I love using archicad. I used it a few years ago during an internship and then I had to use it again last year for several months. I was very pleased with the improvements done the past few years and I would be happy to have to use it again! What I think is good in ArchiCad - demolished / existing / new filter is such a handy tool - being able to have different users on the same at the same time - 3D renderings are pretty good - the tool bar and menu is easy to use - able to have it on a MAC without having to use parallel or anything else that slows down the computer - easy to have multiple files open at once - great to be able to link images and update them just like in Indesign - window / door schedule automatically adjusted

ArchiCAD is powerful enough to let me create just about anything I want, but simple enough that I can train interns on some basic tools and have them be fairly productive quickly. Construction Documents flow easily and well from the model and I have been able to integrate structural models from other sources with relative success using the IFC format.

As a CAD user and artist, I believe that this program provides the basic components needed to design and construct a 3D models in virtual space on your computer, but does not allow for creative and free expression that the human hand brings to the design process at the drafting table. I also like the ability to select structural elements as prescribed by my structural engineer and place them in the model to understand how the component will work with the existing or new structure.