8 Best Project Management Software for Architects in 2024

I get it. You’re looking for project management software for architects with ”timeline, deliverable, coordination, and budget tracking” features you’ll like. 

Some agency owners say Microsoft Project is the industry standard. But as someone said, it is “really unintuitive, outdated, and difficult to use.” 

At the very least, you need software that helps you collect & organize client feedback and work easily with your team without missing deadlines. You also need client portal features to communicate directly with clients without leaving the app. 

In this guide, I’ll review 8 best project management software and explain how they work. Let’s start with a brief overview of the features you should look for. 

Must-haves in Project Management Software for Architects 

The typical agency owner will subscribe to 4 tools: a project manager, CRM, communication, and invoicing & billing tool. Rather than keep 4 different tools that don't talk to themselves, look for these features in the ideal software: 

• White-label branding and client portal, 
• 3D file handling and visualization to view files in different formats, 
• Client collaboration tools with markup and design annotation features,
• Team collaboration and communication features,
• Ability to assign tasks and see the availability of your team members, 
• Budget tracking and financial management to track all expenses,
• Storage space for documents,
• Accessibility on mobile so you can know what’s happening at work on your device,
• Automated workflow features. 

Now that you know these, here are some tools for your architectural agency. 

8 Best Project Management Software for Architects

Here’s an easy comparison table for you. Read more below to know details about each software: 

1. ManyRequests

ManyRequests is a project management platform designed for creative agencies like yours. It merges project management, client portal, invoicing and payment, and service catalog features to keep every client touchpoint in one platform. Some of its best features you’d love include: 

• White-label client portal: Create a branded, professional interface and invite your client into what becomes your custom workplace. Here, clients can make design requests, give feedback on designs and 3D models, send you direct messages, and see project statuses without you needing to update them manually. 
• Design markup feature: Use its design annotation tool to receive precise feedback on architectural drawings and 3D renders. This shows precise areas the client wants you to edit with precise comments on how they want it. You can see the an example here. 

The impressive thing about this feature is that each comment on a design also appears in the task box, and you can click on it (blue-colored texts) to see the specific feedback: 

ManyRequest also has the functionality that allows you to assign specific edit requests to any team member. 

• Customizable service catalog: Create a structured list of your services to streamline the process of defining project scopes and deliverables. You can host your productized services on ManyRequests and embed a link to it on your website like Teamwork does: 

If you hit their “Get Started” button, it’ll direct you to a checkout page (powered by ManyRequests). You can enjoy a similar functionality in your agency. See: 

Here are some other features that make ManyRequests shine: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

ManyRequests’ dedicated client portal allows you to work with clients directly, take details about their projects through the Requests feature, and share project updates in one place. You can also use it to collect feedback, manage approvals, and send automatic invoices when you submit a deliverable or hit a milestone based on your payment structure. 

This means that rather than write manual invoices, send to clients, and send regular reminders, ManyRequests does everything after completing a task. It uses Stripe integration to collect your money, so you don’t need another invoice and billing software. 

You also get a messaging feature where you can exchange texts and files that can help throughout the project phases: 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

ManyRequests doesn't integrate with BIM, AutoCAD, or other specialized drawing or 3D rendering software. However, you can share images of the files you’ve designed in viewable formats, such as .png, .gif, .jpg, and .pdf. 

ManyRequests can open any file, and you can also give your client’s team access so they can see all project information, as MSG Group does here. In the screenshot above, you can see “members” beside “messages.” That’s because people from your client’s team can join your workspace without paying an extra dollar. 

3. Pricing: 

ManyRequests starts at $99/month for 2 users, $149/month for 5 users, and $399 for 10 users. You can add an extra user with $40/month. 

Limitation

It doesn’t have direct integrations with tools like Revit and AutoCAD, but it can still view your files in selected formats. 

2. BIM 360

BIM 360 is a cloud-based construction management platform and a part of Autodesk's tech stack. It has project management features for architects working on complex projects and needs its on-the-go construction features. Key features include: 

• Support for Revit models to collaborate on 3D designs.
• It has an issue-tracking feature to identify, create, and assign issues directly within the 3D model or 2D drawings. This helps you spot and resolve design errors early in the project lifecycle. 

For example, if you notice a clash between structural elements and mechanical systems, you can mark the specific location in the model and create an issue. 

It has similar functionality to ManyRequest’s design markup feature. The only difference is that issue tracking is directly in the drawings/models already accepted in a construction project. Read more about it here. 

• Architects can make changes to all 2D and 3D drawings, and all team members can still access the different versions of the drawings. Other features include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

You can access all project data through BIM 360’s cloud system. You can also create and assign tasks to keep every deliverable in a project as organized as possible. This helps you coordinate projects from beginning to end without any friction. 

However, unlike ManyRequests, its client management features focus more on internal team collaboration than client-facing interactions. 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

As an Autodesk product, it integrates with design tools like Revit and AutoCAD. This integration means you can open and display large 3D models without lag or system crashes, even when these models contain intricate details and numerous components. 

