QuickPen by QuickPen

QuickPen offers six products. These include mechanical and sheetmetal estimating tools, an HVAC fabrication tool, 3D pipe and duct design software and a system for managing equipment.

DProfiler by Beck Technology

DProfiler, from Beck Technology, can be used in the planning and conceptual design phases of a construction project to produce a cost estimate based on a 3-D model, the vendor said.

DProfiler can import cost data from Microsoft Excel or RSMeans; cost data can also be created natively. Energy analysis functionality helps project owners compare a particular design's initial cost to its operating costs; owners can also track key fees (for factors such as land acquisition, architecture and engineering) and use them to calculate lease rates and return on investment.

ArchiCAD by Graphisoft

Designed by and for architects, ArchiCAD 12 is the most recent iteration of Graphisoft's primary CAD software offering. As architects experiment with the design and the placement of windows, doors and ceilings, for example, ArchiCAD creates all the project documentation. Virtual Building, meanwhile, lets architects change designs at any time while maintaining a plan's integrity, Graphisoft said.

Envisioneer by Cadsoft

Cadsoft's Envisioneer includes 3D design, working drawings, framing, rendering, animation and material take-off.

Envisioneer 4.5 is available in standard and pro bundles, as well as a Spanish version. All editions include live 3-D BIM technology and tools for creating sales presentations, as well as 3-D renderings of 2-D blueprints.

Aveva Plant by Aveva

Aveva Plant is used to design, build and operate plants of any size and complexity, according to the vendor. It consists of integrated plant design and engineering applications, as well as flexible lifecycle management solutions.

Aveva PDMS by Aveva

Aveva also offers Aveva PDMS 12 as a complement to Aveva Plant. (PDMS stands for plant design management system.) The software has a Microsoft Office-like interface and uses rule-based functions and checking tools to eliminate design errors, thus removing on-site delays due to inaccurate materials information, the vendor said. Moreover, designers can view an entire design at all times and create design databases by adding instances of parametric components from an existing catalog.

VisionREZ by Ameri-CAD

VisionREZ helps residential and light commercial builders create superior designs, eliminate errors, manage resources and increase product development cycles, according to its developer, Ameri-CAD. The software’s modules focus specifically on areas of building that tend to affect overall project performance, such as roof design, trim detailing, labeling, framing and bill of materials (BOM).