When it comes to choosing the best laptops for architects, you need something more than just a normal piece of office equipment.
You need to invest in a high-quality device that will support all aspects of your work from creating real-time visualisations, to rendering, to accurate photo-editing. The job of an architect requires a range of design software, and more often than not, several programmes need to run simultaneously.
You also need a device that has enough storage to back up your work, not to mention an excellent battery life so you can work on the go!
This means you need a laptop power house so you can concentrate on your role without worrying about the tech.
We’ve put together a list of the best laptops for architects to meet a whole range of requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the role, you’ll find a laptop that provides both power and portability.
If you’re interested to find out more about the role of an architect, check out our available vacancies here.
For now, let’s take a look at our top tech picks.
Apple Macbook Pro 16 inch
First up on our list of the best laptops for architectURE comes from none other than tech giant, Apple.
Thanks to the choice of either the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips (both super-fast chips made by Apple, and both offer fantastic results when it comes to working with design software), it’s a powerful device that makes the job of an architect easier.
Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch can also be customised to have a very high level of performance and storage capacity, depending on the needs of the user.
For example, it can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM, which is a high amount of memory and can be helpful for running multiple design programs simultaneously or working with large files. Aswell as this, it can be configured with up to 8TB of storage, which is a large amount of space for storing project files and other data.
The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is also something to note as this can showcase detailed designs and renderings with sharp colours. The display also offers plenty of space to work with, meaning architects can view their designs and renderings in great detail and have ample room for multitasking with different windows open.
For architects who need to work on-the-go or in locations without easy access to power outlets, the MacBook Pro 16 inch has a long-lasting battery life for extra convenience.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
This laptop offers architects a wealth of versatility as it can be used in multiple modes, including Laptop, Studio, and Tablet mode.
This makes it a great choice for architects who need to switch between different settings while working on different aspects of their projects.
It also features a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with a high resolution of 2400 x 1600, which provides a large and sharp view of architectural designs and drawings. To make life even easier, the Surface Laptop Studio has a touchscreen and supports the Surface Pen, meaning architects can sketch and annotate designs directly on the screen.
When it comes to performance, you can be sure that this laptop can handle vast, complex design projects as it’s powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.
In addition to the processor, the Surface Laptop Studio also has extensive memory and storage options, allowing architects to store and work on large files without running out of space or experiencing performance issues.
Complete with its lightweight and portable design, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio had to make our list of the best laptop for architects.
Dell XPS 17
The Dell XPS 17 is a popular choice for architects because of its powerful performance, high-quality screen display, and sophisticated design.
With a 17-inch display, it is perfect for architects who need to work on large design projects and require a lot of screen real estate. Apart from size, the display has a resolution of 3840 x 2400, which provides detailed, clear images, so that architects can easily view and manipulate their designs.
In terms of performance, the Dell XPS 17 is powered by an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor making it fast and efficient, allowing architects to work on complex projects with ease.
The XPS 17 also comes complete with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card, which provides high-quality graphics for 3D modeling and rendering – a key part of an architect’s job role.
Despite all of this functionality, this laptop is surprisingly lightweight and compact, making it easy for architects to take it with them to job sites or meetings.
Acer ConceptD Ezel 7
The Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is a powerful laptop which makes it a good choice for architects who have a bigger budget to spend.
What’s unique about this device is its 2-in-1 design that allows the screen to be rotated and positioned in various ways, making it ideal for sketching, presenting, and working with others.
A key highlight of the Acer ConceptD Ezel 7 is the 4K IPS display which has accurate colour reproduction and a wide colour gamut, allowing architects to create and review detailed drawings and visualisations.
The laptop also has a selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, and multiple USB ports, allowing for easy connectivity to external devices.
For architects who value aesthetic appeal, this device showcases a sleek and modern design making it the perfect choice for attending meetings and visiting clients.
LG Gram 17
The LG Gram 17 is another great choice for architects who need plenty of room to work without carrying around something heavy!
