10 Best Laptops for Architects & Building Designers

Here, I will recommend ten best laptops for architects which are compatible with all the building designing software like Rhino 3D, Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD etc.

So, let’s get into more details…

Being an architect, either a pro-level or a student needs a heavy-duty laptop that can support the creation of 3D visual designs, drawings, construction documents, and walk-through visuals or animations.

In other words, a laptop that can let the architects render their tasks comfortably, conveniently, and efficiently is important.

There are no specific brands that may be labeled as the great laptops for architecture students or professionals because any brand can be the best, given the specs and considering the necessity that needs to be satisfied.

Every laptop brand has its PROs or CONs, you only need to make sure that the laptop you will get can run different programs without hassle.

Keep in mind that the laptop must be able to keep Revit Architecture, 3D Studio Max, Lumion, V-Ray and other similar programs running seamlessly.

Architects might be doing the same thing in terms of designing and rendering, however, they might have specific preferences in terms of laptop specs. 

Hence, the goal of this article is to give a list of the best laptops for architecture students or pro architects.

We also included the minimum requirements for architecture laptop as reflected in the Buyer’s Guide. Not only that, we answered some of the frequently asked questions about the best laptop for architecture.

Minimum Requirements for Architecture Laptop

If you’re uncertain which laptop should you get or you simply want to know the minimum requirements for architecture laptop before getting one for yourself, check out the table below to help you make the best decision.

These minimum requirements will help you attain optimum performance as far as modeling and rendering are concerned. You may also check on the recommended requirements to get the best value for your money.

Minimum System Requirements	Indicators	Recommended System Requirements
Up to 4 hours	Battery	Up to 6 hours
8th Generation Intel Core i7	CPU	10th Generation Intel Core i7
15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)	Display	17.3-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
3GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050	GPU	6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
16GB	RAM	32GB
512GB SSD	Storage	1TB SSD

While professional architects can afford to buy high-end laptops, those who are just beginning in the field must be living within a specific budget.

Thus, what they need is a portable laptop with a powerful system and getting a device that contains the recommended specs provided in the matrix, you won’t surely go wrong.

Best Laptops for Architects and Architecture Students

1. Affordable Laptop for Students – HP Pavilion 15

The first laptop on the list is one of the best laptops for architecture students – the HP Pavilion 15.

You can accomplish things with instant responsiveness thru its 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor. Enjoy stunning visuals with the Intel Iris Xe Graphics and a fast performance provided by 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage.

You will further enjoy doing designs and rendering because the laptop has a higher bandwidth, all because of its 16GB RAM.

These specs will let you run massive applications or software without interruption.

The laptop comes in 15 inch display full HD micro-edged screen with ‎1920 x 1080 pixels maximum resolution to maximize your view. It comes with a precision touchpad and it is a compact laptop that you can carry around anywhere.

This laptop features a comfortable keyboard and long-lasting battery that can last for up to 8 hours and 30 minutes.

It has also various ports, Bluetooth5 and Wi-Fi6 connectivity options. It has also HP Quickdrop feature that lets you transfer files quickly.

2. Small Laptop for Architects – Dell Inspiron 13 5310

Are you ready to explore the stunning world of Dell Inspiron 13 5310? We’re pretty sure you are because this is the best laptop for architecture.

Architects and budding architects who are anticipating a heavy workload will find the 4.8 GHz core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics coprocessor highly responsive when creating 3D designs.

With 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM at the helm and the 512 GB SSD storage, you will be able to complete your renders and store your files with great ease.

In terms of display, architects can dig into 13.3 inch screen size with 2560 x 1600 pixels maximum screen resolution. This laptop is designed for architects on the go because of its lightweight build that comes in platinum-silver hues.

Dell Inspiron 13 5310 comes with 11 hours and 16 minutes of battery life and with the ExpressCharge feature, recharging the battery won’t take forever.

The connectivity suite of this device is a complete package for it has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, headset jack, HDMI, and Thunderbolt ports.

Be inspired too with an edge-to-edge keyboard that provides an awesome typing experience.  It also carries a technology that lets your device stay cool despite heavy usage.

For an incredible and smooth multitasking experience, Dell Inspiron 13 5310 is the best deal for you.

3. Best Dual Screen Laptop – ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482

ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482 is also considered one of the best laptops for architecture students because of its endless possibilities.

