{"slice":{"kind":"sub-category","id":"conceptual-massing","label":"Conceptual Massing","href":"/design/conceptual-massing","apiPath":"/api/slices/sub-category/conceptual-massing","lastmod":"2026-07-19"},"subCategory":{"id":"conceptual-massing","label":"Conceptual Massing","category":"design","categoryLabel":"Design the Building"},"tools":[{"id":"rhino3d","name":"Rhino 3D","url":"https://www.rhino3d.com","description":"Professional NURBS surface modeler used for complex massing, parametric design via the bundled Grasshopper visual-scripting environment, and computational architecture; one-time license with native DWG, DXF, and IFC export.","verdict":"worth-it","composite":4.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Best long-term value for complex massing or parametric work: $995 once with no subscription, Grasshopper bundled for visual scripting, and native DWG/IFC export -- cheaper than two years of SketchUp Pro for a tool that lasts a decade.","parametric-computational":"The flagship computational-design tool for AEC: Grasshopper ships free with every Rhino license, RhinoCommon exposes a full .NET SDK, and embedded Python (rhino3dm) plus Rhino.Inside.Revit let it drive or be driven by the rest of the BIM stack -- a one-time $995 license beats any subscription-based parametric tool on total cost."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","parametric-computational"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"RhinoCommon .NET API, Rhino.Python (IronPython / CPython), Grasshopper SDK","authModel":"n/a (desktop perpetual license)","scripting":"Python 3, C#, VB.NET; Grasshopper visual programming","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://github.com/mcneel/rhinocommon"]},"integrations":[{"name":"SketchUp"},{"name":"Revit (via IFC, Rhino.Inside.Revit)"},{"name":"V-Ray"},{"name":"Enscape"},{"name":"Lumion"},{"name":"Grasshopper"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"3DM","direction":"native","support":"full"},{"format":"DWG","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Reads up to AutoCAD 2018 format; polyface mesh/3DFace entities import as polygon meshes, not NURBS; dynamic blocks import as static."},{"format":"DXF","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Same page/caveats as DWG."},{"format":"IFC","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown","viaPlugin":true,"note":"Not documented on Rhino's own file-format index; IFC import/export is only available via third-party plugins (e.g. BEAM IFC, IfcOpenShell-based tools)."},{"format":"STEP","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Schema-dependent: black-colored objects lose color on export, AP203ControConfigDesign schema does not support color entities, units/tolerance auto-converted on import."},{"format":"IGES","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Vendor: polygon meshes are not exported to IGES; layer names truncate at the first non-ASCII character."},{"format":"OBJ","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"NURBS surfaces export only as meshes; re-imported OBJ files become mesh geometry, not NURBS."},{"format":"FBX","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Creased edges import as smooth edges; limited NURBS curve/surface support; import can destabilize above ~1000 SubD faces."},{"format":"STL","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Imports/exports strictly as polygon mesh objects, not converted to NURBS."},{"format":"SKP","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Vendor: reads and writes SketchUp files up to the 2021 version."}],"scores":{"c1":5,"c2":3,"c3":4,"c4":4,"c5":5},"pricing":{"model":"one-time","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":true,"entryUsd":995},"evidenceUrls":{"formats":"https://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/8/help/en-us/fileio/_index_of_import_export_file_types.htm"},"platforms":["desktop"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-02","category":"design"},{"id":"autodesk-forma","name":"Autodesk Forma Site Design","url":"https://www.autodesk.com/products/forma-site-design/overview","description":"Cloud-based AI platform for early-stage urban design, massing, and microclimate analysis.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.8,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"C2 4/5 and C4 5/5: Autodesk documents APS API access plus IFC, RVT, and glTF support, and the integration stack includes Revit, Civil 3D, Autodesk Tandem, Esri ArcGIS, and Zoneomics. Firm-size fit is small-team to growing.","energy":"The energy placement is limited to Forma's cloud microclimate analyses inside the site-design workflow; C2 4/5 reflects the APS API, and C5 4/5 reflects the Revit, Civil 3D, Tandem, ArcGIS, and Zoneomics integration stack.","permitting":"The permitting placement is limited to zoning-responsive envelope generation through the documented Zoneomics integration rather than a permit-filing workflow; C5 4/5 reflects the integration stack, and C3 2/5 reflects Autodesk-platform onboarding weight."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","energy","permitting"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"https://aps.autodesk.com/en/docs/forma/v1","authModel":"OAuth 2.0 via Autodesk Platform Services","scripting":"Embedded View SDK (JavaScript/npm), REST API via APS OAuth","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://aps.autodesk.com/en/docs/forma/v1","https://www.npmjs.com/package/forma-embedded-view-sdk"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"Civil 3D"},{"name":"Autodesk Tandem"},{"name":"Esri ArcGIS"},{"name":"Zoneomics"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"IFC","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"RVT","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"glTF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":4,"c3":2,"c4":5,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":"unknown","freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://construction.autodesk.com/pricing/","apiDocs":"https://aps.autodesk.com/en/docs/forma/v1","formats":"https://aps.autodesk.com/en/docs/forma/v1/working-with-forma/element-system/forma-element-specification/"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"blender","name":"Blender","url":"https://www.blender.org","description":"Free, open-source 3D creation suite used by architects for parametric massing via Geometry Nodes, photorealistic Cycles rendering, and Python-scripted design automation; runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.8,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Free forever and Python-scriptable from the command line -- worth it if you need photorealistic renders without a V-Ray bill or want parametric massing via Geometry Nodes, but expect a steep learning curve compared with SketchUp."