8 Best Project Management Software for Architects

Architects are one of the large group of professionals who are part of the construction project management process. Like the general contractor, engineer or field crew, their work is made more efficient by the use of project management software. But is there project management software for architects?

Yes, there are many, which makes it hard to choose. We’ve reviewed the best architecture project management software by features, price and the pros and cons of each. But first, let’s explain what architectural project management software is.

What Is Project Management Software for Architects?

Architecture project management software is a specialized tool designed to help architectural firms streamline workflows, improve collaboration and manage project complexities effectively. It has features that specifically cater to the needs of architects, which we’ll list in a minute.

The goal of project management software for architects is to improve efficiency and allow architects to focus more on design and creativity than administrative work. Other benefits include enhanced collaboration with real-time communication tools that foster better teamwork and keep all stakeholders informed.

Architectural project management software also provides transparency into project timelines, budgets and progress, which helps manage client expectations and builds trust. There are even risk management advantages to using it as it allows for the early identification of potential issues through reporting and analytics. This means more proactive decision-making.

Key Features of Project Management Software for Architects

Now, as promised, let’s review the essential features found in the best project management software for architects.

Gantt Charts: Gantt charts are visual representations of the whole project on a timeline, broken down into phases, with tasks as a horizontal bar chart. Each task bar is the length of that task’s duration. This helps architects execute complete projects efficiently by allowing them to schedule tasks, set deadlines and visualize dependencies. They can also track progress in real time, which ensures that milestones are met and timelines are adhered to. The Gantt chart is also a communication tool to manage contractors’ and clients’ expectations.
Resource Planning: Resource planning allows architects to allocate staff, materials and equipment across the project phases. This feature ensures that design teams, engineers and consultants are available when they’re needed. It also manages the availability of materials, such as blueprints, 3D models and software tools. Optimizing these resources avoids delays that can come from shortages or overallocation. Real-time visibility into team availability makes projects run smoothly and keep to their budgets. Resource planning also makes for better workload distribution, which prevents burnout and keeps everyone working at capacity.
Team Collaboration: Project management software for architects can also foster better communication and coordination among architects, engineers, contractors and clients. Real-time file sharing of designs, feedback and updates keeps everyone collaborating effectively on architectural plans, revisions and approvals, It centralizes communication, which means teams can work together regardless of whether they’re in the office or on the job site. Alerts keep everyone notified of changes and updates that allow everyone to stay on the same page.
Work Management: This feature keeps teams organized by breaking down large architectural projects into manageable tasks. Architects can assign tasks, set priorities and track progress across multiple team members and departments. Responsibilities and duties are clearly defined, which keeps each stage of the design and building process executed more efficiently. Tools such as kanban boards visualize workflow, which can identify and prevent bottlenecks, reduce miscommunication and keep projects moving forward as planned.
Document Management: This is another key feature that organizes architectural drawings, permits, specifications and contracts. Software should have unlimited file storage to hold all project documents and make them easily accessible whenever and whenever they’re needed. Global search is also essential to quickly find the documents, while version control can track the changes in those documents as well as revert to an earlier version if needed.

Best Project Management Software for Architects Rankings

With the knowledge of what architectural project management software is and the basic features essential to providing teams with the tools they need to get their work done better, it’s time to review the best project management software for architects.

1. ProjectManager

ProjectManager is excellent project management software for architects as it features all the key tools needed to get work done more efficiently. It’s online software with real-time data that informs better decision-making, fosters collaboration and has email and in-app alerts to keep everyone working better together. Automated workflows free users from repetitive tasks while ensuring quality with task approval settings. There is unlimited file storage, global search and version control for superior document management. Resource management features set team availability and skill sets. The team page or color-coded workload chart provides an overview of resource utilization and can balance workload to keep teams productive without eroding morale.

Robust Cost Estimating Tools

Project budgets are set at the beginning and provide a baseline to manage cost variance when executing the project. Gantt charts organize tasks, resources and cost, linking all four types of task dependencies to avoid cost overruns due to delays, and users can filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks. Archived projects offer historical data when forecasting costs for future projects and since costs can be associated with specific tasks and a work breakdown structure put the project into manageable parts, users can estimate costs more accurately based on the resources required for each task.

Real-time Project Cost Tracking Dashboards & Timesheets

Estimating costs is only the start. These estimates must be tracked to keep on budget and maintain the project schedule. Once a baseline is set on the Gantt chart, this architectural project management software automatically captures live data and compares it to the planned costs, progress and more. For a high-level overview, users can toggle over to the real-time project and portfolio dashboard, which translates live data into easy-to-read graphs and charts showing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time, cost, workload and more. Customizable reports go deeper into the details for teams or can be filtered to show more general progress for stakeholders. Secure timesheets streamline payroll but also track labor costs to help keep to the budget.

