinations, from sofas to light fixtures and many more.

Sketchbook

Sketchbook has an intuitive interface that allows you to paint and draw your designs, making it a particularly good option for interior designers. Regardless of your skill level, this app is great for you - especially if you love to draw and bring your architectural projects to life yourself.

This is one of the few architecture apps that has a time-lapse recording tool, which allows you to record the sketching project from the beginning to the end. It's a perfect option for marketing your skills and showcasing your creation process on your website or social media.

Concepts

Concepts uses vector-based sketching, a general choice for designers and architects. It is a highly flexible app that offers a digital sketching paper that resembles real paper. You can get this app on an iPhone, iPad, or even an iPad Pro.

Concepts is also an award-winning app, gaining recognition from both Google and Apple. The easy drawing and editing experience allows for faster sketches, cutting down the time that one would need to create the perfect project.

Procreate

If your work involves art and exterior design, then you might want to try out Procreate. The app itself is not in the official architecture apps category, but it is great for digital artists with an interest in architecture.

You have more than 150 brushes to choose from, and the advanced layering system allows you to create one project status and design at a time.

The Bottom Line

Being an architect can sometimes be troublesome work. However, with the right app, things can take a much easier turn. Whether you want to create from scratch, update floor plans, take care of the interior design or handle your budget, there is an app for each one of these tasks.

What Defines a Verbal Contract?

A verbal contract (formally called an oral contract) refers to an agreement between two parties that's made —you guessed it— verbally.

Formal contracts, like those between an employee and an employer, are typically written down. However, some professional transactions take place based on verbally agreed terms.

Freelancers are a good example of this. Often, freelancers will take on projects having agreed on the terms and payment via the phone, or an email. Unfortunately, sometimes clients don't pull through on their agreements, and hardworking freelancers can find themselves out of pocket and wondering whether a legal battle is worth all the hassle.

The main differences between written and oral contracts are that the former is signed and documented, whereas the latter is solely attributed to verbal communication.

Verbal contracts are a bit of a gray area for most people unfamiliar with contract law —which is most of us, right?— due to the fact that there's no physical evidence to support the claims made by the implemented parties.

When is a Verbal Agreement Legally Binding?

For any contract (written or verbal) to be binding, there are four major elements which need to be in place. The crucial elements of a contract are as follows:

Offer and acceptance: An offer is made and accepted by another party involved in the agreement;
Consideration: The involved parties must exchange something of value (money, a service, time, etc), this is known as consideration;
Intention and certainty: All parties must fully understand the terms of the contract and intend to make a legally binding agreement freely; and
Capacity: The parties must have the capacity to legally enter into the contract; they're above age and of a stable mindset.

Therefore, an oral agreement has legal validity if all of these elements are present. However, verbal contracts can be difficult to enforce in a court of law. In the next section, we take a look at how oral agreements hold up in court.

How strong is a verbal agreement in court?

Most business professionals are wary of entering into contracts orally because they can difficult to enforce in the face of the law.

If an oral contract is brought in front of a court of law, there is increased risk of one party (or both!) lying about the initial terms of the agreement. This is problematic for the court, as there's no unbiased way to conclude the case; often, this will result in the case being disregarded. Moreover, it can be difficult to outline contract defects if it's not in writing.

That being said, there are plenty of situations where enforceable contracts do not need to be written or spoken, they're simply implied. For instance, when you buy milk from a store, you give something in exchange for something else and enter into an implied contract, in this case - money is exchanged for goods.

Are you a freelancer?
Join 150,000+ freelancers using Bonsai's free contracts & invoices.

get started now

When are verbal agreements not enforceable?

There are some types of contracts which must be in writing.

The Statute of Frauds is a legal statute which states that certain kinds of contracts must be executed in writing and signed by the parties involved. The Statute of Frauds has been adopted in almost all U.S states, and requires a written contract for the following purposes:

The sale of real estate or vehicles
Real estate leases lasting longer than one year.
Property transfer following the death of the owner.
The case of a party agreeing to pay debt for someone else.
Any contract that requires more than a year to fulfil.
A contract involving and exceeding a specified amount of money (which varies by state).

Typically, a court of law won't enforce an oral agreement in any of these circumstances under the statute. Instead, a written document is required to make the contract enforceable.

Contract law is generally doesn't favor contracts agreed upon verbally. A verbal agreement is difficult to prove, and can be used by those intent on committing fraud. For that reason, it's always best to put any agreements in writing and ensure all parties have fully understood and consented to signing.

How are Verbal Contracts Enforced?

Verbal agreements can be proven with actions in the absence of physical documentation. Any oral promise to provide the sale of goods or perform a service that you agreed to counts as a valid contract. So, when facing a court of law, what evidence can you provide to enforce a verbal agreement?

How can you prove an oral contract?

Unfortunately, without solid proof, it may be difficult to convince a court of the legality of an oral contract. Without witnesses to testify to the oral agreement taking place or other forms of evidence, oral contracts won't stand up in court. Instead, it becomes a matter of "he-said-she-said" - which legal professionals definitely don't have time for!

If you were to enter into a verbal contract, it's recommended to follow up with an email or a letter confirming the offer, the terms of the agreement , and payment conditions. The more you can document the elements of a contract, the better your chances of legally enforcing a oral contract.

Another option is to make a recording of the conversation where the agreement is verbalized. This can be used to support your claims in the absence of a written agreement. However, it's always best to gain the permission of the other involved parties before hitting record.

Written vs Verbal Contracts: What's the Verdict?

Fundamentally, most verbal agreements are legally valid as long as they meet all the requirements for a contract. However, if you were to go to court over one party not fulfilling the terms of the contract, proving that the interaction took place can be extremely taxing.

So, ultimately, the question is: written or verbal agreements?

Any good lawyer, contract law firm, or legal professional would advise you to make sure you formalize any professional agreement with a written agreement. Written contracts provide a secure testament to the conditions that were agreed and signed by the two parties involved. If it comes to it, a physical contract is much easier to eviden in legal circumstances.

Freelancers, in particular, should be aware of the extra security that digital contracts may provide. Many people choose to stick to executing contracts verbally because they're not sure how to write a contract, or they think writing out the contract terms is too complicated or requires expensive legal advice. However, this is no longer the case.

"@bonsaiinc is probably my all time favorite freelance tool. hands down. the team is super responsive and accessible when i have questions."

David Urbinati

Motion design / animation

Say hello to digital contracts

Today, we have a world of resources available at our fingertips. The internet is a treasure trove of invaluable information, platforms, and software that simplifies our lives. Creating, signing, and sending contracts has never been easier. What's more, you don't have to rely on a hiring a lawyer to explain all that legal jargon anymore.

There are plenty of tools available online for freelancers to use for guidance when drafting digital contracts. Tools like Bonsai provide a range of customizable, vetted contract templates for all kinds of freelance professionals. No matter what industry you're operating in, Bonsai has a professional template to offer.

Benefits of written contracts

A written contract makes the agreement much easier to prove the terms of the agreement in case something were to go awry. The two parties involved can rest assured that they're legal rights are protected, and the terms of the contract are sufficiently documented. Plus, it provides both parties with peace of mind to focus on the tasks at hand.

Create Professional Contracts with Bonsai

Bonsai's product suite for freelancers allows users to make contracts from scratch, or using professional templates, and sign them using an online signature maker.

With Bonsai, you can streamline and automate all of the boring back-office tasks that come with being a freelancer. From creating proposals that clients can't say no to, to sealing the deal with a professional contract - Bonsai will revolutionize the way you do business as a freelancer.

Why not secure your business today and sign up for a free trial?