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":true,"api":"Python bpy module (full scene access, headless rendering and geometry export via CLI)","authModel":"n/a (open-source desktop)","scripting":"Python 3 (bpy)","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Unreal Engine"},{"name":"Unity"},{"name":"Substance Painter"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"BLEND","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"FBX","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"OBJ","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"glTF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"GLB","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DXF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"STL","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"USD","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"COLLADA","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":5,"c2":3,"c3":2,"c4":5,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"free","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":true,"trial":false,"entryUsd":0},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.blender.org/download/"},"platforms":["desktop"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"hypar","name":"Hypar","url":"https://hypar.io/","description":"Cloud-based, code-first generative design and space-planning platform where architects and engineers build, share, and run custom parametric \"Functions\" via an open-source C# BIM SDK (Elements) and CLI, plus a space-planning product (Hypar Space) for rapid test-fit and layout generation, exporting to Revit, IFC, and glTF.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.8,"verdicts":{"parametric-computational":"Open-source, actively-maintained (near-daily GitHub commits through July 2026) generative-design SDK/CLI with transparent per-seat pricing, native Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper/Dynamo integrations, and open IFC/glTF export, backed by real enterprise customers (DPR Construction, Obayashi, Unispace)."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"parametric-computational","subCategories":["parametric-computational","conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":true,"api":"unknown -- a hosted REST API is referenced in docs but no canonical public API-reference URL or auth model was independently confirmed","authModel":"unknown","scripting":"C# Functions built and deployed via the Hypar CLI, on top of the open-source Elements SDK","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":["https://docs.hypar.io/4ffa9f3371234da8a40ec9e30fc74bc8","https://github.com/hypar-io/HyparFunctionInfo","https://hypar-io.github.io/Elements/"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Autodesk Revit","type":"native"},{"name":"Rhino / Grasshopper","type":"native"},{"name":"Dynamo","type":"native"},{"name":"Unity","type":"native"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"IFC","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Via the open-source Elements.Serialization.IFC module."},{"format":"GLTF","direction":"export","support":"full"},{"format":"RVT","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Revit import/export for handoff."},{"format":"JSON","direction":"both","support":"full"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":4,"c3":3,"c4":4,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"tiered subscription","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":true,"entryUsd":50},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://docs.hypar.io/pricing-and-purchasing","apiDocs":"https://docs.hypar.io/4ffa9f3371234da8a40ec9e30fc74bc8","cliDocs":"https://docs.hypar.io/4ffa9f3371234da8a40ec9e30fc74bc8","agentDocs":"https://github.com/hypar-io/HyparFunctionInfo","signup":"https://hypar.io/","formats":"https://github.com/hypar-io/Elements","integrations":"https://www.aecplustech.com/tools/hypar","marketplace":"https://github.com/hypar-io/HyparFunctionInfo","changelog":"https://github.com/hypar-io/Elements/releases"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-04","category":"design"},{"id":"giraffe","name":"Giraffe","url":"https://www.giraffe.build/","description":"Cloud-based early-phase urban planning, site feasibility, and generative design platform that connects spatial design with GIS data, financial modeling, and AI-driven analysis for developers, architects, and planners.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.6,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"A well-established (since 2018), self-serve urban planning and feasibility platform with transparent $45/mo Core pricing, free tier, and confirmed JavaScript SDK/API access for custom app development; strong named customers include Lendlease, Trammell Crow, HKS, Mortenson, and NSW Government per AEC Magazine.","permitting":"Useful secondary placement for early-stage zoning-envelope analysis -- Giraffe overlays GIS zoning data on live 3D site massing, calculating FAR, yield, and height in real time as the massing is adjusted, giving planners and developers an immediate read on by-right development capacity before engaging a permitting consultant."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","permitting"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"Giraffe Workspace API and JavaScript SDK for building custom extensions and apps (SDK docs at help.giraffe.build)","authModel":"API access included on higher tiers (Teams $1,500/user/yr and Enterprise)","scripting":"Giraffe JavaScript SDK, visual scripting language in-platform","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":["https://help.giraffe.build/en/collections/14732307-getting-started-with-the-sdk","https://help.giraffe.build/en/articles/12525921-sdk-docs"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit","type":"api-only"},{"name":"Esri ArcGIS","type":"native"},{"name":"Rhino","type":"native"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"IFC","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Export site models to IFC for downstream BIM workflows"},{"format":"DWG","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Export to CAD format"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":3,"c3":4,"c4":4,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"freemium with two self-serve tiers","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":true,"entryUsd":0},"evidenceUrls":{"apiDocs":"https://help.giraffe.build/en/collections/14732307-getting-started-with-the-sdk","pricing":"https://www.giraffe.build/self-serve/","signup":"https://www.giraffe.build/","integrations":"https://www.giraffe.build/"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-06","category":"design"},{"id":"skema-ai","name":"Skema","url":"https://www.skema.ai/","description":"AI-powered generative/schematic design platform for architecture firms that converts a firm's own prior Revit design assemblies into reusable 'Design Catalog' components (puzzle pieces), then arranges and morphs them to fit a new building footprint and unit mix, producing a coordinated, construction-document-ready native Revit BIM model (LOD 300-350) synced bidirectionally back into Revit.