How to Build Your Own Archicad
Replace Archicad with a custom build. The best design experience
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 28 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 28 features
Design Tools(6 features)
Easily customizable Doors, Windows, Stairs, Railings, and Curtain Walls supporting advanced modeling and design flexibility
Tools for conceptualizing designs from mass modeling and sketches to optioneering and quantity take-offs
Design, model, and document mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems using built-in parametric objects, clash detection, and unified collaboration workflows
Wall, Slab, Roof, Column, and Beam tools that automatically adjust and maintain relationships between building components for seamless design updates
Versatile libraries and adaptive toolkit with out-of-the-box components to meet any scale, style, or project need
+1 more in this category
Collaboration(4 features)
Cloud-based collaboration platform enabling distributed teams to work together, with options for office-based teamwork (BIMcloud Basic) and global distributed collaboration
Turn models into immersive, real-scale experiences with Apple Vision Pro and BIMx for exploring, presenting, and collaborating on the go with complete data and documentation
Professional mobile and web viewing and collaboration tool for sharing and reviewing BIM models with stakeholders
Work together in a centralized model hosted on BIMcloud, enabling live updates and instant notifications with seamless project sharing
AI(2 features)
Built-in intelligent design companion aiming to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and simplify collaboration across the AEC industry (BETA)
Cloud-powered AI tool that instantly transforms conceptual models into near-photorealistic images to explore design options and accelerate decision-making
Automation(2 features)
Annotate once and let Archicad keep drawings up to date, ensuring accuracy with every design change
Innovative design automation tools that reduce repetition, allow building custom components, and streamline workflows
Licensing(2 features)
Support for floating licenses within teams for flexible license management
Portable license options for cross-company teamwork and distributed collaboration
Quality Assurance(2 features)
Advanced clash detection and integrated issue tracking across BIMx and Archicad to spot problems fast and ensure coordinated models
Use visual checks, clash detection, and automated schedules to deliver accurate, coordinated documentation
Sustainability(2 features)
Built-in energy analysis tools to optimize performance and reduce emissions from the start of design
LCA tools to optimize performance, reduce emissions, and make smarter sustainability decisions
Visualization(2 features)
Quickly create sketches, white models, or photo-realistic visuals to share design intent with fly-throughs and animations
Integrated rendering engine for creating photo-realistic visualizations directly within Archicad
Cost Calculator
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Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 28 features at very easy complexity.