3. Pricing: 

It all depends on the version you want to subscribe to: the BIM Collaborate Pro or the BIM Collaborate. 

Prices range from $90/month per user on BIM Collaborate to $120/month per user on BIM Collaborate Pro. While you have a bit more extensive features, it’s expensive for agencies that need a client portal feature that it doesn’t have. 

Limitations: 

BIM 360 is a complex software, so learning how to set it up and use it might be challenging. Also, it focuses more on construction management, which may not be helpful if your agency primarily handles drawings and 3D renderings. 

3. Monday.com

Monday.com is a project management software for architects to manage their operations. Some of the key features you can find helpful include: 

• Customizable workflows to set up boards for different project phases, from conceptual design to construction administration, if necessary.
• Different task views, including Gantt charts and Kanban boards to visualize project timelines and task dependencies.

• Monday.com has built-in time-tracking features to monitor time spent on different tasks. Other features include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

You can create dedicated workspaces for each project or client. This allows your team members to communicate, share files, and update task statuses through the task boxes for each task. However, it doesn’t have a dedicated client portal like ManyRequests, so you can’t onboard your clients to collaborate directly on your projects.

Tip: Learn how to automate client onboarding here; you can also use our client onboarding checklist to fast-track the process. 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

Monday.com has many integrations but doesn’t integrate with AutoCAD, Revit, or other specialized architecture software. However, your team members can share files, and you can view these files without lag or crashes. 

3. Pricing: 

It starts at $12/month per user and goes up to $24/month per user, depending on the plan you choose and the functionalities you need in your team. This structure is also efficient; you can scale your team as your client list increases. 

Limitations: 

Although customizable, it doesn’t have architecture-specific features out of the box. Compared to some alternatives in this list, it may also be a bit complex to set up and maintain.

4. Asana

Asana is a project management software that architects can integrate into their operations. Although not explicitly designed for architectural projects, its flexibility allows customization to suit various design and construction processes. Key features include: 

• Task dependencies: You can create and visualize tasks to manage complex project timelines, and associated tasks are executed and submitted when due, especially if the success of future projects is contingent on it. 
• Create custom fields to track project-specific information such as square footage, building codes, or material specifications. 

• Create and save project templates so you don't start things from scratch. This can be employee onboarding or an event planning template. Other features of Asana include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

You can create different workspaces for different clients or projects to organize your projects. You can also communicate with your team members through the chat boxes, assign tasks, and update project statuses from these different workspaces. 

However, Asana doesn’t have a dedicated client portal, but you can invite clients as guests to a project and set permissions for what they can do. 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

Asana integrates with different productivity and communication tools but does not integrate with architecture-specific software. Regardless, you can use the platform to manage projects from A to Z and share files, and your team members can use Revit or AutoCAD to view the completed design or any other type of deliverable. 

3. Pricing: 

It starts at $13.49/month and goes up to $30.49/month per user. It also has custom prices for enterprise businesses. 

Limitations: 

Asana might take time to set up, use, and maintain, and it doesn’t have a dedicated client portal like ManyRequests, so you can’t keep your clients on a portal and get task requests directly. 

5. Trello

Trello is a visual collaboration tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize and prioritize projects. You can use this simple interface to meet your project management needs as an architect. Some of its key features include: 

• Multiple views: Trello's board-based system lets you visualize project phases. You can also view all projects using the calendar, list, table, timeline, or dashboard views.
• Power-Ups: If there’s a feature you don’t have, use the power-up to add it. This means you can add features like calendar views, time tracking, or invoicing to your workspace if it doesn’t have one. 
• Card attachments: Trello allows users to attach files directly to cards. This feature lets architects link relevant documents, images, or minor design files to specific tasks or project elements.

Other essential features include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

Trello facilitates collaboration through its shared boards. Team members can easily update card statuses, add comments, and assign tasks (if they have the proper permissions). 

Trello also uses boards to represent a project (or existing work). Lists can represent different stages of a project, just like we have at ManyRequests (To Do, In Progress, and Done), and cards represent individual tasks or items in a project. This visual approach helps you grasp the status of existing projects at a glance and also manage your workload easily. Here’s what it looks like on Trello: 

However, Trello's client management features are basic compared to ManyRequests. You can invite clients to boards, but there's no dedicated client portal or sophisticated feedback system for design reviews.

2. Integration and File Handling: 

Trello integrates with productivity and communication tools but, like most tools on this list, doesn’t have integrations with AutoCAD or Revit. Regardless, you can easily share all files on Trello and track all project phases. 

3. Pricing: 

Trello has a free plan, and the paid plans start at $6/month per user, $12.50/month per user, and $17.50/month per user for enterprise users. 

Limitations: 

Trello can be difficult to set up or use, but it’s easy if you’re already an automation lover and a power-up geek. It also has no automated invoicing or billing feature, so you must manually enter invoices (even through the Power Up integration) and send them to your client’s email. Lastly, it doesn’t have a dedicated client portal or a service catalog feature, which can help if you want to host all agency operations on one platform. 