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.6,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Solid (3.6/5) generative-design tool that reuses a firm's own prior Revit designs to auto-generate schematic layouts in minutes, with transparent self-serve pricing from a free tier, but its vendor-claimed API/Grasshopper integration lacks public developer docs.","bim-authoring":"Extends the same design-reuse engine into coordinated, construction-document-ready Revit output (LOD 300-350) with IFC export, though as a design-stage automation layer rather than a full BIM authoring tool."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","bim-authoring"],"sectors":["residential","commercial"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"vendor's funding announcement claims an 'API-powered architecture with bi-directional integrations (Revit, Grasshopper)', but no public developer API documentation, endpoint reference, or auth model was found","authModel":"unknown","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Autodesk Revit","type":"native"},{"name":"Rhino / Grasshopper"},{"name":"Miro"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"RVT","direction":"both","support":"full","note":"Bidirectional sync with Revit; vendor states no data loss."},{"format":"IFC","direction":"export","support":"full"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":2,"c3":4,"c4":4,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"tiered subscription with a free community tier","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":true,"entryUsd":199},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.skema.ai/pricing","signup":"https://www.skema.ai/get-started","formats":"https://www.skema.ai/knowledge-center"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-03","category":"design"},{"id":"sketchup","name":"SketchUp","url":"https://www.sketchup.com","description":"Push-pull 3D modeler used by architects worldwide for massing studies, site context models, and client presentations; available as a web app, iPad app, and Windows/Mac desktop.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.6,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"The de-facto starting point for architectural massing -- $399/yr Pro unlocks IFC export, LayOut for 2D documents, and 1,000+ extensions; the web-only Go plan at $129/yr covers basic conceptual modeling."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"Ruby API (SketchUp SDK) for desktop extensions; read-only web API","authModel":"Trimble Connect OAuth 2.0","scripting":"Ruby (desktop), JavaScript (web)","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"ARCHICAD"},{"name":"Lumion"},{"name":"Enscape"},{"name":"V-Ray"},{"name":"Trimble Connect"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"SKP","direction":"native","support":"full"},{"format":"DWG","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Import (Go/Pro/Studio tiers only) loses dimensions, text, XREFs, and proprietary ADT/ARX objects; export is a lossy triangulated-polyface conversion."},{"format":"DXF","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Same translator and caveats as DWG."},{"format":"IFC","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Native IFC2x3/IFC4 importer/exporter, but vendor notes some SketchUp entities may not export, and IFC2x3 export is Windows-only while IFC4 export is the only option on Mac."},{"format":"FBX","direction":"export","support":"unknown","note":"Export documented (Pro tier); vendor does not document FBX import."},{"format":"OBJ","direction":"export","support":"partial","note":"Vendor: outputs polygon faces only (no NURBS), and only a flat set-membership hierarchy is preserved, not a tree hierarchy."},{"format":"STL","direction":"both","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DAE","direction":"both","support":"partial","note":"Vendor: COLLADA export does not support text, dimensions, scenes, section planes, shadows, or rendering options."}],"scores":{"c1":5,"c2":1,"c3":5,"c4":3,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":true,"entryUsd":129},"evidenceUrls":{"formats":"https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/using-sketchup-data-other-modeling-programs-or-tools"},"platforms":["web","desktop","ios"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-06-30","category":"design"},{"id":"archistar","name":"Archistar","url":"https://archistar.ai","description":"AI platform for property feasibility analysis, zoning compliance, and automated permit review for AEC and real estate.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.4,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"C2 4/5 reflects the public API with API-key auth, and C4 3/5 reflects JSON output. This placement is the zoning and feasibility surface rather than a model-authoring stack; firm-size fit is solo to small-team.","permitting":"The permitting placement is the automated zoning-compliance and permit-feasibility scan described on the product surface; C2 4/5 reflects the public API, and C5 3/5 reflects the planning-portal integration."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","permitting"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"https://docs.archistar.ai/","authModel":"API key","scripting":"none","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://docs.archistar.ai/","https://apitracker.io/a/archistar-ai"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Planning portals"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"JSON","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":4,"c3":3,"c4":3,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":"unknown","freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.archistar.ai/pricing/","apiDocs":"https://docs.archistar.ai/","formats":"https://docs.archistar.ai/"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"freecad","name":"FreeCAD","url":"https://www.freecad.org","description":"Free, open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler with a dedicated BIM Workbench that reads and writes IFC, STEP, and DXF; scriptable via Python; suitable for budget-constrained solo architects who need IFC interoperability without a subscription.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.4,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"The only zero-cost desktop option with a real IFC-capable BIM workbench -- useful when budget is the binding constraint, but it just reached v1.0 after 20+ years in beta and still demands significant self-directed learning with community-only support."