SIS Soft
Good for: Field measurements
Platforms: iOS, Android (modified version)
Price: $4.99–$5.99
Users on a jobsite can “snap a picture … add dimensions, and then send [it] out to a supplier or carpenter,” says Chris Denby, Marketitecture CEO. The app calculates angles, areas, and volumes based on the image and user-entered dimensions. sis.si/my-measures
MagicPlan
Sensopia
Good for: Creating floor plans without a tape measure
Platforms: iOS (Android release anticipated in June)
Price: Varies, depending on usage
Take a photo of a space and drag a virtual grid to identify corners. Using augmented reality, a built-in gyroscope, and a camera, the app can generate multiroom floor plans with dimensions. But always check your measurements. sensopia.com/english
RefreshMe
RefreshMe
Good for: Communication, note-taking
Platform: Android
Price: Free
Stop scrambling through your notes or hazy memory to remember outstanding action items when a client calls. This app tracks a contact and your conversations with that person by listing their SMS history with your meeting notes in an at-a-glance view. Then take more notes during the call. getrefresh.me
Morpholio
The Morpholio Project
Good for: Presentations, networking, inspiration
Platform: iOS
Price: Free
This app allows design professionals to share work and exchange feedback. Post images and view curated galleries for ideas with the Pinup feature; track audience interest with EyeTime; modify projects with co-creators using Crit; and much more. mymorpholio.com
Rebus Farminizer
RebusFarm
Good for: Production, modeling
Platform: Android
Price: Free (account required and fee per gigahertz-hour)
Tap into the RebusFarm cloud-rendering service and monitor job progress from anywhere. “Using this has saved us a ton of time,” says Eric Tinlup Ng, AIA, Marble Fairbanks. “Being able to farm out processing power … frees up a computer and frees up a person.” rebusfarm.net
AEC-Apps
SOM and Case
Good for: Social media, productivity, staying current
Platform: Web-based
Price: Free (admin approval required)
This app repository links architects to peer-tested and -reviewed AEC-related tools to streamline their own workflows. Collect and share your favorite applications in an App Kit that other users can browse and follow. BIM 360 Glue, Workflowy, Podio, and Prezi are crowd favs. aec-apps.com
Five for the Long Haul
If these tried-and-tested apps aren’t on your mobile devices already, you might be missing out.
Evernote
Creates keyword-searchable notes, lists, and voice and audio recordings that sync across your devices. It’s for anyone interested in increasing productivity. For iOS and Android devices. evernote.com
Penultimate
From the developers of Evernote, this handwriting app for the iPad allows users with a stylus to take notes and sketch in color. Access doodles and masterpieces from anywhere. Sync with Evernote to make information searchable. evernote.com/penultimate
AutoCAD WS
The cloud-based CAD editor from Autodesk lets users view, edit, and share AutoCAD files from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. For iOS and Android devices. autocadws.com
SketchBook Pro
The range of drawing tools and brush types, large color palette, and customizable interface distinguish this Autodesk app from the pack. For iOS and Android devices. autodesk.com
ARCAT
Access ARCAT’s robust library of building product and material information on the go. Find nearly 11,000 manufacturer listings containing CAD details, BIM content, and specifications. For iOS and Android devices, as well as Amazon’s Kindle Fire. arcat.com
