Will the MEP Designer no longer be part of the Archicad Studio plan?

[Martin Jan Rosa]

I recently came across a current comparison of the Archicad Collaborate and Studio plans, and I was surprised to see a note stating that the MEP Modeler will only be included in the Studio plan until this October.

Is this really the case?

Furthermore, there are rumors circulating in our local market that the Studio subscription will only allow the use of the localized version (and no other, including INT). This would be a major issue for many offices that frequently work in international teams and often use both the localized and INT versions. Not to mention that I personally also use the INT version of Archicad from time to time due to the very poor translations of certain parts (for example, when creating GDL elements, the localized version sometimes makes me feel like I’m under the Tower of Babel).

This seems like yet another unfair move related to the long-term transition to subscriptions. It doesn’t affect me directly—I’ve already switched to Collaborate—but I know several offices that declined last year’s offer to move to Collaborate precisely because they were counting on Studio. Now, they are quite unpleasantly surprised by these previously uncommunicated conditions.

On a positive note, though—I see that the AI Visualizer, whose exclusive inclusion in Collaborate last year caused quite a stir, is now suddenly listed under both plans… 😉

[jl_lt]

who would have thought it! 😂

too bad Alice keeps chasing ravits.

[Bricklyne Clarence]

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@Martin Jan Rosa wrote:

.......

On a positive note, though—I see that the AI Visualizer, whose exclusive inclusion in Collaborate last year caused quite a stir, is now suddenly listed under both plans… 😉

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......for now.

[alex_rei]

@Pelin Haynes 
Is it possible to ask for an insight into the reasoning behind the limitation of Studio subscription to the local language version only ?
Paying for practical features does seem like a fair way to differentiate a Collaborate version. But a language choice sounds a bit more like a basic human right, to be honest, and I know no other software or web-services, that charge for it.
I never used my local language version, as it exists only a couple of years and is not translated consistently enough. At the same time, I have a decade of using INT or English-language version behind me and, it would be an underestimation to say, that I got used to it. So relearning the software in the other language, even my native, is not something I'm entirely happy investing my time into. 

[Martin Jan Rosa]

That also entertained me quite a bit. Especially when GS promotes the global library with the arrival of Archicad 28 – and on the other hand limits the plan to one language version (I know they're not directly related, but communication-wise it's not very fortunate).

[mthd]

I am personally all for a stripped down version that focuses fully on the architectural elements. That removes allot of clutter for me because I do not use 3D MEP. But if you need it you can choose an option that includes it. I also think DDS CAD would be more suitable for MEP work from what I have read about it.

[Diego Rojas]

It is deeply disappointing to learn that the MEP Modeller is being removed from Archicad Studio. Archicad Studio was intended to serve independent architects and small practices—professionals who, while working alone or in small teams, still require robust tools like MEP to deliver coordinated, high-quality projects.

The notion that smaller practices do not need MEP tools is fundamentally flawed. Removing MEP from Studio and placing it behind a more expensive, collaboration-focused subscription tier is both illogical and exclusionary. It effectively penalises the very users who can least afford to pay more, yet often rely on Archicad to stay competitive in a market dominated by Revit.

Many of us have remained loyal to Archicad not only because of its design-focused workflow but also because of its accessibility. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify this loyalty—especially in markets where Revit is the standard and enjoys stronger third-party development support. This isn’t necessarily because Revit is the superior software, but because its broader accessibility and ecosystem make it more viable in a competitive environment.

If Graphisoft truly wishes to grow its user base and retain those already committed to the platform, it must reconsider the direction it is taking. Making essential tools like MEP available only through costly subscription tiers is not the way forward. Instead, consider removing underutilised features like Param-O, which few practices use in their day-to-day workflows, and focus on maintaining access to tools that genuinely support project delivery.

This is not about the quality of the software—Archicad remains an excellent platform. It is about making it sustainable and equitable for all users. Accessibility should be the cornerstone of Graphisoft’s strategy, not a privilege tied to budget.

[Martin Jules]

Architects will continue using the MEP tools within any BIM software for sustainable strategies (both active and passive designs).  

[furtonb]

Columns and beams to the rescue! /jk

I can't even tell what my plan is called, though... I guess paying the SSA means "Studio" tier features?

So if I decide not to switch to subscription (which is likely), that means any MEP part of my models will be only completely editable until October?

This sounds like the 29 features will not be included, or what exactly is to be expected?

Will MEP elements show up uneditable as a hotlink?

This sounds wrong on so many levels – please someone explain the situation with clarity. : )

Effectively 29 & 30 will be crippled versions of Archicad in order to force us to subscribe?

I’m feeling slightly conflicted, as

...AC28 was underwhelming.
...AC27 brought back the normal attribute manager & had the controversial MEP rewrite.
...AC26 had the attribute... ugh, thingy – but it is having the old MEP at least which I could somewhat use.
...AC25 had a decent feature set but doesn’t run reliably on Apple Silicon
...AC24 is rumored to be used by cavemen and was last seen on a Windows 10 fossil in a museum – I recommend that you ask the AI assistant to book you a ticket.

I better create an Excel to track which features we have access to in which version before I forget.

I could provide it to fellow AAs (Archicad Advisors©) and Experts for a tiny monthly fee of 1.49€ + VAT (sorry, Boosters) !

That's cheaper than your morning espresso!*

*However, if you stop paying, the downloaded versions of the spreadsheet will only display consonants after October – you can bundle up 3 years of access up front until this Friday.

+1

The EnergyPlus courses by BigLadder are really well put together, if you care about learning how to model HVAC systems and their operation – that can't really be modelled in any BIM suite anyway (at the time being)... but energy modelling is a lot more fun, than comparing corporate pricing tiers, maybe a breath of fresh air and learning something impactful to design better buildings.

+2

...I genuinely want to keep using Archicad.

[mthd]

I have had a change of heart and believe that the MEP designer should definitely stay as part of “Archicad Studio”. No serious Architectural practice should be without a 3D MEP design solution. Sure you can leave it off “Archicad Solo” but not “Archicad Studio”.

“Archicad Collaborate” already contains DDS CAD, unless that is going to change ? 

Edit: My error “Archicad Collaborate” does not contain DDS CAD.

[Jp1138]

“Archicad Collaborate” doesnt contain DDS CAD, and never has, as far as I know. Or I should be looking better for what we are paying for 😅