Laptop Recommendations for Architecture and Interior Architecture Students
Students entering the Master of Architecture or Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture programs will need to have a PC (Windows-enabled) laptop for compatibility with architectural software packages used in various required courses.
At a minimum, the laptop should have:
• 32 GB of system RAM
• Intel i7 or i9 (11th gen or later) processor
• 500 GB to 1 TB M.2 SSD drive
• NVidia RTX 4050, RTX A1000 or better graphics card with minimum 4GB dedicated video memory.
We do not recommend any laptop with only the built-in Intel HD-type GPU. Some rendering software and CAD applications will not run without the additional dedicated GPU. For screen size, we recommend a 15" screen or larger for good viewing area, battery life and portability compromise.
There are many options available, but the following small sample of currently available systems fit these specifications and can be used as a guide for your ultimate purchase. This should be used only as a guide. Models are phased out often, so make sure you use the customization or configuration tool to bring base models up to spec:
HP Omen 16 (customize with 32GB RAM and 1TB M.2 SSD)
The following software packages may be needed:
- Adobe Creative Cloud (CC is provided to students. Do not purchase)
- Autodesk Revit (Free sign-up and downloads for students at https://www.autodesk.com/education)
- Rhinoceros (Rhino 3D)
- SketchUp
- MS Office (provided to students. Do not Purchase)
This is not meant to be a complete list of software, always check with your studio professors before making major software purchases. MS office products are provided free to KU students and AutoDesk products are free for students.
The School of Architecture & Design also has several labs available to students. The Bridge Computer Lab computers have many of the software programs required to do coursework and is available to students, staff and faculty via passcode access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.