},"redFlags":["RF4"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":true,"api":"Python API (FreeCAD module, full document and geometry access)","authModel":"n/a (open-source desktop)","scripting":"Python 3","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit (via IFC)"},{"name":"BricsCAD (via DWG/DXF)"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"FCStd","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"STEP","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"IGES","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"IFC","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"STL","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DXF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"OBJ","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DAE","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"SVG","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":3,"c2":3,"c3":2,"c4":5,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"free","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":true,"trial":false,"entryUsd":0},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases"},"platforms":["desktop"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"modelur","name":"Modelur","url":"https://modelur.com","description":"SketchUp extension for rapid parametric urban massing with real-time FAR, height, and zoning-compliance feedback for urban design. Imports DWG floor plans and OpenStreetMap/GIS context and syncs data with Excel (LiveSync). Public subscription pricing (per seat, floating license) with a free non-commercial plan; runs only inside SketchUp.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.4,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"SketchUp parametric massing with live FAR/envelope/zoning feedback -- public per-seat subscription and a free non-commercial plan aid adoption, and DWG/OSM import plus Excel LiveSync give good interoperability; a documented scripting API is not surfaced and it runs only inside SketchUp."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"none","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"SketchUp","type":"native"},{"name":"OpenStreetMap"},{"name":"Excel"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"DWG","direction":"import","support":"full","note":"Floor-plan import."},{"format":"XLSX","direction":"both","support":"full","note":"Excel LiveSync."}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":2,"c3":4,"c4":4,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"subscription (per seat, floating license); free non-commercial plan","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":false,"trial":true},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://modelur.com/pricing"},"platforms":["plugin"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-19","category":"design"},{"id":"finch3d","name":"Finch3D","url":"https://finch3d.com","description":"AI-assisted floor plan optimizer for multi-family buildings that scores layouts against daylight and area KPIs.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"C5 4/5 reflects Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, ArchiCAD, and Autodesk Forma integrations, while C1 3/5 reflects a freemium entry point. The documented file surface is RVT and 3DM, and firm-size fit is solo to small-team."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["residential"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"none","scripting":"Revit add-in, Rhino plug-in, Grasshopper component, ArchiCAD plug-in","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://docs.finch3d.com/docs/download-plug-ins","https://apps.autodesk.com/RVT/en/Detail/Index?id=994418353372942051"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"Rhino"},{"name":"Grasshopper"},{"name":"ArchiCAD"},{"name":"Autodesk Forma"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"RVT","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"3DM","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":3,"c2":3,"c3":3,"c4":3,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"freemium","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.finch3d.com/get-started"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"motif","name":"Motif","url":"https://www.motif.io/","description":"Cloud-based AI-powered collaboration workspace for architecture and design teams, offering sheet review, live 3D model streaming from Revit and Rhino, AI visualization/rendering, and real-time markups and comments in a browser-native infinite canvas.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.2,"verdicts":{"rendering":"Strong AI visualization and collaborative design review platform with transparent per-user pricing ($25/user/month, free tier available) and live Revit/Rhino streaming for real-time model viewing, but GUI-only with no confirmed public API or agent-access layer limits programmatic use.","conceptual-massing":"Early-stage visual exploration and concept sketching with AI rendering -- useful for quick client presentations and design alignment, but lacks parametric or generative massing tools for detailed feasibility work."},"redFlags":["RF2"],"primarySubCategory":"rendering","subCategories":["rendering","conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"unknown","authModel":"unknown","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit","type":"native"},{"name":"Rhino","type":"native"},{"name":"Grasshopper","type":"native"},{"name":"Dynamo","type":"native"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"RVT","direction":"import","support":"partial","note":"Live Revit model streaming and sheet publishing."},{"format":"3DM","direction":"import","support":"partial","note":"Live Rhino model streaming."}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":1,"c3":4,"c4":3,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.motif.io/pricing","signup":"https://www.motif.io/","integrations":"https://www.motif.io/","formats":"https://www.motif.io/content"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-08","category":"design"},{"id":"onuma-medical-planner","name":"ONUMA Medical Planner","url":"https://www.onuma-bim.com/medical-planner","description":"Web-based medical space-and-equipment planning system for healthcare facilities -- provides a cloud-based BIM platform with 2,100+ MILSTD 1691 medical equipment objects, pre-built room and department templates, and direct links to the Department of Veterans Affairs and DoD Defense Health Agency Space and Equipment Planning System (SEPS) data via APIs; bi-directional sync with Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, and SketchUp through the free ONUMA plug-in; exports COBie and IFC; 30-day free trial available with self-serve sign-up; made by ONUMA Inc.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Solid -- a genuine healthcare-specialist medical planning tool with MILSTD 1691 equipment objects, VA/DoD SEPS data links, and pre-built room/department templates that accelerate healthcare space programming; bi-directional Revit/ArchiCAD/SketchUp sync and IFC/COBie export are strong on portability, and published ONUMA System pricing ($58/user/month Editor, $295/month Editor Studio for 5 users, free Viewer) improves buying transparency, though the healthcare-only scope still narrows the audience.","bim-authoring":"Secondary BIM placement for healthcare teams already running Revit or ArchiCAD -- the free ONUMA plug-in syncs medical equipment and room data bi-directionally, and IFC/COBie export keeps the data portable, but the platform is a planning layer rather than a BIM authoring replacement, and the value is in the SEPS-linked healthcare content rather than general BIM production."