At a press briefing, Graphisoft outlined proposals and product plans intended to accelerate digitalization across Hungary’s architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. The company argues that BIM, cloud collaboration and AI-driven workflows are key enablers, but that broader adoption will require regulatory incentives, especially for public projects.
Market context and rising expectations
Research by Graphisoft’s parent company, Nemetschek Group, shows that spending on design remains low relative to construction investment—on average about 1% of total project value. At the same time, clients and future operators increasingly demand more sophisticated digital models and data repositories from designers.
Key European figures presented: the total European construction market is about 2,600 billion euros, with architectural practices earning roughly 26 billion euros. Some 580,000 architects work across 30 European countries (an increase of 8% over the past decade), and nearly 70% operate as sole practitioners. The market is therefore dominated by micro‑players: 37% expect decreasing workloads while 19% expect increases. Sustainability is mainstream—54% of European architects routinely apply low-energy design principles.
In Hungary the situation is dual: construction output and contract volumes have fallen, while the number of contracts on the books has risen. For designers this means handling more contracts composed of smaller projects, requiring higher efficiency. Around 46% of Hungarian architects work in solo or small offices, a share similar to the European average, which makes meeting complex digital expectations a particular burden for these firms.
BIM market numbers
Graphisoft estimated the European BIM market at approximately 2.25 billion euros today, with a projected increase to 3.49 billion euros by 2030. By contrast, the Hungarian BIM market is currently valued at about 17 million euros; Graphisoft’s own estimate suggests it could grow to 26 million euros, provided regulatory and practical conditions favor adoption.
The company emphasized that open standards (openBIM), shared data environments, real-time model sharing, and AI and automation are essential for more efficient design and operation. Lifecycle considerations, carbon footprint measurement and energy data management are also fundamental requirements.
Shift to subscription and AI-enabled services
To support Hungary’s designers in international-level digitalization, Graphisoft announced a move to a subscription-based licensing model. The firm presents the subscription as a more predictable and flexible option for both small and large offices compared with one-time perpetual licenses.
Highlights of the announcement: Archicad 30 will be the last version offered as a perpetual license. Perpetual licenses already purchased will remain usable, but new services and AI-driven features will be available only via subscription. The company is also developing a new web-based, AI-powered platform; subscribers will receive early access to the system in October.
The product lineup will expand: Graphisoft unveiled MEP Designer, which is slated to debut on the Hungarian market in 2026 and will be offered as a subscription service. MEP Designer is intended to ease the transition of building services engineers to BIM workflows.
Why it matters
Graphisoft argues that subscription licensing combined with AI and cloud services can raise design productivity, reduce costs, and foster digital development in Hungary’s construction sector—if regulatory frameworks, notably for public procurement, incentivize BIM use. Without such policy support, the company warns, widespread adoption and the full benefits of digital models and real-time collaboration may remain limited.