Multiple Project Planning Views

Of course, architects are one cog in the larger construction project management machine. They need to stay in touch with engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, field crews, vendors and so on. ProjectManager has multiple project views that share the project plan and schedule across kanban boards that visualize workflow to track progress, task lists that break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks for teams to focus on specific activities and responsibilities and calendars for an overview that allows stakeholders to monitor progress. All these views update at the same time, allowing everyone to work on the tool appropriate for their job, and feed into tracking tools, such as dashboards, reports and timesheets.

Add to this a mobile app for Android and iOS devices that allows field teams to log their hours directly from the job site and it’s no wonder that this tops our best project management software for architects list. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and the Entire Project Team

ProjectManager Pros & Key Features

Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists, calendars and more
Cost and time tracking in real time
Free trial 30-day trial
Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

ProjectManager Cons & Limitations

Lacks bid makers
Poor mobile experience without the mobile app
No free plan

ProjectManager Pricing

Team plan: $13 user/month
Business plan: $24 user/month
Enterprise: contact sales

ProjectManager Reviews

G2 review: 4.4/5
Capterra review: 4.1/5

2. Monograph

Monograph is project management software that is specifically designed for architects and engineers. It helps with project planning, resource management and financial tracking. Some of those tools include budget tracking and time logging. Resource management features help with allocation, allowing firms to manage their team’s workload effectively and ensure projects are adequately staffed. Real-time collaboration tools facilitate communication among team members and stakeholders.

The cost can be a problem, especially for smaller firms. It’s not even stated on their website, which makes one think it’s going to be costly to use. There’s also limited customization when building workflows and generating reports, which is a drawback for firms with specialized needs. The product has a clean interface but can take time to learn how to use all its features. That might require time set aside for training to ensure everyone is proficient in the software.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects in Larger Firms

Monograph Pros & Key Features

Specialized for architects and engineers
Resource management features
Built-in time tracking
Real-time collaboration

Monograph Cons & Limitations

Costly
Features better suited for large, complex projects
Limited customization
Steep learning curve

Monograph Pricing

Contact sales

Monograph Reviews

G2 review: 4.3/5
Capterra review: 4.5/5

3. Procore

Procore is one of the more popular project management software products used by the construction industry, but it also has features that are beneficial for architects. For one, it has comprehensive features for listing materials during the takeoff process. There are also features to manage budgets, schedules and documents. The mobile device is important for architects on the go. Robust reporting tools provide insights into performance to make more informed decisions.

The tool offers custom pricing, so costs are hidden, but architecture firms can expect the tool to come at a high price. This might cause those who are more budget-conscious to avoid it. Because this is a large, complex construction project management software with extensive features, some of which aren’t needed by architects, the tool can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate. That means there’s a steep learning curve and it’s overkill for smaller projects.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and Takeoff Processes

Procore Pros & Key Features

Comprehensive features for the takeoff process
Budgeting, scheduling and document management features
Reporting and analytics tools
Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Procore Cons & Limitations

Custom pricing can be costly
Cost-tracking features have limited functionality
No free trial
No free plan

Procore Pricing

Procore requires a custom quote

Procure Reviews

G2 reviews: 4.6/5
Capterra reviews: 4.5/5

4. Scoro

Scoro is comprehensive project management software that is well-suited for architectural firms. It has planning, time tracking and financial management tools, offering an all-in-one solution that streamlines workflows and reduces the need for multiple tools. It allows users to create detailed project plans, timelines and task assignments with integrated time tracking so architects can log hours spent on different tasks and projects for more accurate billing and resource allocations.

The range of features is both a pro and a con. Negatively, it will create a steep learning curve, especially for new users. The cost of the tool is also expensive and will be a red flag for smaller firms or any on a tight project budget. While it bills itself as an all-in-one solution, users still want to integrate with other third-party apps they use. The problem is that while it integrates with some, the options are far fewer than other tools on this list. Finally, the user interface isn’t intuitive, which adds to the learning curve.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and Time Tracking

Scoro Pros & Key Features

Planning, time management and financial tools
Integrated time tracking to log hours
Collaborative platform

Scoro Cons & Limitations

Steep learning curve
Pricing on the higher side
Limited integrations
Unintuitive user interface

Scoro Pricing

Essential: $28 per user/month
Standard: $42 per user/month
Pro: $71 per user/month
Ultimate: constant sales

Scoro Reviews

G2 review: 4.5/5
Capterra review: 4.6/5

5. InEight

InEight is construction management software primarily geared towards general contractors, but it is useful for architects as it facilitates planning, execution and financial management, especially when involved in larger, complex projects. It has critical path analysis and superior construction document management features. The software is collaborative and has cost-estimating and forecasting capabilities allowing architects to monitor costs, track expenses and keep projects profitable.