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","bim-authoring"],"sectors":["healthcare"],"firmSizeFit":["small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"RESTful web service and BIMXML API for data access and synchronisation with external systems per onuma-bim.com; ONUMA Server platform APIs for connecting to other data sources","authModel":"unknown","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://www.onuma-bim.com/","https://www.onuma-bim.com/medical-planner"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Autodesk Revit","type":"native"},{"name":"Graphisoft ArchiCAD","type":"native"},{"name":"SketchUp","type":"native"},{"name":"Google Earth"},{"name":"ESRI ArcGIS"},{"name":"SEPS (VA/DoD)"},{"name":"Attainia","type":"native"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"IFC","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Export IFC to other BIM applications per onuma-bim.com"},{"format":"COBie","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Import and export COBie data; free COBie Validator included"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":2,"c3":3,"c4":4,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":true,"trial":true,"entryUsd":58},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.onuma-bim.com/license"},"platforms":["web","mobile"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-13","category":"design"},{"id":"testfit","name":"TestFit","url":"https://testfit.io","description":"AI-driven site layout and unit-mix generator for residential and mixed-use development feasibility.","verdict":"solid","composite":3.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"C1 4/5 reflects public pricing, and C4 4/5 reflects DXF, CSV, glTF, SKP, and PDF coverage. The documented surface is a residential site-layout and unit-mix workflow with Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Zoneomics, ESRI, and Rayon integrations.","development-feasibility":"The development-feasibility placement is tied to the residential site-layout workflow plus the documented Zoneomics and ESRI integrations; C2 2/5 reflects no public API and Revit-add-in-only scripting, while C4 4/5 reflects the export stack.","permitting":"The permitting placement is tied to the documented Zoneomics integration in the residential site-layout workflow rather than a standalone permit-submittal system; C2 2/5 reflects no public API and Revit-add-in-only scripting."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","development-feasibility","permitting"],"sectors":["residential"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"none","scripting":"Revit add-in only","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://www.testfit.io/product/integrations","https://support.testfit.io/knowledge/getting-started/exporting-data"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"AutoCAD"},{"name":"SketchUp"},{"name":"Zoneomics"},{"name":"ESRI"},{"name":"Rayon"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"DXF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"CSV","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"glTF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"SKP","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"PDF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":2,"c3":3,"c4":4,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":"unknown","freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.testfit.io/pricing"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-06","category":"design"},{"id":"gridics","name":"Gridics","url":"https://gridics.com/","description":"Parcel-level zoning intelligence and real estate feasibility platform combining a patented zoning rules engine with 3D scenario planning -- ZoneIQ enables real-time development capacity analysis for any parcel or assemblage, including zoning allowances, density, setbacks, and allowed uses; offers a Zoning Data API for programmatic access.","verdict":"solid","composite":3,"verdicts":{"permitting":"Solid -- patented zoning rules engine digitizing municipal code text into parcel-level data for calibrated US municipalities, with municipal trust (City of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach) validating accuracy; ZoneCheck and CodeHUB products provide public-sector zoning portals alongside developer-facing PropZone and ZoneIQ.","conceptual-massing":"Useful secondary placement for development feasibility -- ZoneIQ generates real-time 3D massing scenarios from zoning rules with interactive usage sliders for residential/commercial/office/lodging uses, producing client-ready branded reports in seconds rather than hours of manual zoning research.","development-feasibility":"ZoneIQ provides rapid by-right development capacity analysis across calibrated cities -- instant residual buildable-envelope from zoning code rather than manual overlay research, but limited to ~17 calibrated US cities and quote/demo pricing for the full platform.","site-intelligence":"Address/parcel-to-zoning data layer -- the Zoning Data API returns hundreds of parcel-level zoning and real-estate data points programmatically (API key), feeding zoning allowances, density, setbacks, and allowed uses into a site-intelligence workflow."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"permitting","subCategories":["permitting","conceptual-massing","development-feasibility","site-intelligence"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"Zoning Data API -- programmatic access to hundreds of parcel-level zoning and real estate data points","authModel":"API key","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://gridics.com/products/zoning-data-api/"]},"integrations":[{"name":"Cotality"},{"name":"GIS (ESRI/compatible)"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"PDF","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Client-ready zoning reports."},{"format":"JSON","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Zoning Data API."}],"scores":{"c1":3,"c2":4,"c3":3,"c4":3,"c5":2},"pricing":{"model":"subscription (quote-required, free trial available)","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":true},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://gridics.com/property-zoning-reports/"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"win"},{"id":"shapr3d","name":"Shapr3D","url":"https://www.shapr3d.com","description":"Direct-modeling CAD tool built for iPad and Apple Pencil with Windows and Mac desktop apps; exports STEP, DWG, OBJ, and FBX for AEC handoff; suited for conceptual solid modeling and client presentations on the go.","verdict":"solid","composite":3,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"The best iPad-native option for architect site visits: Apple Pencil direct modeling, STEP and DWG export for BIM handoff, and a free 2-project Basic plan -- $299/yr Pro lifts the project cap and unlocks the full CAD format library."