FAQ
Frequently asked questions about AI in AEC
Short answer
This page gathers the most useful questions and answers from across the CloudBrain website — about CloudBrain and how we work, our AI consulting services, the aecoviz and aecobuild products, AI for architects, contractors and developers, and AI in day-to-day AEC practice. Each answer links to the page it comes from.
About CloudBrain
What is AI consulting for the AEC industry?
- It is help with deciding where artificial intelligence can save time or reduce errors in architecture, engineering and construction work, then putting it in place. CloudBrain assesses your workflows, pilots AI on one of them, scales what works and supports your team afterwards. More: Home
Who is CloudBrain for?
- Architecture practices, engineering consultancies, contractors and real estate developers in India who want practical results from AI rather than experiments. Engagements are led from an architect's point of view, so recommendations fit how design and construction teams actually work. More: Home
How long does an engagement take?
- It depends on the scope. Every engagement moves through four stages — Assess, Pilot, Scale and Support — and we agree the timeline for each stage before work begins, so you can stop or continue after any stage. More: Home
How much does it cost?
- We quote a fixed fee for each stage after a free strategy call, so you commit one stage at a time. The fee depends on the size of your firm and the workflows involved. More: Home
How do you handle our data and the DPDP Act?
- We use the minimum data needed, keep it in your own systems wherever possible, and agree in writing which AI services may process it. Every engagement is planned around your obligations under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. More: Home
Do we need to buy aecoviz or aecobuild?
- No. Our consulting is independent of our products. We recommend the tools that suit your firm, which may or may not include aecoviz or aecobuild. More: Home
Can we stop after the assessment?
- Yes. Each stage has its own output and is agreed separately. Many firms take the roadmap from the assessment and decide later whether to pilot. More: Our approach
Why pilot before scaling?
- A pilot on live projects shows whether AI actually saves time and how accurate it is in your firm, before you invest in a wider rollout. It also builds trust with the people who will use it. More: Our approach
Who is responsible for AI outputs?
- Your qualified professionals remain responsible for anything issued under your firm's name. Our role is to design workflows where outputs are reviewed and the review is recorded. More: Our approach
Do you sign a confidentiality agreement?
- Yes, we are happy to work under a confidentiality agreement covering your drawings, data and client information. More: Our approach
AI consulting services
Which service should we start with?
- Most firms start with an AI strategy and readiness assessment, which identifies the workflows where AI will help most. If you already know the problem — for example BOQ preparation — you can start directly with workflow automation. More: Services
Can we combine services?
- Yes. Services are designed to work together. A common path is an assessment, then automation of one workflow, then training and an AI usage policy as the tools roll out. More: Services
Do you work outside Delhi NCR?
- CloudBrain is based in Noida, Delhi NCR, and works with AEC firms across India. More: Services
What does an AI readiness assessment include?
- Interviews with your team, a review of how drawings, BOQs, specifications and reports are produced today, a check of your data and software, a readiness score across five areas, and a roadmap that ranks AI opportunities by value and effort. More: AI strategy and readiness assessment for AEC firms
How long does an AI readiness assessment take?
- Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on the size of your firm and the number of workflows we review. More: AI strategy and readiness assessment for AEC firms
What do we need to prepare?
- Time with the people who run your projects, access to a few recent project files, and a list of the software and subscriptions your firm uses. You do not need clean data or any AI tools in place. More: AI strategy and readiness assessment for AEC firms
Can AI rendering replace our visualisation team?
- It changes their work rather than replacing it. AI is fast for early concepts and options; skilled visualisers still matter for accuracy, final images and judgement on what to show clients. More: AI visualisation and rendering pipelines for architects
Are AI renders accurate to our design?
- Not always. Image models can change geometry, materials or context. That is why every pipeline we set up includes a review step and clear labelling of concept images. More: AI visualisation and rendering pipelines for architects
Who owns AI-generated images?
- Rights depend on the tool's terms of service and the inputs you use. We review the terms of each tool with you before it is used for client work. More: AI visualisation and rendering pipelines for architects
What is IFC and why does it matter?
- IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open, vendor-neutral format for exchanging BIM data, maintained by buildingSMART International. It lets models move between different software without being locked into one vendor. More: BIM and data integration for AI-ready AEC workflows
Do we need full BIM to benefit?
- No. Many firms start from DXF drawings and spreadsheets. We work with the data you have and improve it step by step. More: BIM and data integration for AI-ready AEC workflows
Why does AI need integrated data?
- AI tools give better answers when they can read consistent, connected data. Quantities, specifications and schedules that agree with each other make automation more reliable. More: BIM and data integration for AI-ready AEC workflows
What is an AI agent in an architecture, engineering or construction firm?
- An AI agent is software that uses a language model to carry out a multi-step task, such as reading a submission, comparing it with your standards and drafting comments, with a person approving the result. More: Custom AI tools and agents for AEC firms
When should we build a custom tool instead of buying one?
- Build when the task depends on your own data, standards or clients, and no product handles it well. Buy when a product already does the job. We will tell you which applies before any build starts. More: Custom AI tools and agents for AEC firms
Where does our data go?
- We design each tool so your data stays in systems you control wherever possible, and we agree in writing which AI services may process it. See our approach to security and governance. More: Custom AI tools and agents for AEC firms
Do we need implementation support to use aecobuild?
- No. aecobuild is free and works offline without an account. Implementation support is for firms that want templates, standards and training to roll it out across many people and projects. More: Implementing aecoviz and aecobuild across your firm
Is aecobuild a project-management tool?
- No. aecobuild is a SketchUp-style 3D modeler with parametric BIM, presentation floor plans, interiors, tile layouts, live bills of quantities and IFC exchange. It runs offline on macOS, Windows and the web. More: Implementing aecoviz and aecobuild across your firm
What does aecoviz include?
- aecoviz has four tools — Floor Plan Studio, Render Studio, Concept Studio and Studio Manager ERP — in a browser-based AI workspace for architects. More: Implementing aecoviz and aecobuild across your firm
What does an AI workshop for architects and engineers cover?
- Practical use of AI for everyday tasks such as drafting, research, rendering and checking, how to write good prompts, how to verify outputs, and what not to put into AI tools. More: AI training, usage policy and governance for AEC teams
Why does a design studio need an AI usage policy?
- A policy tells staff which tools they may use, what data they may share, how outputs must be checked, and who is accountable. It protects your clients, your data and your professional liability. More: AI training, usage policy and governance for AEC teams
How does the DPDP Act affect AI use in AEC firms?
- India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 governs how personal data such as client and staff details is processed. Using AI tools on that data needs a lawful basis and appropriate safeguards, which your policy should cover. More: AI training, usage policy and governance for AEC teams
Which AEC workflows can AI automate today?
- The best candidates are repetitive and rules-based, such as drafting BOQs from quantities, checking FAR, ground coverage and setbacks, writing first drafts of RFIs and specifications, assembling tender documents, and summarising site reports. More: AI workflow automation for BOQs, compliance and documents
Will AI replace our estimators or architects?
- No. The aim is to remove repetitive drafting so qualified people spend their time checking and deciding. Every automated output is reviewed by a professional before it is issued. More: AI workflow automation for BOQs, compliance and documents
How accurate are AI-generated BOQs and compliance checks?
- Accuracy depends on the quality of your drawings and data, which is why we measure results against your current process during a pilot. AI outputs can be wrong and must always be verified before issue. More: AI workflow automation for BOQs, compliance and documents
aecoviz and aecobuild
What is the difference between aecoviz and aecobuild?
- aecoviz is a browser-based AI workspace for exploring floor plans, renders and concepts quickly. aecobuild is a free, offline 3D modeler for precise modeling with parametric BIM, drawings and quantities. Many teams explore in aecoviz and model in aecobuild. More: Products
Do I need to use these products to work with CloudBrain?
- No. CloudBrain's consulting is product-neutral. We recommend whichever tools suit your firm. More: Products
Can CloudBrain help us roll out aecoviz or aecobuild?
