The architecture industry is evolving rapidly, relying more than ever on technologies that optimize design, documentation, visualization and collaboration. In 2025, both studios and independent professionals need agile, precise solutions that integrate smoothly with BIM and 3D workflows. As an official reseller of leading brands such as Lumion, Graphisoft Archicad, McNeel Rhino, SketchUp, V-Ray, Enscape, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, KeyShot, d5 Render and more, Aufiero Informática helps architects and designers choose the best tools to enhance their productivity and visual quality.

This guide presents the top tools for architects in 2025, explaining what each one offers, who it is ideal for, and how to combine them effectively within a modern workflow.

Lumion: fast, emotional architectural visualization

Lumion remains a favorite among architects thanks to its speed, instant realism and ease of use. With cinematic effects, huge asset libraries and real-time rendering, it allows professionals to create stunning images and videos without complex setup.
Highlights for 2025:

• Hyper-realistic renderings in minutes
• User-friendly interface designed for architects
• Smooth compatibility with Archicad, SketchUp, Rhino, Revit and more
• Expanded libraries of vegetation, materials and characters
• Advanced animation tools for climate, people, vehicles and cameras

For communicating ideas quickly and emotionally, Lumion is one of the essential tools of the year.

Archicad: advanced, collaborative BIM for design-driven workflows

Graphisoft Archicad remains a BIM powerhouse for studios seeking stability, precision and excellent documentation. Its intuitive interface and strong performance in complex projects make it a top BIM choice.
In 2025, Archicad stands out for:

• Fully coordinated BIM workflow from design to documentation
• Improved Teamwork for real-time collaboration
• Modeling tools tailored to architectural design
• Smooth integrations with CineRender/Redshift, Enscape, d5 Render and Twinmotion
• High performance on large, multidisciplinary projects

It is ideal for studios seeking robust documentation, precision and a strong collaborative environment.

Rhino: complete freedom for complex modeling

Rhino by McNeel is the go-to software for complex geometry, parametrization and free-form design. Its flexibility makes it indispensable for architects working with organic shapes or unconventional structures.
What it offers in 2025:

• Highly accurate NURBS modeling
• Hundreds of compatible plugins
• Grasshopper integration for parametric workflows
• Works seamlessly with V-Ray, Enscape, KeyShot and Lumion

Rhino continues to lead in experimental architecture, façade design, industrial design and custom high-detail projects.

SketchUp: speed, simplicity and conceptual design

SketchUp, distributed by TotalCAD, is still one of the easiest tools for conceptual modeling. Its intuitive workflow allows architects to create 3D ideas in minutes.
Key strengths:

• Ideal for early-stage studies, volumetrics and quick ideation
• Integrates perfectly with V-Ray, Enscape and Lumion
• Massive 3D Warehouse resource library
• Easy transition to documentation with LayOut

SketchUp remains foundational for idea exploration and quick presentations.

V-Ray: high-end photorealistic rendering

V-Ray is one of the most respected rendering engines, compatible with SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, 3ds Max and other major tools.
In 2025 it features:

• Cinematic-quality CPU/GPU renders
• Advanced materials, atmospheric effects and lighting
• Chaos Cosmos asset library
• Fast workflow with interactive preview

For architects who need the highest possible realism, V-Ray is a top choice.

Enscape: real-time visualization inside your modeling tool

Enscape allows architects to visualize their projects in real time directly within Revit, SketchUp, Archicad and Rhino.
Advantages:

• Ideal for live client reviews
• No exporting — instant results
• Built-in VR for immersive presentations
• Quick images, videos and 360 panoramas

For teams that value speed and simplicity, Enscape is an everyday visualization companion.

d5 Render: speed and realism powered by AI

d5 Render has grown rapidly thanks to its impressive real-time rendering and AI-enhanced lighting and scene generation.
Highlights for 2025:

• Cinematic-quality real-time rendering
• Advanced PBR materials
• Direct workflow with SketchUp, Revit, Archicad and Rhino
• AI tools for lighting, materials and scene automation

A strong alternative for studios seeking fast, high-quality visuals.

Autodesk (AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max): the traditional architecture ecosystem

Autodesk tools remain industry standards supporting thousands of studios worldwide.

• AutoCAD: precise 2D documentation
• Revit: BIM leader in many firms
• 3ds Max: widely used for architectural visualization and animation

These tools often integrate with V-Ray, Lumion or Enscape for complete workflows.

Bentley Systems: engineering-scale architecture

Solutions like MicroStation from Bentley Systems are ideal for infrastructure, civil works and complex urban projects.
They offer:

• Robust modeling and documentation tools
• High precision for engineering and technical design
• Strong BIM and CAD interoperability

Perfect for large-scale multidisciplinary projects.

KeyShot: fast rendering for interiors and design details

While popular in product design, KeyShot is also widely used in architecture for lighting accuracy, material quality and fast visual outputs — especially for interior design and custom furniture.

Conclusion: the best software depends on your workflow

In 2025, architectural software is no longer about choosing a single tool but building the right ecosystem. Many professionals combine Archicad or Revit for BIM, Rhino or SketchUp for early design, and Lumion, V-Ray, Enscape or d5 Render for visualization.
With over 60 international brands, Aufiero Informática helps studios compare, choose and integrate these tools efficiently, ensuring compatibility and long-term success.