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"unknown","authModel":"unknown","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"KeyShot"},{"name":"SolidWorks (via STEP)"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"STEP","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DWG","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"OBJ","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"FBX","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"STL","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"IGES","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DXF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"USDZ","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"3MF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":1,"c3":3,"c4":3,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"freemium","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":false,"trial":"unknown","entryUsd":299},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.shapr3d.com/pricing"},"platforms":["desktop","ios","xr"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-06-30","category":"design"},{"id":"arkio","name":"Arkio","url":"https://arkio.is","description":"VR and AI-assisted conceptual massing tool that lets teams sketch and review 3D designs in mixed reality.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.8,"verdicts":{"rendering":"Strong for VR design reviews with clients -- affordable freemium entry and a genuinely differentiated collaborative VR sketching workflow; position as a concept and client-review tool, not a BIM authoring tool.","conceptual-massing":"Solid for early-stage spatial ideation -- Arkio's push-pull 3D massing in VR/AR lets architects and clients sketch and critique building volumes together in real time before committing to a BIM model."},"redFlags":["RF2"],"primarySubCategory":"rendering","subCategories":["rendering","conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"subscription (Arkio account)","scripting":"none","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"Rhino"},{"name":"SketchUp"},{"name":"Archicad"},{"name":"Unity"},{"name":"Autodesk Construction Cloud"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":".obj","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".glb","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".gltf","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".csv","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"IFC","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".dwg","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".stl","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".png","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":".jpg","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":3,"c2":1,"c3":3,"c4":3,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"freemium","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.arkio.is/pricing/","formats":"https://www.arkio.is/pricing/"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"evolvelab","name":"EvolveLAB","url":"https://evolvelab.io","description":"Suite of AI design tools for Revit and SketchUp -- AI rendering (Veras), auto-documentation (Glyph), generative design (Morphis), and file interoperability (Helix); now part of the Chaos ecosystem.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.8,"verdicts":{"rendering":"The rendering placement centers on Veras inside the documented Revit, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, and Autodesk Forma integration set; C2 3/5 reflects no public API and a host-app plugin workflow.","bim-authoring":"The BIM-authoring placement is limited to the Revit add-in surface; C2 3/5 reflects host-app scripting rather than a public API, and C4 3/5 reflects portability through RVT and IFC via host apps.","conceptual-massing":"The conceptual-massing placement is tied to Morphis plus the documented Revit and Autodesk Forma integration path; C2 3/5 reflects no public API, and firm-size fit is solo to small-team."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"rendering","subCategories":["rendering","bim-authoring","conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"n/a (plugin licensing via Chaos/EvolveLAB account)","scripting":"Revit add-in (Revit API); no public EvolveLAB-specific scripting API documented","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"SketchUp"},{"name":"Rhinoceros"},{"name":"ArchiCAD"},{"name":"Vectorworks"},{"name":"Autodesk Forma"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"RVT (via Revit)","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"SKP","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"3DM","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"IFC (via host app)","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":3,"c2":3,"c3":2,"c4":3,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"subscription","freeTier":"unknown","freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.evolvelab.io/shop"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"snaptrude","name":"Snaptrude","url":"https://www.snaptrude.com/","description":"A browser-based, AI-assisted design platform that takes architects from concept and massing through BIM-ready models with export to Revit and Rhino.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.8,"verdicts":{"bim-authoring":"Good for concept and schematic design -- a cheap, fast browser tool with a free tier, but pair it with a mature authoring tool for production documentation.","conceptual-massing":"Strong massing-to-BIM bridge -- Snaptrude lets architects sketch building massing in the browser and export a structured Revit model, skipping the BIM re-entry step at the end of the concept phase.","permitting":"Tertiary placement only -- Snaptrude lets users enter zoning constraints (setbacks, FAR, height limits) directly to check massing compliance during concept design, but this is a manual, user-entered constraint check rather than a live-data or automated zoning-code system."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"bim-authoring","subCategories":["bim-authoring","conceptual-massing","permitting"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"Plan-gated (Professional tier)","scripting":"Early scripting environment in development (not yet public)","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit (native plugin)"},{"name":"ArchiCAD (export)"},{"name":"Allplan (planned)"},{"name":"Vectorworks (planned)"},{"name":"SketchUp"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"RVT","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"IFC","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DWG","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"FBX","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"PDF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"SKP","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":2,"c2":2,"c3":4,"c4":3,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"freemium","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.snaptrude.com/pricing"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-06","category":"produce"},{"id":"arcol","name":"Arcol","url":"https://arcol.io/","description":"A browser-based, multiplayer BIM platform for early-stage architectural design, combining massing, metrics, boards/presentation, and real-time collaboration.