Featuring a large 17-inch display, this laptop allows architects to work on complex 3D models or design projects that require a lot of screen real estate. However despite its size, the LG Gram 17 is surprisingly slim and lightweight weighing in at just 1.35kg making it convenient for attending meetings and site visits.
Moving over to performance, this laptop is equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and comes with a large 16GB RAM, providing enough processing power to handle a range of design software.
It also has a good battery life that can last nearly 20 hours, which makes it one of the best laptops for architecture projects as individuals might work long hours without direct access to power.
Another key highlight for architects considering this laptop is the inclusion of a backlit keyboard. With a large, comfortable layout with well-spaced keys, this can help reduce hand and wrist fatigue during long typing sessions.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i 14’’ Laptop
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i is a premium laptop with high-end features and specifications making it one of the best laptops for architects.
Featuring a 14-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, it provides vibrant and excellent colour accuracy so that architects can work from detailed designs.
It’s also a great choice for professionals who need to work with resource-intensive software programs due to its 11th Gen Intel Core processor. On top of this, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i has integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which can handle most 2D and some 3D modeling tasks.
Despite its range of features and functionality, this laptop is lightweight and slim weighing just 2.64 pounds. It also doesn’t compromise on battery life with users enjoying up to 15 hours of use from a single charge! This makes it ideal for travelling to different sites or to locations where there is no power supply.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i is a versatile, feature-rich laptop that can provide architects with the right balance of performance and portability.
HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation
The HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation is a high-performance laptop best suited to architects who require powerful computing capabilities on-the-go.
When it comes to features, the HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation is equipped with an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage for holding data and large design files.
It also features an NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, which is specifically designed for professional applications such as CAD and 3D modeling.
The 14-inch Full HD display is ideal for professionals working with drawings and models as it ensures that all details are visible and accurately represented.
With a range of connectivity options such as USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI, it connects to external displays and other devices with ease.
One of the key highlights of the HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation is its suitability to any working environment. With a spill-resistant and backlit keyboard it is the perfect option for architects who spend long hours in front of the screen, as well as those who work on the go.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop has to make our list of the best laptops for architecture.
Designed for professional-grade work, this laptop boasts several features that make it suitable for architects who require both high performance and accuracy.
The ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is powered by an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, comes with up to 32GB of RAM, and has a dedicated NVIDIA Quadro graphics card. These features provide users with excellent performance when running different types of design software and handling complex 3D models.
In terms of the screen, the laptop has a 15.6-inch 4K Ultra HD display which provides high resolution and accurate colour reproduction, making it suitable for architects who require a high level of precision in their work. In addition, the display also has an anti-glare coating, which reduces reflections and makes it easier to work in bright environments, adding to the versatility of this device even more.
Moving over to the design, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 is built with durability in mind, with a carbon fiber chassis and a spill-resistant keyboard. Professionals can also enjoy up to 10 hours of use from a single charge which is very useful when working on the go.
All-in-all, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop makes an ideal choice for architects who require a high-performance laptop that can handle complex software applications.
Your Ultimate Tech Guide: The Best Laptops for Architects
After reviewing our list of the best laptops for architects, hopefully you’ve found a solution that suits your needs. As an architect, choosing the right laptop is critical because it can impact your performance, productivity, and ultimately your success in the profession.
There’s so much to consider when choosing the right laptop including processing power, graphics capabilities, portability, durability, and the quality of the display. It’s your job to produce stunning designs and models with ease, so having a laptop that supports this is key.
Choosing a low-quality laptop and compromising on areas such as editing and display could lead to an inaccurate representation of the design and may lead to errors in the construction process.
The best laptops for architects are much more than a piece of working equipment as they ensure that professionals can complete their job to the best of their ability.
At Macdonald and Company, we’re committed to helping professionals in the real estate sector succeed. From finding the right equipment to complete your job, to securing your dream job, we’ve been leading recruitment in this sector since 1994. To find out how we can help you, get in touch.
Alternatively you can look through any of our active job roles here.
