ADDDitive: Building The Digital Architect

Transforming Practice: Tools, Strategies, and Insights for the Digital Architect.

Author

Allister Lewis
June 18, 2025

Welcome to the 3rd edition of ADDDitive!

Hey there 👋,

It’s been a big week in ConTech—and I’ve got plenty to share.

From the buzz of NXTBLD & NXTDEV (where BIM 2.0 officially stepped into the browser), to a packed line up of new AI tools, plugins, and visualisation platforms, and even a few workflow gems for Revit users—this edition is all about what’s next in AEC.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of innovation, don’t worry—I’ve broken it all down for you. Hot takes, curated tools, and practical insights you can actually use.

Let’s dive in 👇

NXTBLD and NXTDEV

I attended the best event for Construction Technology in the UK: NXTBLD & NXTDEV. It's full of experts, enthusiasts and developers. This year was the launch of BIM 2.0 tools for Architects. Here’s my Hot Take after 2 days at NXTBLD & NXTDEV: BIM 2.0 now lives in your browser—and it’s already reshaping how we design. Here's the breakdown, BIM 2.0 software are;

  • All web-based

  • All collaborative 

  • All hungry for disruption

My hot take per software;

  • Arcol - live and powerful 3D tool with boards 

  • Motif - collaborative and emerging

  • Qonic - data modelling manager with clash detection. Plus: Auto drawings coming soon

  • Skema - Revit compatible, flexible generative design

  • Snaptrude - 3D modeller to the max-core with data embedded

  • Hypar - beautiful brief building and design space planning with flexible intelligent blocks

  • Autodesk Forma - Closed data format modelling tool with analysis that integrates with APS & ACC

  • Giraffe - open, flexible computational intelligence packaged for feasibility for developers and architects. 

  • Spacio - excellent control over massing and generative design tool with compliance built in 

Most used phrase? You can do something "with one click."

Generative Design Report

My comprehensive Generative Design and Concept Design Software Report examines the latest tools reshaping feasibility studies and early-stage design exploration. Packed with comparative analyses, practical use cases, and implementation strategies, it offers Architects a clear roadmap to selecting and deploying the right Generative and Conceptual Design software for their specific practice needs.

Our comprehensive report is available at www.addd.io/gd with a special 30% discount for newsletter subscribers.

New Products on the ADDD Marketplace

Struggling to keep up with new AEC tools and AI platforms? You're not alone—and here's how to cut through the noise. Every week I meet with emerging ConTech founders to stay ahead of what’s being built—from plugins to AI to field tools. I curate these discoveries on the ADDD Marketplace, and each month I share the best with you—tools that are solving real architectural and construction challenges.

This Month’s Highlights:

🔌 PLUGINS & FIELD TOOLS
Cyclops (Foster + Partners) – Environmental plugin for Grasshopper
Raven (Romantic Technology) – Generative Design AI Assistant
Solebo LTD – Scan objects via iPhone and export to IFC, USD, or MP4
Outbuild – Global scheduling + field coordination tool
PinMy – Voice, text, and visual commenting for AEC plans & media

🤖 AI TOOLS
INNEX.AI – AI for writing, reviewing, and managing built environment docs
Topologic – Python-based AI spatial modelling and analysis
Sabana (Techstars '24) – AI-assisted spec writing and product selection
Howie – Your AI copilot for the built environment
Cogram – AI for proposals, email, meetings, and reports
PromeAI – AI image generator for creative workflows

🖼️ VISUALISATION TOOLS
Präi – Architectural rendering SaaS
RenderAI - AI-generated visuals from sketches or prompts
Pelicad – Massing to fast 2D visualisation for developers
Fenestra – Render 3D models or sketches into images
xFigura – AI ideation platform for 2D/3D design

🧰 CONFIGURATORS
Formaer – Custom furniture configurator
Strato Create – Automated design + pricing for homebuilding
KOPE – Productization platform linking real-world systems to digital design

🧑‍💼 SERVICES
IIMBE – BIM + Information Management consultancy
Wickerson Studios – Experts in computational design delivery

Want to explore these and more? They’re all featured on the ADDD Marketplace—the go-to location for discovering cutting-edge ConTech.

Workflow Webinars

New Workflow Webinar Announced! I announced yesterday a new Webinar titled:

Smarter Revit Workflows for Architects and BIM Managers!

Join us LIVE as we explore three game-changing tools that help you design, document, and deliver faster and smarter.

🧠 Pele – Your AI Assistant in Revit
Talk to Revit like you talk to ChatGPT. Pele uses AI to automate repetitive tasks—views, dimensions, overrides, and more. First 20 prompts are free!

🎨 Vyssuals – Real-Time Data Visualisation
Say goodbye to clunky exports. Vyssuals turns your Revit model into a live dashboard—instantly highlighting errors, performance gaps, or clashes through visual feedback.

🤝 D.TO – Collaborative Assembly Design
Design with confidence. D.TO combines AI, BIM, and a mentoring layer to help you manage complex detailing and product selection—all inside a collaborative interface.

💡 Whether you're an architect trying to simplify early-stage design or a BIM manager looking to optimise documentation and QA, this session is for you.

📅 23rd June | 6.45PM BST
 🔗 Streaming live on LinkedIn + YouTube

AEC Tech Jobs

Want to Move into ConTech? Check out AEC Tech Jobs - all the best new roles from Computational Designer, Product Manager, Software Developer, Marketing and Sales are all here. Join one of the fastest growing industry out there for ConTech roles.

Are you a ConTech company- reach out and we would be happy to add your latest roles.

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Get in touch with any questions you may have: [email protected]

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