Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AEC Hub, our advisory services, tool directory, and data dashboards.
About AEC Hub
What is AEC Hub?
AEC Hub is an independent data intelligence and technology advisory platform for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. We maintain a searchable directory of 450+ AEC software tools with in-depth reviews, 7 live data dashboards powered by federal data sources (BLS, FRED, Census Bureau, FHWA, USAspending.gov), and advisory services for firms adopting AI and data strategy. We are not affiliated with any tool vendor.
Who runs AEC Hub?
AEC Hub was founded by an architect who holds a Master of Architecture degree and has 10+ years of experience at the intersection of AEC and technology. The team brings together architecture practice, computational design, AI/ML implementation, and data engineering. We have worked inside AEC technology companies, taught Architecture and AI at the university level, and built and shipped custom AI tools.
Is AEC Hub affiliated with any software vendor?
No. AEC Hub is fully independent. Our tool reviews and recommendations are based on our own evaluation criteria and are not influenced by vendor relationships. When AEC tech companies sponsor content or listings, it is clearly disclosed.
How is AEC Hub different from other AEC software directories?
Most directories list tools without context. AEC Hub provides in-depth reviews written from an architecture and engineering perspective, side-by-side comparison tools, 7 live data dashboards with real federal data, original industry research, and hands-on advisory services. We evaluate tools based on how they fit real AEC workflows, not marketing claims.
Advisory Services
What advisory services does AEC Hub offer?
We offer three service tiers: a free AI Strategy Workshop — a one-hour working session mapping your workflows against the tool landscape with quick wins you can start this month; the AI Implementation Sprint ($5,000 flat) for a 3-4 week hands-on engagement covering implementation, training, and workshops; and the Advisory Membership ($1,000/month) for ongoing strategy sessions, unlimited async questions, and quarterly tool-stack reviews.
Who are AEC Hub's advisory services for?
Our services are designed for AEC firms of all sizes evaluating or implementing technology, from small architecture studios considering their first AI tool to large ENR-ranked firms building a data strategy.
How do I start working with AEC Hub?
Start with the free AI Strategy Workshop at aechub.org/workshop. It's a one-hour working session on your firm's situation — what is working, what is not, and where AI actually fits. If you want deeper help afterward, we send a simple scope document within 3-5 days. No lengthy discovery questionnaires or onboarding. You can also reach us at nate@aechub.org.
Can AEC Hub help my firm choose the right AI tools?
Yes. Our free AI Strategy Workshop is specifically designed for this. In a one-hour working session we walk through your workflows and pain points, review your current stack, and identify specific tool recommendations from our catalog of 450+ tools — plus two or three quick wins you can start this month. It's free with no obligation; book it at aechub.org/workshop.
Does AEC Hub build custom AI tools or dashboards?
Yes. We have built custom AI agents, data dashboards, and internal tools for AEC firms and other industries. Recent examples include a custom AI customer service agent (saving $1,740/year vs. commercial alternatives), AI product strategy for an AEC software company, and our own platform of 7 live data dashboards. We work with FastAPI, Anthropic and OpenAI APIs, Next.js, and standard data engineering tooling.
Tool Directory
How many AEC tools does AEC Hub track?
We currently catalog and evaluate 450+ tools across categories including AI/ML, BIM, project management, estimating, scheduling, design, rendering, document management, and more. The directory is updated regularly as new tools launch and existing tools evolve.
How does AEC Hub evaluate and review tools?
Each tool is evaluated on what problem it solves, who it is for, how it fits into AEC workflows, user experience (speed, interface, learning curve, collaboration, integrations), key differentiators, and real user feedback. Our reviews are written from the perspective of practicing architects and engineers, not marketing summaries.
Can I compare AEC tools side by side?
Yes. Our comparison tool lets you select multiple tools and compare them across features, pricing, AI capabilities, target users, and strengths. Visit aechub.org/compare to get started.
Data Dashboards
What data dashboards does AEC Hub provide?
We maintain 7 live, interactive dashboards: AEC Salary Explorer (44 occupations, 393 metro areas), Construction Material Prices (steel, lumber, concrete, copper, aluminum PPI data), Construction Employment Tracker (monthly employment and wages), Building Permit Heatmap (residential permits by state), Federal Infrastructure Spending (USAspending.gov contract data), Bridge Health Dashboard (FHWA condition ratings), and Site Risk Explorer (environmental and natural hazard data).
Where does AEC Hub's dashboard data come from?
All dashboard data comes from authoritative federal sources: the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and USAspending.gov. Data is validated against source records and updated on regular schedules.
Are AEC Hub's data dashboards free?
Yes. All 7 data dashboards are free to access. No account or login required. We built them as a public resource for AEC professionals, researchers, and firms who need reliable industry data without expensive subscriptions.
Have a question not covered here?
Reach out directly or start with a free intro call to discuss your firm's situation.