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:
• 16 GB of system RAM
• Intel i7 (10th gen or later) processor
• 500 GB to 1 TB SSD main drive
• NVidia GeForce GTX 2070 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 greater for good viewing area, battery life and portability compromise.
There are many other options, but the following computers fit these specifications:
MSI Creator Z16 (sub-model A11UET-046)
The following software packages may be needed:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Autodesk 3D Studio Max
- Autodesk Revit
- Rhinoceros (Rhino 3D)
- Sketchup
- MS Office
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.