Equipped with Core i7-1195G7 and GeForce MX450 graphics coprocessor, this laptop can process heavy visualization works that include animation-making and rendering. Its heavy performance is further enhanced by an ultrafast 1TB SSD storage and 16GB RAM that ensures quick boot time.

Indulge into a luxurious experience with this laptop that has a secondary touchscreen that works perfectly with the 14 inch Full HD touchscreen display that has 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution.

The screenpad as an added feature gives you the opportunity to control creative apps that are used for architectural tasks. This will certainly level-up your designing and rendering experience.

The ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482 is powered by a 1 lithium-ion battery and the keyboard is designed for comfortable typing. Worry not about the connectivity options because it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB 3.0 port to name some.

This laptop surely meets the minimum requirements for architecture laptop.

4. Best Performance Laptop – Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6

Another best budget laptops for architects chosen by experts is the Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6. Enhance your work experience with its ultimate performance without going over budget.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor paired with NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti RAM16GB LPDDR4X graphics processor will allow you to render 3D animations smoothly.

The 16GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB SSD storage can decently carry several works and boost multitasking activities without diminishing the processing speed. These are amazing specs to sustain your incredible creativity as an architect.

Create your best 3D design with the 14 inch Full HD widescreen display with 1920 x 1080 pixels and 300 nits brightness. This laptop with thin metal design is great for mobile architects or architecture students.

Enjoy the convenient connectivity options of Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6. It has Wi-Fi 6, USB 3.0 ports and Bluetooth 5.2 that lets you connect to other external devices without hassle.

Be amazed by the battery life that can last for up to 12 working hours and it comes with fast-charging support too. It has a backlit keyboard that lets you do your tasks even under low-light settings.

Unleash your inner creativity by using this Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6. A laptop that is designed and created for architects like you.

5. Best Gaming Laptop for Architects – Acer Predator Helios 300

Architects’ way of designing and presenting continues to evolve.

If you’re not too budget-conscious, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is going to be the best purchase you will ever make.

As years pass by, the architect’s way of presenting and designing is also evolving. Why opt for the minimum requirements for architecture laptop when you can have something more than that?

Acer Predator Helios 300 is a heavy-duty laptop that it is known for its amazing 10th Gen Intel 6-Core i7-10750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB graphics coprocessor that gives realistic graphics.

The ‎1 TB SSD storage and ‎16GB RAM give an ultimate performance that you don’t want to miss.

Looking at the screen, it has a 15.6 inch full HD display and 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution giving you the most realistic view of graphics or animations with a high level of color accuracy. In terms of portability, the laptop can fit nicely in a backpack.

The battery may function for 6 hours, and it has a backlit keyboard. You will never run out of connectivity options because it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports that can fuel your creativity and efficiency.

Acer Predator Helios 300 is indeed the best laptop for architecture because it has everything that you need!

6. Best Laptop for Architecture Professionals – Microsoft Surface Book 3

Microsoft Surface Book 3 is known for its touchscreen feature. It has the flexibility of a laptop and tablet that you can use simultaneously.

The strength of this device lies in its 32GB DDR4  RAM and 1TB Flash Memory Solid State storage. Yes, you read it right! This laptop can launch software for animations or 3D designs faster.

Get done with your architecture drawings with the help of the 10th generation Core i7 processor and the latest NVIDIA GTX GeForce GPU.

You will be surprised to know that its 15 inch display has a large resolution which is 3240 x 2160 pixels.

It is slim and light enough to be carried around anywhere you go. It is a robust tablet and laptop that comes with a detachable screen. Yes, the screen may be detached and it has a touchscreen feature as well.

By far, this has the longest battery life which can keep up with your tasks for up to 17. 5 hours. It is truly built to serve and perform smoothly and for a longer period. It also got the connections that you need like Wi-Fi, USB types A and C as well as SD card slot to name some that lets you connect to other devices. 

Spend a little more and own this Microsoft Surface Book 3 – the best laptop for architecture!

7. Best Laptop for Mobile Workstation – ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro

Looking for the best budget laptops for architects? This is another device added to the list – the ASUS ProArt Studiobook One Mobile Workstation that is preferred by architects and product developers.

The Intel Core i9-9980HK processor and Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000 GPU offer unbeatable performance, especially when doing extensive designs or rendering animations. This allows you to manipulate and come up with high-quality visuals.

