IT Support for Architects and Design Practices

Workstations for CAD and BIM

Architectural software is demanding, and under-specified machines waste fee-earning hours. Autodesk's published system requirements for Revit 2026 suggest 16 GB of RAM as a minimum for models up to about 300 MB, and 32 GB for typical models up to about 600 MB, on 64-bit Windows 10 or 11. Larger federated models need more. Revit benefits from a fast single-core processor, while rendering in Enscape, Twinmotion or Lumion leans heavily on the graphics card.

We specify workstations against your actual software and model sizes, use the vendor-certified graphics drivers rather than the latest gaming driver, and keep Windows updates controlled so a driver change does not break the studio the day before a submission. For Mac studios running ArchiCAD or Vectorworks, we manage macOS updates the same way, checking vendor compatibility first. See PC and laptop support and Mac support.

Sharing large models safely

Revit worksharing uses a central model that several people edit at once. Autodesk does not support keeping central models in consumer sync folders such as OneDrive or Dropbox, because sync conflicts corrupt them. ArchiCAD Teamwork uses BIMcloud, and Vectorworks has its own project sharing. The right storage depends on your software and team.

For an office-based team, a well-specified file server or NAS on a fast wired network works well. For distributed teams, Autodesk's cloud worksharing or BIMcloud may be better than a VPN to the office. We help you choose, set it up and keep it healthy. See server support.

Backups for project archives

Architects keep drawings and models for many years, for liability and for future work on the same buildings. On higher-risk buildings, the Building Safety Act 2022 also introduced the golden thread, a duty to keep accurate digital information about the building. That makes reliable archives more than a nice-to-have.

We set up versioned backups with an off-site or immutable copy, so a deleted folder or ransomware does not take years of work. We test restores of large models and record how long they take. See data backup and recovery.

Licences, plotters and Microsoft 365

Autodesk and Graphisoft licences are now mostly named-user subscriptions tied to individual sign-ins. We keep a register of who has which licence, remove leavers promptly and make sure sign-in accounts use the company email domain with MFA.

Large-format plotters and A3 printers are notorious for dropping off the network. We give them fixed addresses, install the vendor's drivers and set up print queues that every workstation can reach. For email and file sharing with clients and consultants, we secure Microsoft 365 with MFA and set sharing links to expire, so drawings are not left open on the internet.

Working from home on big files

Opening a 500 MB model over a home broadband VPN is slow and risks corrupting local copies. Better options include remote desktop to an office workstation, cloud worksharing, or a local cache that syncs changes only. We look at how your team works and pick the approach that keeps models responsive. See home working IT support.

Whatever the approach, we make sure home routers are not the weak point: firmware updated, default admin passwords changed and the work laptop kept off the same network as smart TVs and games consoles where possible.

Plans and prices for practices

Most small practices choose the Complete plan at £99 a month + VAT, which includes an IT and Microsoft 365 helpdesk for the team, monitoring, daily backups and 3 hours of fixes or changes each month. Website care alone starts at £25 a month + VAT, useful for keeping your portfolio site updated.

One-off work is £45 an hour + VAT. Workstation builds, servers and network upgrades are quoted. Ask for a quote.

What it costs

Support plans from £25 a month + VAT, or £45 an hour + VAT for one-off fixes. Pick a plan if you want it looked after every month, or pay by the hour for a one-off job.

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