Architecture desktops. Yesterday's favorites? 

What technology do you use to run the software with which you design buildings and infrastructure? Most architects today use Intel architecture desktops which provide them the computing power, RAM, processors, cores and graphics boards to run complex software and render large design files.

However, while architecture desktops are still the most popular tool for designing buildings, a growing number of architects are turning to the cloud to run software instead. Why is this?

Introducing the cloud for architects

 The cloud is simply a term used to describe outsourced computing power. At most architecture firms the servers and desktop PC’s which your software runs on are held physically on-premises. On the other hand, with the cloud, you connect over the internet to computers that are in large cloud datacentres elsewhere.

Rather than storing all your files on your architecture desktop in the office, all the computing power happens on the servers you rent. This means that you do not need the best architecture desktop computer to run CAD or BIM software. Instead, it runs in the cloud data centre. You then access this cloud-based computer from any device.  

What are the benefits of replacing architecture desktops with the cloud?

Case study: Read how architecture firm DSP uses the cloud

7 ways the cloud beats architecture desktops  

If you have only ever used architecture desktop computers to run your preferred software, outsourcing your computing power to third party servers may seem not seem the best option. Nevertheless, there are several benefits to this model:

1 - Saves time

If you use a cloud server to render your models and process changes, you can outsource all that computing activity to dedicated computers elsewhere – and that frees up your time. Rather than rendering on your desktop (which slows you down and makes it near impossible to do other work), using the cloud lets you keep on being productive.  

2 - Much less expensive

Architecture desktops are incredibly powerful machines. The minimum requirements for a software such as Revit demand are high: 16 GB RAM memory, a fast processor, an expensive graphics board. They come with a price to match – a professional architecture desktop will cost $2,000 at a minimum. On the other hand, using a cloud service to run your architecture software can cost as little as $16 per month.

3 - Improves communication and collaboration

The cloud allows multiple people to view an architecture model from anywhere. This means that clients or contractors can view your building design and ask questions. People don’t need to be in the same room at the same time to view drawings and can collaborate to make changes without less risk of misunderstandings.

4 - Work anywhere

As the coronavirus lockdowns have shown, it is so important for businesses to be flexible and allow their staff to mix work from both home and the office. Unfortunately, if you depend on an architecture desktop, remote working is much harder because you must transport that machine out of the office to your home. On the other hand, using a cloud-based architecture computer lets you log in remotely from anywhere and be productive. For this ‘new normal’, the best choice is a cloud based workstation.

Read more: 5 questions to ask before buying an architect computer

5 - More powerful computers

If you opt for a cloud-based architecture computer you can access all the most best graphics cards, processor, RAM and storage on the market without having ever having to buy them. With designair’s cloud-based architecture computer, you can run your CAD and BIM software on powerful machines that are reglarly updating.

6 - Best Security

If you use traditional architecture computers, you must store your designs on a physical machine in your office. This is risky, however. Whether it is theft, flooding, fire or anything else, storing all your files and hardware physically inside your company building exposes you to many threats. If they were held in a specially designed cloud data centre which is almost impossible to break into or damage, you get the best protection possible.

7 - More flexible workforce

A final benefit of using the cloud to run your architecture software is that you can access a more flexible workforce. If you need a designer with specific skills, they do not need to physically come to your office to use your software or edit your models. Instead, they can access the remote desktop from anywhere in the world. That means you have far more options for hiring skilled consultants and freelancers.

Replace architecture desktops with the cloud

Designair provides the best cloud-based virtual architecture desktops that can run all popular CAD, BIM and architecture software. Our virtual desktops are based in data centres in Germany and on both coasts of the United States and are highly secure, reliable, and fast.

If you are looking to upgrade your architecture desktop - or simply need some flexible computing power for a specific project – Designair can support your goals.

To get started, begin your free trial today.

Remote architecture firm Design Service Professionals has been an entirely remote architecture firm for many years. They share their experience in this blog.

Your architect computer is a serious investment. Workstations start at $2500, laptops will be double that. Virtual desktops with GPU start at $80 per month. Which option should you choose? Learn the 5 questions you should always ask before you buy your architect computer.