- Yes. Our product implementation service covers setup, templates, training and rollout support across your firm. More: Products
What is aecoviz?
- aecoviz is a browser-based AI workspace for architects, with tools for floor plans, renders, concept visuals and studio management. It is built by CloudBrain, an AI consulting company for the AEC industry in Noida, India. More: aecoviz
What can Floor Plan Studio do?
- Brief to editable floor plan; precision 2D/3D wall and room editing; coverage, FAR and egress checks; indicative BOQ. More: aecoviz
How is aecoviz priced?
- aecoviz uses credit-based pricing. See aecoviz.com for current plans. More: aecoviz
Is aecobuild really free?
- Yes. aecobuild is free, needs no account and shows no ads. More: aecobuild
Does aecobuild work offline?
- Yes. aecobuild works fully offline and your projects stay on your own device. More: aecobuild
Is there a free offline alternative to SketchUp with BIM?
- aecobuild is one: a free, offline, SketchUp-style modeler with Push/Pull modeling, inference snapping and typed dimensions, plus parametric BIM for walls, doors, windows, slabs, roofs, stairs, railings, columns and beams. More: aecobuild
Which file formats does aecobuild support?
- aecobuild imports and exports IFC, DXF, OBJ, GLB/glTF and STL, and saves native .aecb files. More: aecobuild
AI for architects, contractors and developers
Can AI design a building?
- No. AI can generate options, check rules and speed up drawing and documentation, but design judgement, coordination and professional responsibility stay with the architect. More: AI for architects and architecture practices in India
Which AI tasks give architects the quickest wins?
- Repetitive, rules-based work — area statements, FAR and setback checks, specification drafting, and early concept images — usually shows results fastest. More: AI for architects and architecture practices in India
Is it safe to put client drawings into AI tools?
- Only into tools your firm has approved, under terms that protect your data. An AI usage policy should say which tools are allowed and what may be shared. More: AI for architects and architecture practices in India
Can AI prepare a BOQ for us?
- AI can draft quantities and BOQ line items from drawings and templates, which saves time, but an estimator must check every quantity and rate before it is used for tendering or billing. More: AI for construction contractors in India
How can AI help with RFIs?
- AI can draft RFI text from site notes and drawings, check it against previous RFIs, and summarise responses, so engineers spend less time writing and more time resolving issues. More: AI for construction contractors in India
Does AI work with our existing drawings?
- Usually yes. Open formats such as DXF and IFC are easiest; scanned PDFs need extra processing and give less reliable results. More: AI for construction contractors in India
How can AI help with feasibility studies?
- AI can quickly generate layout options and calculate areas, FAR and coverage for a plot, so development teams can compare scenarios earlier. Results must be checked by an architect against the applicable rules. More: AI for real estate developers in India
Can AI review consultant drawings?
- AI can check drawings and documents against your brief and standards and flag likely issues for your team to review. It does not replace professional review. More: AI for real estate developers in India
What is a digital twin for real estate?
- A digital twin is a connected digital model of a building or portfolio that combines design, construction and operations data. Most developers build one step by step, starting with well-structured BIM and project data. More: AI for real estate developers in India
Can AI do structural design?
- No. AI can draft reports, extract quantities and flag issues, but structural and MEP design decisions, calculations and their verification remain the responsibility of qualified engineers. More: AI for structural and MEP engineers in India
Which engineering tasks suit AI today?
- Repetitive documentation and checking tasks — drafting design basis and calculation reports, preparing bar bending schedules and quantities from models, checking drawings against standards, and drafting responses to site queries. More: AI for structural and MEP engineers in India
Can AI check our drawings against Indian Standards?
- AI can be set up to check drawings and specifications against rules from the standards you use and flag likely issues, but an engineer must review every flag and make the final call. More: AI for structural and MEP engineers in India
Free tools
What does the AI Readiness Scorecard measure?
- It measures how ready an architecture, engineering or construction firm is to use AI well, across five areas: data, tools, people, process and leadership, with two questions in each. More: AI Readiness Scorecard
How long does the scorecard take?