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.6,"verdicts":{"bim-authoring":"Good for client-facing concept design and real-time collaboration, but too early-stage to be your sole BIM authoring tool -- treat it as a front-end, not the whole stack.","conceptual-massing":"Well-suited as a shared concept massing workspace -- real-time multiplayer massing with live area metrics and embedded board presentations makes client feedback sessions more productive than screen-sharing a BIM model."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"bim-authoring","subCategories":["bim-authoring","conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"None verified publicly","scripting":"Planned (plugin scripting on roadmap)","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit (add-in, export to Revit masses)"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"IFC (import only)","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DWG (import)","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"OBJ","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"FBX","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"STL","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"GLTF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"GLB","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"3DM","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":2,"c2":2,"c3":3,"c4":4,"c5":2},"pricing":{"model":"freemium","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://arcol.io/pricing","formats":"https://arcol.io/blog/the-arcol-roadmap-part-2-bringing-the-magic-back-to-building-design"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"produce"},{"id":"digital-blue-foam","name":"Digital Blue Foam","url":"https://www.digitalbluefoam.com","description":"Browser-based AI generative massing and urban-planning tool with ROI and liveability analytics that ingests GeoJSON site context and exports IFC for BIM (connects to Revit and Archicad). Founded 2019; used by Jacobs, AECOM, and Takenaka among others, with government deployments. Enterprise/government custom pricing plus an academic and early-access waitlist; no public self-serve price and no public API.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.4,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Browser-based AI generative massing with ROI/liveability analytics -- ingests GeoJSON site context and exports IFC to Revit/Archicad; open-format interoperability is a strength, but access is enterprise/government custom plus waitlist with no public pricing (RF1) and no public API."},"redFlags":["RF1"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none; browser platform (docs.digitalbluefoam.com knowledge center)","authModel":"none","scripting":"none","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"Archicad"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"IFC","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"BIM-ready export."},{"format":"GeoJSON","direction":"import","support":"full","note":"Site context ingest."}],"scores":{"c1":1,"c2":1,"c3":2,"c4":4,"c5":4},"pricing":{"model":"enterprise/government custom plus academic and early-access waitlist; no published pricing","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.digitalbluefoam.com"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-19","category":"design"},{"id":"dwellci","name":"Dwellci","url":"https://www.dwellci.com","description":"SaaS that turns an address into zoning-validated 3D massing with multi-parcel unit-yield and density comparison for pre-acquisition feasibility. Self-serve with a public pricing page: $99/month base for unlimited site screening and zoning analysis, plus feasibility credits from $299/site for 3D modeling and exports to BIM platforms. GUI web app with no public API. Based in NYC.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.4,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Address-to-3D-massing SaaS -- generates zoning-validated massing with multi-parcel yield comparison; public self-serve pricing ($99/mo base) aids adoption, but it is a GUI web app with no public API (RF2).","development-feasibility":"Pre-acquisition feasibility via unit-yield/density comparison across parcels -- self-serve with feasibility credits from $299/site, though delivery is a GUI web app with no public API (RF2).","permitting":"Zoning-validation layer -- checks massing against zoning during feasibility, though it is a GUI web app with no public API (RF2)."},"redFlags":["RF2"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","development-feasibility","permitting"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none; GUI web app","authModel":"none","scripting":"none","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[],"fileFormats":[{"format":"PDF","direction":"export","support":"unknown","note":"Feasibility sheets."}],"scores":{"c1":4,"c2":1,"c3":3,"c4":2,"c5":2},"pricing":{"model":"subscription; $99/month base plus feasibility credits from $299/site","freeTier":"unknown","freeViewer":false,"trial":"unknown","entryUsd":99},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.dwellci.com/pricing"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-19","category":"design"},{"id":"higharc","name":"Higharc","url":"https://www.higharc.com/","description":"AI homebuilding platform that generates permit-ready construction documents, 3D sales visuals, and plan-based estimates from a single design model -- covers the full design-to-construction lifecycle for production homebuilders, with generative building design, automated estimating, and shoppable 3D showrooms.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"A powerful homebuilding AI platform purpose-built for production builders -- named customers (Signature Homes, Ashlar Homes) report 15% margin increases, $30M ROI, and permit-ready plans in 2 weeks, but quote-only pricing and no public API mean the value proposition is only assessable through a sales conversation.","bim-authoring":"Secondary placement -- Higharc generates BIM-native models and construction documents, but the generative design and concept-phase 3D modeling are the primary use case; the docs are a downstream output, not an authoring environment for broad BIM workflows."},"redFlags":["RF1","RF2"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","bim-authoring"],"sectors":["residential"],"firmSizeFit":["small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"unknown","authModel":"unknown","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"ECI MarkSystems","type":"native"},{"name":"US LBM","type":"native"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"PDF","direction":"import","support":"partial","note":"AutoLayout can convert a marked-up PDF into an editable 3D model."