However, its outdated, difficult-to-use interface and extensive feature set make it very complicated. Naturally, for those who want to clear those hurdles, it will take time and significant training. While there is a Gantt chart, it has limited functionality, which reduces its usefulness for planning and scheduling effectively. All this makes the tool a bit much for smaller projects. Plus, the fact that there’s no free plan or even a free trial means that interested parties can’t kick the tires before taking it for a spin.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and Document Management

InEight Pros & Key Features

Good for larger, complex projects
Critical path analysis features
Construction document management
Cost estimating and forecasting tools

InEight Cons & Limitations

Outdated and difficult user interface
Limited Gantt chart functionality
No free trial
No free plan

InEight Pricing

Contact sales team for pricing information

InEight Reviews

G2 review: 4.3/5
Capterra review: 4.4/5

6. Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman is project management software best for architects working in small-to-medium-sized firms. Like others on this list, it’s mainly for general contractors and subcontractors, but some features benefit architects. There are scheduling, budgeting, document management and communication features that are essential for architects managing projects. It has a mobile app and tools to track costs, manage budgets and generate invoices.

The interface is going to frustrate some. It’s not well designed. There are also limited advanced features. For example, there is no cost-tracking or budget-reporting tools. This will make it difficult to stay on track in terms of expenditures. Customization is limited, which interferes with workflow and reporting if firms need to be more flexible. The focus on construction can also be a detriment as it’s more geared towards the contractor rather than the architect making up plans.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and Small Firms

Contractor Foreman Pros & Key Features

Document management
Mobile app
Tracks budget costs
Free trial

Contractor Foreman Cons & Limitations

Poor user interface
Limited advanced features
No cost tracking and budget reporting tools
No free plan

Contractor Foreman Pricing

Basic: $49 per month
Standard: $79 per month
Plus: $125 per month
Pro: $166 per month
Unlimited: $249 per month

Contractor Foreman Reviews

G2 review: 4.2/5
Capterra review: 4.5/5

7. BQE Core

BQE Core is a project management software most commonly used in professional services, which includes architecture, engineering and design firms. It helps to streamline operational aspects of the architectural practice. It focuses on billing and invoicing, creating customizable invoices and automated billing features. There are time-tracking tools that allow architects to log hours spent on various tasks for accurate billing and resource allocation.

All this customization comes at a high cost. Interested parties will have to contact sales as the base price isn’t displayed. Maybe it’d scare off potential customers. Certainly, smaller firms will shy away from the tool’s cost, but any size architectural firm is going to require training to leverage the software’s features. If users pony up the money, they might be disappointed by the lack of integrations, especially when compared to other equally expensive software products.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and Operations

BQE Core Pros & Key Features

Streamlines operational work
Customized invoices
Automated billing

BQE Core Cons & Limitations

Costly
Steep learning curve
Limited integrations
Not suited for small firms

Pricing

Contact sales

BQE Core Reviews

G2 review: 4.3/5
Capterra review: 4.5/5

8. Asana

Asana is popular project management software that can be used by a variety of different industries, including by architects. Its task management tools can create and assign tasks, set deadlines and prioritize work. The platform fosters collaboration that helps teams communicate, comment and share files. There’s a mobile app and both a free plan and free trial to help users see if this is the right tool for them.

It’s not specifically made for architects but project management so it can help only so far. But even the project management features are lightweight compared to other products on this list, making it a poor choice for complicated projects and workflows. For example, there is a Gantt chart but it lacks resource or cost tracking features. Also, larger teams will find the workload management limited.

Verdict: Best Project Management Software for Architects and Task Management

Asana Pros & Key Features

Flexible features that can help teams across industries
Helps team members keep track of their tasks and also communicate and collaborate
Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
Free plan
Free trial

Asana Cons & Limitations

Lightweight project management tools are not ideal for managing complex projects or workflows
Limited offer of project management tools
Gantt chart lacks resource or cost tracking features
Workload management tools can be limited for larger teams

Asana Pricing

Premium plan: $10.99/user/month, billed annually
Business plan: $24.99/user/month, billed annually

Asana Reviews

G2 review: 4.3/5
Capterra review: 4.5/5