IT support for high-performance workstations, BIM and project files
IT Support for Architects, Architectural Practices & Architecture Firms
Architectural practices across the North West run some of the most demanding software in any professional services sector – Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and SketchUp require powerful hardware and fast storage. Blowfish Technology delivers IT support built around the performance, collaboration and IP security demands of architectural practice – from Manchester and Liverpool practices to studios across Cheshire and Lancashire.
Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Bluebeam, Rhino – all supported
High-performance workstations for BIM & rendering workflows
Autodesk Construction Cloud & BIM 360 integration
Cyber Essentials for public sector project tenders
IT for architects
Architecture IT Is Performance-Critical
Architectural practices have IT requirements that most professional services firms don’t. BIM models and rendered visualisations require workstations with significant CPU, GPU and RAM capacity. Project files run to gigabytes. Collaboration across project teams, consultants and clients requires fast, reliable file sharing. And the design IP your practice creates over years represents enormous commercial and creative value that must be protected.
Blowfish Technology provides IT support that understands architectural workflows. We work with RIBA-chartered practices, ARB-registered architects and architecture firms of all sizes across the North West. We specify high-performance workstations correctly for Revit, ArchiCAD and BIM workloads, design storage and network infrastructure that handles large project files without bottlenecks, and protect your project data with the same rigour we apply to any client’s sensitive information.
For architectural practices working on public sector projects, framework agreements or Tier 1 contractor supply chains, our Cyber Essentials certification service helps you meet the security requirements increasingly demanded before contract award. And for practices operating BIM Level 2 or preparing for BIM Level 3 collaboration, we design and support the technical infrastructure that makes it work reliably.
Underpowered Workstations
Revit, ArchiCAD and V-Ray rendering are notoriously demanding. Underpowered hardware means slow model load times, crashes and lost productivity – often the result of incorrectly specified GPUs, insufficient RAM or slow storage.
Large File Storage Bottlenecks
BIM models and project archives are enormous. Without fast NAS storage, proper network design and structured project folders, file access becomes a daily frustration for your architects and technicians.
Project IP and Client Data
Architectural drawings, specifications, site surveys and client briefs represent significant IP. A ransomware attack or data loss event can destroy years of project work and damage client relationships irreparably.
Multi-Party Collaboration
Projects involve consultants, engineers, contractors and clients – each needing secure, controlled access to the right project files through Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360 or SharePoint. Without proper IT, this becomes chaotic.
Cyber Essentials for Tenders
Public sector clients, local authorities and Tier 1 contractors increasingly require Cyber Essentials certification before awarding architectural commissions. Without it, you’re excluded from tender processes.
What we deliver
IT Support Built for Architectural Practice
BIM & CAD Software Support
We support Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Bluebeam, V-Ray, Enscape and Twinmotion – ensuring the right hardware, correct licensing and fast resolution when issues arise.
High-Performance Workstations
Correctly specified Dell, HP and Lenovo workstations for BIM and rendering – with the right CPU, GPU (NVIDIA RTX / Quadro), RAM and NVMe storage configuration for your specific software stack.
Fast Project File Storage
Synology NAS and fast internal networks designed for architectural workflows – so your team can access large project files, point clouds and rendered outputs quickly without bottlenecks.
Project IP Protection
Encryption, access controls, MFA and endpoint security protecting your design files from theft, ransomware and accidental loss – across office, home and site working.
Autodesk Construction Cloud & BIM 360
Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360 and SharePoint environments configured for architectural project collaboration – giving consultants, engineers and clients controlled, secure access.
Project Archive Management
Structured backup and long-term archiving of completed projects – maintaining a reliable, searchable archive of all your practice’s work for future reference, disputes or reuse.
Our services for architects
A Complete IT Solution for Architectural Practices
Blowfish Technology
Managed IT Support
Proactive monitoring and helpdesk support – keeping your workstations, servers and BIM infrastructure performing at their best, all for a fixed monthly fee.Learn more
Dell, HP & Lenovo
Workstation Supply
High-performance workstations specified for Revit, ArchiCAD and rendering – supplied, configured and managed throughout their lifecycle.Learn more
Powered by Huntress
Cyber Security
Endpoint protection, MFA and DNS filtering – protecting your project IP and client data from ransomware and design theft.Learn more
Blowfish Technology
Managed Backup
Tested backup of all project files, BIM models and practice data – so no project is ever lost to hardware failure or ransomware attack.Learn more
Microsoft Solutions Partner
Microsoft 365
Teams and SharePoint configured for project collaboration – secure file sharing with consultants and clients across every project stage.Learn more
Powered by CyberSmart
Cyber Essentials
Certification demonstrating security controls to public sector clients, framework agreements and Tier 1 contractor supply chains.Learn more
Common questions
IT Support for Architects – FAQs
Do you support architectural practices across the North West?
Yes – we work with RIBA-chartered practices, ARB-registered architects and architectural firms of all sizes across Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Warrington, Preston and the wider North West. From single-studio practices to larger multi-disciplinary firms, our IT support is built for how architectural practices actually work.
Which BIM and CAD software do you support?
We support the full stack architectural practices typically use – Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, Rhino, V-Ray, Enscape and Twinmotion. We support the infrastructure and workstations they run on, work with your software vendor for application-level issues, and ensure your licences, plugins and add-ons are properly managed.
We need Cyber Essentials for a public sector project or framework – can you help?
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons architectural practices contact us. Public sector clients, local authorities, HE/FE institutions and Tier 1 contractors increasingly require Cyber Essentials certification before awarding architectural commissions or framework places. We help practices achieve Cyber Essentials certification quickly – typically within 4 to 6 weeks – working with CyberSmart as our certification body and handling the technical changes, evidence collection and submission for you.
How do you specify workstations for Revit and BIM workflows?
We specify workstations based on your specific workflow. For Revit-heavy work we focus on high single-thread CPU performance and 32-64GB RAM; for rendering work with V-Ray, Enscape or Twinmotion we prioritise GPU (typically NVIDIA RTX or Quadro-class cards); and for point-cloud work we specify fast NVMe storage and additional RAM. We source from Dell, HP and Lenovo and configure each machine correctly before deployment.
How do you handle large project file storage and archives?
For active projects, we typically deploy fast Synology NAS storage on 10-gigabit internal networks so BIM models and large project files open without delay. For completed projects, we implement structured archive processes with tested backups, so completed work remains searchable and recoverable years later. Cloud-based options via Autodesk Construction Cloud or SharePoint are also supported for distributed teams.
IT That Keeps Your Design Team at Full Speed
Talk to Blowfish Technology for a free IT assessment tailored to your architectural practice or architecture firm.