}],"scores":{"c1":2,"c2":1,"c3":2,"c4":3,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"quote-only / demo-request only; no public tiers or dollar figures","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.g2.com/products/higharc/pricing","integrations":"https://www.higharc.com/","signup":"https://www.higharc.com/company/newsroom","formats":"https://www.higharc.com/blog/homebuilding-ai-3d-modeling-higharc"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-12","category":"design"},{"id":"maket","name":"Maket.ai","url":"https://maket.ai","description":"AI floor plan generator that produces multiple residential layout options from a program brief.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"C1 2/5 despite freemium pricing, C2 2/5 with no public API, CLI, or scripting surface, and C4 3/5 with DXF, DWG, and PDF output. Firm-size fit is solo to small-team."},"redFlags":[],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["residential"],"firmSizeFit":["solo","small-team"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none","authModel":"none","scripting":"none","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":["https://www.maket.ai/faqs","https://www.maket.ai/features"]},"integrations":[],"fileFormats":[{"format":"DXF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"DWG","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"},{"format":"PDF","direction":"unknown","support":"unknown"}],"scores":{"c1":2,"c2":2,"c3":2,"c4":3,"c5":2},"pricing":{"model":"freemium","freeTier":true,"freeViewer":"unknown","trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.maket.ai/pricing"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-06-30","category":"design"},{"id":"zenerate","name":"Zenerate","url":"https://www.zenerate.ai","description":"AI generative-design platform that produces optimized site, floor, and parking plans with pro-forma financials for early-stage real-estate feasibility, exporting to Revit (RVT), AutoCAD (DWG), and Excel. Enterprise/quote-gated with no public pricing and no public API; delivered as a GUI web app.","verdict":"situational","composite":2.2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"AI generative site/floor/parking-plan tool -- optimizes layouts and exports to Revit, AutoCAD, and Excel; strong export coverage, but access is enterprise/quote-gated with no public pricing (RF1) and no public API.","development-feasibility":"Generative massing tied to pro-forma financials for early feasibility -- pairs layout generation with financial output, though access is enterprise/quote-gated (RF1) with no self-serve signup."},"redFlags":["RF1"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","development-feasibility"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none; GUI web app","authModel":"none","scripting":"none","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"AutoCAD"}],"fileFormats":[{"format":"RVT","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"3D model."},{"format":"DWG","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Floor plans."},{"format":"XLSX","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Project data."},{"format":"PDF","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Feasibility report."}],"scores":{"c1":1,"c2":1,"c3":2,"c4":4,"c5":3},"pricing":{"model":"enterprise quote-gated; no published pricing","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.zenerate.ai"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-19","category":"design"},{"id":"lab-design-tool","name":"Lab Design Tool","url":"https://www.labdesigntool.com/","description":"Browser-based laboratory planning platform for pharma, biotech, diagnostics, and life-sciences teams -- builds collaborative 3D digital twins of lab layouts, workflows, and automation systems so stakeholders can test equipment placement, throughput assumptions, and room-change scenarios before construction or relocation work is executed.","verdict":"situational","composite":2,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"Situational -- a real life-sciences specialist for planning labs around workflow and automation rather than generic floor-plan sketching. The 3D digital-twin workflow is better than static CAD for validating equipment adjacencies and stakeholder buy-in, but pricing is still demo-led (RF1), there is no public API/CLI/MCP surface (RF2), and portability beyond the hosted experience is not documented."},"redFlags":["RF1","RF2"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing"],"sectors":["healthcare"],"firmSizeFit":["small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"unknown","authModel":"demo / account access","scripting":"unknown","webhooks":false,"agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[],"fileFormats":[{"format":"PNG","direction":"export","support":"unknown","note":"Public product materials show shareable 3D images and screenshots, but broader exchange formats are not documented."}],"scores":{"c1":2,"c2":1,"c3":3,"c4":2,"c5":2},"pricing":{"model":"quote-only (demo-request required)","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":true},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.labdesigntool.com/demo-request"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-18","category":"design"},{"id":"buildplan","name":"BUILDPLAN","url":"https://www.build-ai.tech","description":"Web app (a Build AI module) that walks site setup through AI massing, feasibility (NOI/IRR/NPV/DSCR/Cap Rate), and a bill of quantities to an exportable PDF proposal. Localized for Japan (coverage/FAR/slant-plane zoning) and Mongolia; UI in Mongolian/Japanese/English/Korean. Sales-led with no disclosed pricing and no public API.","verdict":"skip","composite":1.8,"verdicts":{"conceptual-massing":"AI site-setup-to-massing web app -- generates massing then a feasibility and BOQ workflow into a PDF proposal; localized for Japan and Mongolia only, sales-led with no disclosed pricing (RF1) and no public API.","development-feasibility":"Feasibility workflow (NOI/IRR/NPV/DSCR/Cap Rate) from AI massing to a PDF proposal -- geographically limited to Japan/Mongolia zoning, sales-led with no disclosed pricing (RF1)."},"redFlags":["RF1"],"primarySubCategory":"conceptual-massing","subCategories":["conceptual-massing","development-feasibility"],"sectors":["agnostic"],"firmSizeFit":["small-team","growing"],"agentAccess":{"mcp":false,"cli":false,"api":"none; browser web app","authModel":"none","scripting":"none","webhooks":"unknown","agentDocs":[]},"integrations":[],"fileFormats":[{"format":"PDF","direction":"export","support":"full","note":"Proposal export."},{"format":"IFC","direction":"import","support":"view-only","note":"BIM viewing."}],"scores":{"c1":1,"c2":1,"c3":2,"c4":3,"c5":2},"pricing":{"model":"sales-led; no disclosed pricing","freeTier":false,"freeViewer":false,"trial":"unknown"},"evidenceUrls":{"pricing":"https://www.build-ai.tech"},"platforms":["web"],"lifecycle":"active","lastVerified":"2026-07-19","category":"design"}]}