Department of Architecture Laptop & Software Requirements

The life and work of an architect is intellectually and technologically rigorous. The human brain is an architect’s most valuable tool. A powerful computer might be a close second.

Architecture students are no different from professional architects when it comes to technology. Students use the same tools and apply them in the same ways as professionals. Completing bachelor- or master’s-degree studies in the School of Architecture & Urban Planning requires the support of a robust and reliable laptop computer that is capable of producing professional-quality architectural work.

During your time at SARUP, you will develop complex 3D models. You will simulate lighting, materiality, airflow and energy flow. You will produce intricate technical drawings. You will use parametric representations to simulate intelligent, responsive envelopes and structures and interface with robotic fabrication equipment. This work requires a powerful computer. More specifically, this work requires a laptop that costs more than an iPad or lightweight PC.

Professors in the School of Architecture & Urban Planning work in private practice in addition to their teaching and research. This makes them expert sources on the computing resources that aspiring architects require. Their hardware/software recommendations for architecture students and a technology FAQ are below. These resources are intended to guide the typical BSAS, BARCH or M.ARCH student.

Before Buying, Consider Your Circumstances
We understand that individual student circumstances vary. Carefully consider your own needs and purchase the right laptop for your situation. We provide “minimum” computer/software recommendations and “preferred” alternatives whenever possible. Please note that most of the following information is provided as recommendations, not requirements. It is offered as a resource to help new and returning students make informed decisions about computer purchases. The only requirements are that sophomore students and above – including all graduate students – must have a laptop computer running the Windows 11 Pro operating system, with enough memory to run the architectural software required to complete their coursework. Whatever computer will get a student to this result is an acceptable computer.

Undergraduates have minimal computer requirements in the freshman year. They write papers, take notes, collaborate online, and so forth, but they do not yet need architecture-specific software. Freshmen can use a MacBook, hand-me-down laptop, or even an old desktop computer in many cases during freshman year. Once students reach the sophomore year, they begin design studio courses and other technical courses that have heavy computer requirements. The discussion of hardware and software provided here applies to students from the sophomore year onward, and graduate students.

• “Minimum” means that this purchase is critically important for successfully completing coursework.
• “Preferred” means that this purchase costs more than the “minimum” alternative and may offer a better-quality student experience.

Computer Hardware Requirements

Architecture Software Suite

The Department of Architecture requires a basic software suite for all students. Some required software must be purchased; some can be acquired for free, as indicated below. Please obtain the current production version of all software.

As students advance in the architecture program, specialized software will be required by particular teachers in particular courses. The list below includes only the basic software suite, not course-specific software.

Microsoft Office Suite is required for first-year (freshmen) students and beyond. All other software is required for sophomore year and beyond. For M.ARCH students, the architecture software suite is required for the duration of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions