IT services for
architecture firms
AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD and BIM impose workstation, storage and network constraints. This page scopes those needs without asserting a client reference.
Architecture firms handle large project files and may require suitable GPU workstations, storage and networking. ECLAUD IT can assess workstations, servers, backup, security and support; the delivered scope remains contractual.
Why do architecture firms have specific IT requirements?
An architecture firm's IT environment is nothing like a standard office. Your team works with files ranging from 500 MB to 5 GB (Revit models, AutoCAD drawings, V-Ray renders), using software that requires professional NVIDIA GPUs, a minimum of 32 GB RAM and ultra-fast NVMe SSDs.
A generalist IT technician will propose a standard office PC with a conventional hard drive, a USB backup and a 100 Mbit/s network. The result: Revit is slow, central model synchronisations take 20 minutes, a disk failure wipes out three weeks of work on a competition entry.
Architecture firms have three fundamental IT requirements that only a specialist provider can meet:
- Performance — GPU workstations sized for your software, 10 Gbit/s network, fast file server
- Reliability — Automatic project backups, tested disaster recovery, business continuity even after an incident
- Collaboration — Central Revit server, VPN for remote work, secure sharing with structural and MEP engineers
"93% of French architects use BIM digital models in 2024, up from 60% in 2019. This digital transformation demands high-performance workstations and a network adapted to large files."— Digital Barometer 2024, Order of Architects / CNOA
Which architecture software does a specialist IT provider support?
Each software package has its own hardware requirements and installation specifics. ECLAUD IT knows them, installs them, updates them and optimises them for your workstations.
AutoCAD
Autodesk2D/3D plans, technical details
Recommended config: NVIDIA certified GPU, 16 GB RAM min., NVMe SSD, dual display recommended
Revit
AutodeskBIM model, multidisciplinary coordination
Recommended config: NVIDIA RTX GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD, central Revit server
ArchiCAD
GraphisoftNative BIM, architectural modelling
Recommended config: OpenGL 4.0 GPU, 16–32 GB RAM, BIM server for collaborative work
SketchUp Pro
TrimbleIntuitive 3D modelling, concept sketches
Recommended config: OpenGL 3.1 GPU, 8–16 GB RAM, V-Ray/Enscape plugins for rendering
Rhino + Grasshopper
McNeelNURBS modelling, parametric design
Recommended config: NVIDIA CUDA GPU, 16–32 GB RAM, Grasshopper scripts are CPU-intensive
Adobe CC Suite
AdobePhotoshop, InDesign, Illustrator — renders, boards, presentations
Recommended config: GPU acceleration, 16 GB RAM min., fast storage for large PSB files
Collaborative BIM work — Revit server and Autodesk cloud
BIM (Building Information Modeling) has transformed how architects collaborate. Multiple people work simultaneously on the same model, structural and MEP engineers integrate their models, clashes are detected automatically. But this collaboration requires robust IT infrastructure.
Under the French government's BIM 2022 Plan, digital models will be progressively required in public construction tenders. Firms without a working BIM infrastructure risk exclusion from public procurement — a critical issue when public contracts represent 15% of revenue for French architecture practices [CNOA, Profession Monitor 2023].
Central Revit Server
Central Revit model hosted on a local or cloud server. Multi-user synchronisation, workset conflict management, hourly backups of the central model.
BIM 360 / ACC
Autodesk Construction Cloud for BIM coordination with structural and MEP engineers. IFC model management, clash detection, online model review.
10 Gbit/s Network
Revit files and 3D models reach several GB. Gigabit networking is no longer sufficient — 10 Gbit/s is recommended between workstations and the file server.
NAS / SAN Storage
Synology or QNAP NAS in RAID with snapshots. Structured project folder hierarchy, team-based access rights, cloud sync for remote work.
What IT infrastructure does a high-performing architecture firm need?
The infrastructure of an architecture firm rests on three pillars: workstations sized for your software, a network that does not slow down heavy file transfers, and reliable storage with automatic backups.