- About three minutes. There are ten multiple-choice questions and no sign-up is needed to see your result. More: AI Readiness Scorecard
Is my scorecard data stored?
- Your answers are scored in your browser and are not stored by CloudBrain. If you choose to email yourself the full report, we use your email address only to send it and follow up on your request. More: AI Readiness Scorecard
What should I do with my score?
- Start with the three recommendations on your result page. They target your weakest areas and link to the service that helps most. You can also book a strategy call to talk them through. More: AI Readiness Scorecard
How does the ROI calculator estimate savings?
- It multiplies the hours your team spends each week on BOQs, compliance checks, documentation and rendering by assumed time savings for each task, then by your average hourly cost. The assumptions are shown on the page. More: ROI calculator
Are the ROI figures guaranteed?
- No. They are estimates based on stated assumptions. Real savings depend on your data, processes and the tools chosen, which is why we measure results during a pilot. More: ROI calculator
Why show conservative and expected figures?
- A range is more honest than a single number. The conservative figure uses cautious assumptions; the expected figure reflects a well-run pilot. More: ROI calculator
AI in practice
Can AI prepare a complete BOQ?
- AI can draft quantities and line items, but a complete, tender-ready BOQ still needs an estimator to check quantities, descriptions, units and rates against the current drawings and specification. More: AI for BOQ and quantity takeoff: what works today
Which drawings give the best AI takeoff results?
- BIM models give the most reliable quantities, followed by clean, layered CAD drawings such as DXF. Scanned PDFs give the least reliable results. More: AI for BOQ and quantity takeoff: what works today
How accurate is AI quantity takeoff?
- Accuracy depends on the quality of the drawings or model and how well the tool is set up for your measurement rules, so measure it against your own completed projects during a pilot. More: AI for BOQ and quantity takeoff: what works today
Will AI replace architects in India?
- No. AI speeds up repetitive tasks, but design judgement, coordination, client relationships and professional responsibility for drawings remain with the architect. More: How AI is changing architecture in India (2026 guide)
Which AI tasks are most useful for Indian architecture firms today?
- Area statements and bye-law checks, early layout options, indicative quantities, concept visualisation, and drafting specifications and reports are the most mature uses today. More: How AI is changing architecture in India (2026 guide)
Is it legal to use AI on client projects in India?
- Yes, provided you protect client data — including obligations under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 for personal data — respect software terms, and check outputs before issuing them. More: How AI is changing architecture in India (2026 guide)
Can software calculate FAR automatically?
- Yes, if rooms and floors are modelled as clean areas and the tool knows which areas the local authority counts towards FAR. Exemptions such as certain balconies or service areas must be configured for each authority. More: Automating FAR, setback and egress checks with AI
Are bye-law rules the same across India?
- No. Rules come from state and city bye-laws and master plans, which differ on FAR, setbacks, ground coverage and what is exempt. Checks must be set up for the authority where the project is located. More: Automating FAR, setback and egress checks with AI
Can AI check egress and travel distances?
- Software can measure travel distances to exits and flag rooms that exceed a limit, but fire and life-safety compliance, including the National Building Code requirements, must be confirmed by a qualified professional. More: Automating FAR, setback and egress checks with AI
Why does a consulting firm build its own software?
- Building and shipping our own tools keeps our advice practical. The modeling, BIM, quantity and rendering problems we solve in aecobuild are the same ones we help clients with. More: Case study: building aecobuild, a free offline BIM modeler
What can aecoviz's Floor Plan Studio do?
- It turns a brief into an editable floor plan, supports precise 2D and 3D wall and room editing, runs coverage, FAR and egress checks, and produces an indicative BOQ. More: Case study: building aecoviz, an AI workspace for architects
How does aecoviz handle the risk of AI mistakes?
- aecoviz states plainly that AI outputs may be inaccurate and must be verified before issue, and its plans stay editable so architects can correct them. More: Case study: building aecoviz, an AI workspace for architects
Talk through your AI plans with an architect
Book a strategy call. We'll look at where AI can save your team time, what it will take, and what to leave alone.