Building Design
What is building design software?
Building design software is 3D design, modeling, analysis, and documentation software that helps architects, engineers, and designers connect the data, people, workflows, and ideas necessary to support today’s complex building infrastructure projects.
What is the best building design software?
Support the building design and documentation process throughout all phases of the project – from conceptual design and documentation to coordination and construction. Used by leading firms worldwide on projects ranging from the conventional to some of the most inspiring buildings of our time. Deliver high-performance and sustainable buildings on schedule, on budget, and error-free.
Confidently take on building design projects by choosing Bentley building design software. Here are our most trusted, best-selling building design software.
Design, analyze, document, and visualize buildings with software made for architects and engineers. Includes OpenBuildings Speedikon, a specialized software for German and European markets.
Create accurate 3D models for structural steel, metal work, and reinforced concrete structures.
Model, document, access, and view architectural, engineering, mapping, construction, and operations design information with the power and flexibility you need for any size project.
Building WorkSuite is a comprehensive set of purpose-built, scalable, interoperable applications for building and site design projects.
The EasyPower product suite delivers a full lineup of intuitive electrical software tools for design, analysis, and optimization of your electrical power system.
“As architects, we spend a disproportionate amount of time and resources trying to represent our solutions rather than designing them. Computational design [using GenerativeComponents in OpenBuildings Designer] has allowed our team to focus on resolving problems and finding better design solutions.”
Sarah Yap, Computational Design Expert, Johnson Pilton Walker
How to Choose Building Design Software
Software qualities to look for in building design software
Supports BIM workflows
Supports BIM workflows and provides context by referencing reality models
Evaluates design alternatives
Evaluates and simulate various design alternatives in an efficient, cost-effective way
Detail & document projects
Easily details and document projects, produces reliable reports, and shares information
Need Help Choosing?
Just answer a few simple questions, and we will recommend the best software in no time!
Which professions use Building Design Software?
With Bentley building design software, you can design and visualize buildings of any size, form, and complexity and evaluate various design alternatives.
Since every company and project requires a different mix of building design software, we have assembled helpful software lists broken down by profession to help guide you.
Architect
Design with BIM applications to document buildings of any type or scale and efficiently coordinate with all engineering trades.
Structural Engineers
Model, analyze, detail, and document all types of steel, concrete, and timber structures.
Mechanical Engineer
Design complex MEP systems. Model fully parametric air-handling, piping, and plumbing systems with advanced BIM software.
Electrical Engineer
Design lighting, power, fire detection, and other electrical subsystems with comprehensive BIM workflows and coordinate efficiently with other trades.
Drafter
Prepare detailed drawings of designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect and/or engineer.
BIM Manager
Maintain standards and set up workflows for modeling and producing deliverables while communicating and managing multiple stakeholders.
Building Software Resources and Tutorials
Find out more about OpenBuildings Designer and Bentley’s other building design software applications with these resources, educational programs, and tutorials.
BUILDING SOFTWARE TRAINING
Learn with courses
There are thousands of videos and courses available to learn all about using Bentley’s building design software, including OpenBuildings and more.
Academic programs
For Students and Educators
If you are an educator or a student, learn more about accessing the software and discover what you need to teach or learn Bentley software best practices.
BUILDING Software Videos
Bentley Building Design Software on YouTube
Watch videos on what OpenBuildings does and how it works to get familiar with how this software can help you deliver your next project.
featured user stories
Ezhou Huahu
New Airport Connects China’s Air Express to the World
A team consisting of multiple companies used Bentley’s iTwin technology to deliver Asia’s first professional international cargo airport.
PT. Wijaya Karya
Health Care Facility, Increases COVID Bed Capacity
Using Bentley’s building design software, the team was able to accelerate hospital operations by two months.
Johnson Pilton Walker
Australia’s Largest Sustainable Commercial Tower
The team used OpenBuildings Designer to optimize digital workflows, saving time and cost.
