IT services for
architecture firms
AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, BIM — your practice requires powerful workstations, reliable storage and a provider who understands your software. ECLAUD IT supports architecture firms in Reunion Island and Ile-de-France.
Architecture firms handle files of several GB (Revit models, AutoCAD drawings, 3D renders), require powerful GPU workstations and high-performance networking. A generalist IT technician cannot size a Revit workstation or configure a central BIM server. ECLAUD IT manages IT for architecture firms: workstations, servers, backup, security and unlimited support.
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.
ECLAUD IT designs and deploys bespoke infrastructure for architecture firms:
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
3-2-1 backup of BIM models and project files. RPO < 4h for live Revit models, long-term retention of delivered projects.
Security & IP
Workstation encryption (BitLocker), FortiGate firewall, project folder access control. Intellectual property protection for drawings.
Unlimited support
Dedicated architecture helpdesk, remote access, on-site intervention. Your team calls us directly for any IT issue.
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 is based in Saint-Paul and covers the entire island. We know the local architecture community and tailor our recommendations to the island context: local Revit server rather than full-cloud (for performance), spare parts stock on-site (for rapid intervention), partnerships with local distributors for hardware.
How much does managed IT cost for an architecture firm?
| Firm type | Workstations | Monthly range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo architect | 1–3 workstations | EUR 250 — 500/month |
| Mid-size firm | 5–15 workstations | EUR 59 — 99/workstation/month |
| Architecture agency | 15–30 workstations | Custom quote (dedicated infra) |
All plans include: unlimited support, project backup, security, GPU workstation maintenance, Autodesk licence management. On-site interventions in Reunion Island are included.
FAQ — Architecture firm IT services
What type of workstation is needed for AutoCAD and Revit?
For AutoCAD alone, a workstation with an NVIDIA T1000 GPU, 16 GB RAM and NVMe SSD is sufficient. For Revit BIM with complex projects, we recommend an NVIDIA RTX A2000 or higher, 32–64 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD and a processor with a high clock speed (Revit is primarily single-threaded). ECLAUD IT sizes, orders and configures workstations turnkey.
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?
Yes, we manage the full Autodesk licence lifecycle: purchase or renewal through our partners, deployment to workstations, Named User or Token Flex access management, version updates. We also optimise costs based on actual usage (some team members only need AutoCAD LT).
What does managed IT cost for an architecture firm?
For a firm of 3–5 workstations, expect EUR 250 to 500/month all-inclusive (unlimited support, backup, security, workstation maintenance). For a firm of 10–20 workstations with a Revit server and NAS, the range is EUR 59 to 99/workstation/month. The investment is tax-deductible and avoids costly interruptions during a competition deadline.
Your architecture firm deserves
IT that matches your ambitions
Free infrastructure audit, workstation sizing assessment, network and storage evaluation. No commitment.