6. ClickUp 

ClickUp can also be an ideal project management software for architects because of its flexibility and many customization for your operations. Some of its key features include: 

• Multiple task views, including list, board, calendar, and Gantt chart options, so you can visualize project timelines and task dependencies in ways that suit your workflow. 
• Custom fields to track project-specific information, such as building codes, material specifications, or client requirements, directly within tasks. 
• A time-tracking feature to monitor the time team members spend on different project phases and improve resource allocation. Other features of ClickUp include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

ClickUp has dedicated workspaces where you can interact and assign tasks to members. You can use these spaces to create tasks, update statuses, write comments, and give design feedback through the markup feature on images and documents. 

However, its client portal feature is limited because clients are solely invited to your workspaces as guests. ClickUp has no white-labeling features, but you can create a specific page where your clients can view and comment on tasks, invoices (through QuickBooks integration), and contracts. 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

ClickUp doesn’t integrate with Revit, AutoCAD, or other architecture-specific tools. However, you can import files in different formats. 

3. Pricing: 

It has a free plan, but the paid plans start at $10/month per user and $19/month per user. It also has an enterprise plan with a custom quote. 

Limitations: 

ClickUp is not ideal if you want to use a single platform for everything you do with your clients. 

Unlike ManyRequests, ClickUp doesn’t have a client portal to host clients, so they can subscribe to your services from your service catalog and request new designs whenever needed. It also doesn’t have invoicing and billing features, so you need to subscribe to another QuickBooks or other tool to manage payments. 

📌 Tip: Read more here in this ClickUp vs Notion comparison, where I offered ManyRequests as a valid alternative. 

7. Basecamp

Basecamp is an online collaboration app you use to track all tasks and conversations and manage deadlines and files. Some of its project management software features for architects include: 

• Work is organized into separate spaces for each project or client. This keeps all relevant information in a single (but different) place for each client. 
• You can break down complex projects into manageable tasks, assign responsibilities, and set due dates.
• You can visualize project timelines and essential milestones as part of the overall project planning you need to do. Other features include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

As mentioned, you can communicate on Basecamp through the message boards. You can also use the client access feature to share specific project information with your clients. 

However, this functionality is less sophisticated than ManyRequests' dedicated client portal. Basecamp also lacks advanced design feedback and markup features, which can help you understand the precise design iterations you need to make. 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

You can store and share files in Basecamp. You can also upload and view your 2D drawings and 3D models in specific file formats. 

3. Pricing: 

It starts at $15/user per month for freelancers or small teams and goes up to $349/month as a flat rate for bigger teams. 

Limitations: 

Basecamp is a simple project management solution architects can use to manage clients and design projects. However, the absence of a design markup feature, advanced task dependencies, and resource management may mean you need to integrate another software into your workflow. 

8. Teamwork

Teamwork is a project management software for architects to manage brainstorming, design, and execution stages in the design and construction processes. Some of its key features include: 

• Gantt charts to visualize project timelines, set dependencies, and manage critical paths.
• Resource management to assign tasks to team members based on skills and availability. This can help you optimize workflow across multiple projects.
• Time tracking features to monitor hours spent on different project phases and tasks for accurate billing and resource planning. Other features of Teamwork include: 

1. Client and Project Management for Architects : 

You can create a shared workspace on Teamwork to discuss with team members, assign tasks, and update tasks based on the statuses. You can also use its white-labeling feature to create a custom domain for your workspace. 

You can use this custom domain to grant clients access to specific project areas, although there is no onboarding system, so they’re not permanent members of your workspace. However, you can use this system to exchange conversations and get approvals for their projects. 

2. Integration and File Handling: 

Teamwork integrates with Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office 365 to streamline communication and manage documents for architectural teams. It allows file attachments and provides cloud storage through Dropbox integration. 

However, it doesn’t support large CAD drawings or complex 3D models. If you need the integration, you might need to use specialized tools like BIM 360 to keep the design and visualization in one place. 

3. Pricing: 

It starts at $13.99/user/month (minimum of 3 users) and goes up to $69.99/user/month (minimum of 5 users). 

Limitations: 

It does not have a built-in invoicing and billing feature, so you may need to integrate a third-party tool to process payments. It also lacks design annotation features. 

Conclusion

Your clients can enjoy the best of you if you have an organized workspace to handle every project without missing deadlines. Of all the reviewed software, I recommend ManyRequests because it has: 

• A white-label client portal to brand the platform and invite clients to your space, 
• Markup feature to collect precise feedback on designs, 
• A service catalog to display your different service categories, 
• Invoicing and billing features to automate payment processes,
• And, of course, project management features. 

However, if it's not the right fit because you can't integrate Revit or AutoCAD, consider BIM 360. It allows these integrations, although it doesn't have a client portal or integrated service catalog. 

You can also try Asana or Trello for their customization and automation, although you'll need another software to handle invoicing & billing. 

If this is too much to process, I understand. Use ManyRequests for 14 days, no credit card required, to see if it'll fit into your current processes. Migration is easy, and we can handle the onboarding for you here. 

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