Infrastructure options for an architecture firm must be sized, tested and confirmed in the proposal:
Workstations with Autodesk-certified NVIDIA RTX GPUs. Custom sizing based on your software and project complexity.
10 Gbit/s switch between workstations and file server. No more 15-minute waits to open a 2 GB Revit model over the network.
Synology NAS in RAID with hourly snapshots. Structured project folder hierarchy, automatic archiving, secure cloud sync.
We also manage Autodesk licences (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360), update deployment and version migrations — with no interruption for your teams.
What does our managed IT service for architecture firms include?
Workstations
Sizing, deployment and maintenance of GPU workstations (NVIDIA RTX). Optimal configuration for AutoCAD/Revit/ArchiCAD, performance benchmarking.
Server & storage
High-performance file server, RAID NAS, incremental project backups. Automatic archiving of delivered projects.
Network & connectivity
10 Gbit/s network between workstations and server, secure Wi-Fi, site-to-site VPN for multi-site firms, QoS for video conferencing.
Project backup
Backup of BIM models and project files, with RPO, retention, test frequency and recovery conditions defined in the contract.
Security & IP
Workstation encryption (BitLocker), FortiGate firewall, project folder access control. Intellectual property protection for drawings.
Contractual support
Included users, channels, hours, request volumes, remote access and on-site conditions are defined in the contract.
Architecture firms in Reunion Island — local context
Reunion Island has around a hundred architecture firms registered with the Order of Architects — from sole-practitioner architects to agencies of 20 people. The construction sector is dynamic on the island (social housing, urban regeneration, specific cyclone and seismic standards), generating significant volumes of projects and therefore data.
Reunion-based firms face specific IT constraints: high latency to cloud servers in metropolitan France (Autodesk BIM 360 hosted in Europe), dependence on undersea cables (SAFE, LION) for bandwidth, longer procurement lead times for professional GPU workstations.
ECLAUD IT has its registered office in Saint-Paul. Coverage, architecture, hardware availability and suppliers are confirmed during scoping; no local stock or partnership is claimed without evidence.
How much does managed IT cost for an architecture firm?
| Firm type | Workstations | Monthly range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo architect | 1–3 workstations | Defined after scope review |
| Mid-size firm | 5–15 workstations | Defined after scope review |
| Architecture agency | 15–30 workstations | Written proposal |
The proposal lists support scope, backup, security, workstation maintenance, licence responsibilities, on-site conditions and price.
FAQ — Architecture firm IT services
What type of workstation is needed for AutoCAD and Revit?
Sizing depends on current software versions, models, 2D/3D use, peripherals and current vendor requirements. Any inventory, selection, procurement and configuration work must be confirmed in the proposal.
How do you manage the central Revit server for collaborative work?
The central Revit model must be hosted on a high-performance server (SSD, 10 Gbit/s) accessible by all workstations. We configure worksets, access rights, hourly backups of the central model and synchronisation. For remote-working collaborators, we set up an optimised VPN or migrate to BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud.
How do you back up project files that are several GB in size?
BIM models and AutoCAD files can weigh 500 MB to 5 GB per project. We use incremental backups (only modified blocks are transmitted) with Veeam or Acronis, a local RAID NAS for fast backup and encrypted cloud storage for off-site copies. Delivered projects are archived with long-term retention.
Can ECLAUD IT manage our firm's Autodesk licences?
The proposal can include selected Autodesk licence-lifecycle tasks. Products, suppliers, purchase or renewal responsibilities, deployment, access management and pricing are confirmed in writing; no partnership or saving is assumed.
What does managed IT cost for an architecture firm?
Price depends on the number and type of workstations, software, storage, backup, support hours, monitoring and on-site conditions. The proposal lists scope, setup costs, recurring charges and exclusions. Any tax treatment should be checked with your adviser.
Your architecture firm deserves
IT that matches your ambitions
Discuss an infrastructure, workstation, network and storage assessment. Scope, deliverables and price are confirmed before work begins.