MEP Designer - Overview

[Jan Millan]

The MEP Designer unlocks new possibilities for model-based design and coordination of building systems. By improving the collaboration between MEP engineers and architects, workflows become more efficient and the overall design quality increases. This article provides an overview of key features, target users, practical benefits, and licensing models for the MEP Designer.

• What is the MEP Designer?
• Who is the MEP Designer for?
• Opening MEP Designer from Archicad
• Licensing
• Features
• Collaboration and Data Exchange

 

What is the MEP Designer?

The MEP Designer (MEP = Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) is a specialized software solution for designing building services, including HVAC and plumbing. With intuitive tools, MEP components can be modeled, calculated, and documented—regardless of whether you work directly within Archicad or as a standalone application. The software supports both independent MEP design and interdisciplinary collaboration within a BIM workflow.

Who is the MEP Designer for?

The MEP Designer is intended for anyone who wants to integrate building services engineering into the BIM planning process, including:

• Architectural firms
• MEP consultants
• Multidisciplinary design offices
• General planners and project coordinators
• Educational and research institutions

Opening MEP Designer from Archicad

To use the features of MEP Designer in Archicad, activate the work environment profile MEP Design 29:

• Options > Work Environment > Apply Profile > Profile: MEP Design 29

Once the profile is selected, toolbox, toolbars, and menus are automatically tailored to MEP planning needs.

Licensing

Depending on the license, MEP Designer is available as a standalone product or integrated within Archicad. If MEP Designer is included with your Archicad (e.g., with a Collaborate license), you do not need a separate installation.

	MEP Designer	Archicad Collaborate	Perpetual
MEP Modeling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Calculation Add-ons: Duct Sizing & Hydronics Optimizer	Yes	Yes	No

Features

Features are organized in three main areas:

Modeling

• MEP Designer tools for ductwork, piping, and cable trays with automatic connection of fittings (bends, branches, reducers)
• Routing function for service runs with automatic placement of components
• Parametric MEP Designer Library with connectable parts (e.g., pipes, valves, devices)
• Custom MEP Parts for integrating your own components with HVAC connections
• System attributes for MEP Designer systems to visually and structurally separate by discipline or medium

Calculation

• System Browser for duct networks with volume flow and velocity calculation for each segment
• Duct size optimization based on calculated values
• Clash detection between MEP Designer elements and other model elements
• BCF issue integration for sharing clashes and comments with project teams

Documentation

• Derive 2D plans from the 3D MEP Designer model, including sections, elevations, and labels
• Graphical differentiation of systems using MEP Designer system colors in plan and section
• Display of multiple systems in a single project with individual visibility controls

Collaboration and Data Exchange

The MEP Designer is designed for interdisciplinary teamwork and open data exchange. It integrates seamlessly into existing BIM workflows and supports both model-based coordination and exchange with external software:

• IFC export and import for seamless data exchange with MEP engineers and calculation software
• Revit compatibility through native support for RVT and RFA files, enabling direct integration of Revit models and content
• BIMcloud integration for simultaneous model editing within multidisciplinary teams
• BIMx support for presenting and reviewing building systems in interactive 3D models—MEP Designer elements and their properties are visible in BIMx models
• API access for local manufacturers (MEP API) to develop and distribute custom add-ons, including tools for meeting local calculation requirements