# AEC Hub > AEC Hub is an independent data intelligence and technology advisory platform for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Founded in 2025, it provides a searchable directory of 450+ AEC software tools with in-depth reviews, 7 live data dashboards powered by federal data sources, and advisory services for AEC firms adopting AI and data strategy. AEC Hub is not affiliated with any tool vendor and provides unbiased evaluations. AEC Hub serves architects, engineers, construction managers, AEC technology companies, and investors looking for independent guidance on technology adoption, market intelligence, and data-driven decision-making in the built environment. ## Services AEC Hub offers three advisory service tiers for AEC firms: - [Free AI Strategy Workshop](https://www.aechub.org/workshop): Free one-hour working session mapping your workflows against the current tool landscape, with a live tool-stack review and quick wins you can start this month. Best for firms evaluating AI for the first time. - [AI Implementation Sprint ($5,000 flat)](https://www.aechub.org/services): 3-4 week hands-on engagement covering implementation, training, and workshops: AI rendering pipelines, proposal generators, document automation, and more. Best for firms ready to move beyond pilots. - [Advisory Membership ($1,000/month)](https://www.aechub.org/services): Ongoing advisory retainer with monthly strategy sessions, unlimited async questions, quarterly tool-stack reviews, and vendor evaluations. Month to month, cancel anytime. Contact: nate@aechub.org ## Tool Directory - [AEC Tool Directory (450+ tools)](https://www.aechub.org/tools): Searchable, filterable directory of architecture, engineering, and construction software tools. Each listing includes category, pricing, AI capabilities, target users, and strengths/weaknesses. - [Tool Comparison](https://www.aechub.org/compare): Side-by-side comparison of AEC tools across features, pricing, and fit. - [AI Tools for AEC](https://www.aechub.org/ai-tools): Curated list of AI-powered tools specifically for AEC workflows. - [AI Workflow Audit](https://www.aechub.org/workflow-audit): Free interactive tool — map one firm workflow, see its true yearly cost, and get AI-analyzed improvement opportunities (quick wins vs strategic bets) matched to directory tools, with an action plan. - [Proposal Outline Generator](https://www.aechub.org/proposal-generator): Free AI tool producing tailored proposal structures for AEC firms — positioning, section guidance, and fee strategy. - [RFI Cost Calculator](https://www.aechub.org/rfi-cost-calculator): Free calculator estimating annual RFI processing cost from project count and the industry-average $1,080 per RFI, with the preventable share. - [AI Readiness Score](https://www.aechub.org/ai-readiness): Free 3-minute assessment for AEC firms — 11 questions producing a scored AI readiness report with gaps to fix and recommended starting tools. - [Curated Stacks](https://www.aechub.org/stacks): Eight packaged tool stacks by firm type — small architecture firm, GC preconstruction, field operations, developer feasibility, workplace studios, sustainability, residential design-build, AI-first office. - [Buyer's Guides](https://www.aechub.org/guides): Twelve independent guides to the best AEC tools by workflow — AI rendering, test fits, drawing review and QA, reality capture, Revit automation, code research, field coordination, workplace intelligence, data interoperability, and office AI. - [AEC Technology Glossary](https://www.aechub.org/glossary): Plain-English definitions of 60+ AEC technology terms (BIM, AI takeoff, test fit, scan-to-BIM, embodied carbon, reality capture), each linked to relevant tools. ## Data Dashboards Live, interactive dashboards powered by BLS, FRED, Census Bureau, FHWA, and USAspending.gov data: - [AEC Salary Explorer](https://www.aechub.org/salary-explorer): Salary data for 44 architecture, engineering, and construction occupations across 393 U.S. metro areas. Median, mean, and percentile wage estimates from BLS OEWS Survey. - [Construction Material Prices](https://www.aechub.org/material-prices): Monthly Producer Price Index data for steel, lumber, concrete, copper, aluminum, and composite construction materials. 50+ years of historical data from FRED. - [Construction Employment Tracker](https://www.aechub.org/construction-employment): Monthly construction employment by sector, average hourly earnings, and job openings from BLS Current Employment Statistics. - [Building Permit Heatmap](https://www.aechub.org/permit-heatmap): Monthly residential building permits by state with single-family vs. multifamily breakdown from Census Bureau Building Permits Survey. - [Federal Infrastructure Spending](https://www.aechub.org/infrastructure-spending): Federal contract spending on infrastructure projects tracked via USAspending.gov. - [Bridge Health Dashboard](https://www.aechub.org/bridge-health): Bridge condition ratings across all 50 states from FHWA National Bridge Inventory. - [Site Risk Explorer](https://www.aechub.org/site-risk): Environmental and natural hazard risk assessment data for construction sites. ## Insights & Research - [Industry Insights](https://www.aechub.org/insights): Original research and analysis on AEC technology trends, AI adoption, and industry data. - [Reports](https://www.aechub.org/reports): Downloadable research reports on AEC technology and market trends. ## About AEC Hub was founded by Nate Steinrueck (M.Arch, 10+ years in AEC and technology). The team brings together architecture practice, computational design, UX research, and AI product strategy. Expertise includes Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, BIM workflows, AI/ML implementation (FastAPI, Anthropic, OpenAI APIs), data engineering, and dashboard design. Experience spans architecture practice (US and international), AEC technology companies, digital health AI, and clinical trial regulatory intelligence. ## FAQ - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.aechub.org/faq): Common questions about AEC Hub services, tool recommendations, data dashboards, and how to work with us.