The RAM is pretty impressive which is 64GB DDR4 as well as the 1TB PCIe SSD storage. The specs significantly enhance the ability of the laptop to run heavy software and carry out designs. 

Asus ensures that the 15.6 inch screen with 4K UHD Pantone display will provide nothing but excellent quality visuals.

The laptop is compact and versatile that is designed to accommodate 3D modeling, collaborative architectural work, and rendering.

The laptop runs on a 1 lithium-ion battery that can last for a few hours. It has a wide range of connectivity options too including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thunderbolt connectivity. These things allow the user to utilize different devices whenever needed.

8. Best Big Screen Laptop – New Dell XPS 17 9700

Talking about colossal prowess? The New Dell XPS 17 9700 is the one for you.

Its optimum design is great for architecture students or those who are trying to find the best laptop for architecture.

This laptop has a caliber of a desktop because of its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 GPU and Intel i9-10885H 10th Gen processor.

Let your creativity soar to greater heights with the help of 32GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive.

Dell XPS 17 9700 can facilitate the fluid running of apps and faster browsing among tabs.

Having these specs, the laptop can accelerate the usage of your architecture-related apps.

A laptop that is fully equipped with tools that can make things transition faster. Moreover, rendering high-resolution images or videos can be done seamlessly using this laptop.

It has a stellar screen size which is 17 inch and a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. It has an infinity-edge and anti-reflective screen. It is designed to perform heavy workloads but it is portable enough to fit into your bag.

New Dell XPS 17 9700 runs through a 1 lithium-ion battery and can last for several hours.

Connectivity suite is also fully packed with Thunderbolt ports, SD card reader, microphone and headphone jack, Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth. You have a wide variety of options to connect other devices that can enhance your performance.

For a power-efficient performance, get New Dell XPS 17 9700 – one of the best laptops for architects.

9. Best Compact Laptop for Architects – Dell XPS 13 9310

Another innovation from DELL that is masterfully designed is the Dell XPS 13 9310.

Other than the advanced thermal technology that keeps the laptop cool, this laptop comes with 16 GB LPDDR4X  RAM and 512 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage that boosts the fast loading of architecture-related apps.

It also possesses 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics with shared graphics memory.

The laptop has all the configurations required by an architect. Owning a device like this is like living the best days of your life as an architect or architecture student because it ensures a lag-free processing of any file or application.

The 13.4 inch full HD infinity edge and anti-reflective display provide an accurate view of your projects. This is a compact and lightweight laptop which can be conveniently brought even during travels.

The laptop can last for few hours as it is powered by 1 lithium-ion battery.

Different connectivity options are likewise present in this device which is useful for every architect. This includes Thunderbolt 3 ports, headphone and microphone jack, micro SD card reader and USB types A/C ports among others.

Importantly, it has a Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6 feature that you can use to transfer your files without a problem.

Dell XPS 13 9310 an innovation that will satisfy your tasks as an architect or budding architect.

10. Best Laptop for Architecture Under $3000- MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062

MSI as a laptop manufacturer has competitively evolved through the years.

MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062 is designed in anticipation of heavy work tasks, the reason why a 2.3 GHz corei7 10750h processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU is specifically integrated into this device, to keep architects engaged in their work efficiently.

The allotted RAM is 16 GB DDR4 and has a storage capacity of 512GB NVMe SSD, redefining what used to be impossible in the field of 3D animations and rendering.

The laptop is compact and handy and has a screen size of 15.6 inch with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. Perfect specs to view drawings and other graphics.

It also boasts an RGB backlit keyboard that is different from the lighting mechanism of other keyboards. The keyboard provides comfortable writing and drawing experiences. It has several connectivity options too like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ports.

This is a formidable laptop that is carefully designed to suit the needs of architects who are using AutoCAD or BIM tools.

MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062 has the minimum requirements for architecture laptop that you need.

Read Also: 10 Best Laptops for Engineering Students (Mechanical, Civil, IT)

FAQs on the Architect Laptops

Conclusion

All laptops provided here are the best.

Remember that your need for a certain specification is the best determining factor that you must consider; of course, budget may get in the way too.

If you have enough money, go and get a laptop with incredibly high specifications especially in terms of RAM, CPU, GPU and storage. But worry not because you can also get affordable laptops for architecture students that are likewise provided in this article.