Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AEC Hub, our advisory services, tool recommendations, 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 track 510+ 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?
Four services. A free 30-minute AI strategy session to talk through your firm. An AI strategy discovery and definition sprint, $5,000 fixed over one month, that assesses where the firm stands and delivers a ranked roadmap. An AI strategy retainer from $1,000 a month for a standing advisor. And implementation and enterprise applications from $5,000, with a $1,000 proof of concept to validate an idea before a full build. AI evaluation and testing on your own documents is included in the retainer or available on its own.
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 session at aechub.org/workshop. It is a 30-minute conversation about what your firm runs today, where AI might apply, and what to do first. You leave with a recommended next step whether or not you work with us.
Can AEC Hub help my firm choose the right AI tools?
Yes. Book the free AI strategy session. In 30 minutes we walk through your workflows and your current tools and point you to candidates from the 510+ tools we track.
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.
Tools
How many AEC tools does AEC Hub track?
We currently catalog and evaluate 510+ tools across categories including AI/ML, BIM, project management, estimating, scheduling, design, rendering, document management, and more. The list 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. The AEC Tech Canvas 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.