Design Master
Design Master provides specialized electrical and HVAC engineering software that automates complex calculations and drafting tasks directly within AutoCAD and Revit to streamline your entire building design process.
Trimble
Trimble provides advanced location-based software solutions that connect the physical and digital worlds to help you improve productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability across industrial lifecycles.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Design Master | Trimble |
|---|---|---|
| Website | designmaster.biz | trimble.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $90/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2001 | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Westminster, USA |
Overview
Design Master
Design Master offers a suite of engineering tools specifically created for electrical and HVAC professionals who work in AutoCAD and Revit. Instead of jumping between separate spreadsheets and drafting programs, you can perform complex calculations like load analysis, short circuit studies, and duct sizing directly within your design environment. This integration ensures your schedules and drawings stay synchronized automatically as you make changes.
You can choose between specialized modules for electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs depending on your project requirements. The software is designed for MEP engineering firms and individual consultants who need to increase accuracy while reducing the time spent on repetitive drafting tasks. By automating the technical math, you can focus more on high-level design and less on manual data entry.
Trimble
Trimble offers a massive ecosystem of software tools designed to help you bridge the gap between office planning and field execution. Whether you are managing a multi-million dollar construction site, overseeing a fleet of logistics vehicles, or optimizing crop yields, you can use these digital solutions to capture precise data and turn it into actionable insights.
You can streamline your entire project lifecycle by connecting teams through shared data environments. By using specialized tools like Tekla for structural design or Viewpoint for construction ERP, you eliminate data silos and reduce costly rework. The platform focuses on high-precision positioning and deep industry workflows to ensure your physical operations match your digital models exactly.
Overview
Design Master Features
- Integrated Electrical Calculations Perform short circuit, voltage drop, and arc flash calculations instantly as you place components in your drawings.
- Automated Panel Schedules Generate and update panel schedules automatically, ensuring your documentation always matches the latest version of your design.
- One-Line Diagram Tools Create dynamic one-line diagrams that stay linked to your floor plans to eliminate coordination errors between views.
- HVAC Load Calculations Calculate heating and cooling loads directly from your building geometry to size equipment accurately without external tools.
- Duct and Pipe Sizing Size your ductwork and piping systems based on flow requirements and pressure drop limits with built-in automation.
- Revit Integration Enhance your BIM workflow with specialized tools that add advanced engineering data and calculations to standard Revit elements.
Trimble Features
- 3D Constructible Modeling. Create highly detailed 3D models with Tekla Structures so you can identify clashes and errors before breaking ground.
- Real-Time Fleet Tracking. Monitor your entire fleet's location and performance in real-time to optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption.
- Precision Agriculture Mapping. Apply seeds and fertilizers with centimeter-level accuracy using automated guidance systems to maximize your seasonal crop yields.
- Project Management Office. Connect your field and office teams through a single source of truth to track budgets, schedules, and RFI progress.
- Mixed Reality Visualization. Use Trimble SiteVision to overlay your digital designs onto the physical job site using augmented reality for instant verification.
- Asset Lifecycle Tracking. Manage the health and maintenance schedules of your heavy equipment to prevent downtime and extend machine life.
Pricing Comparison
Design Master Pricing
- Short circuit calculations
- Voltage drop analysis
- Automated panel schedules
- One-line diagram generation
- Photometric lighting levels
- Equipment and wire sizing
- Everything in AutoCAD tier, plus:
- Native Revit parameter syncing
- Advanced arc flash analysis
- Feeder and branch circuit sizing
- Customizable shared parameters
- Enhanced Revit schedule control
Trimble Pricing
Pros & Cons
Design Master
Pros
- Significant reduction in manual calculation errors
- Excellent technical support from knowledgeable engineers
- Seamless integration with existing AutoCAD workflows
- Automatic updates to schedules save hours
- Highly specialized for NEC compliance standards
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant time investment
- Interface feels dated compared to modern apps
- Learning curve for customizing specific block libraries
Trimble
Pros
- Unmatched precision for surveying and high-stakes engineering projects
- Deep integration between hardware sensors and software platforms
- Robust offline capabilities for remote field work environments
- Extensive industry-specific features that generic tools lack
Cons
- Significant learning curve for complex modeling software
- High total cost of ownership for small businesses
- Fragmented experience across many different sub-brand applications