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.
Plannerly
Plannerly is a cloud-based BIM management platform that simplifies project requirements, contracting, and model coordination to help your design and construction teams collaborate effectively on complex building information modeling projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Design Master | Plannerly |
|---|---|---|
| Website | designmaster.biz | plannerly.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $90/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2001 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Laguna Beach, 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.
Plannerly
Plannerly is a dedicated BIM management platform designed to help you streamline the entire lifecycle of Building Information Modeling. Instead of juggling disconnected spreadsheets and PDF requirements, you can manage everything from project scoping and contracting to automated model verification in a single, integrated workspace. It helps you align your team on exactly what needs to be modeled, when, and by whom, reducing the risk of costly rework and communication gaps.
You can build visual project scopes, manage digital contracts, and track progress with real-time dashboards. The platform is built specifically for AEC professionals—including architects, engineers, and contractors—who need a structured way to handle ISO 19650 standards and complex information requirements. By centralizing your BIM execution plans and task tracking, you ensure every stakeholder stays on the same page from pre-construction through project delivery.
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.
Plannerly Features
- BIM Execution Planning. Create and manage your BIM Execution Plans (BEP) collaboratively with easy-to-use templates and digital signature workflows.
- Visual Scoping. Define clear project requirements using visual grids to specify exactly which elements need to be modeled at each stage.
- Automated Verification. Check your BIM models against original requirements automatically to ensure compliance and data accuracy before final delivery.
- Task Management. Assign specific modeling tasks to team members and track their progress in real-time using integrated Kanban boards.
- ISO 19650 Compliance. Align your project workflows with international standards effortlessly using built-in templates and structured information management processes.
- Digital Contracting. Turn your agreed-upon scopes into formal contracts quickly to ensure all parties are legally aligned on deliverables.
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
Plannerly Pricing
- Basic project planning
- Access to standard templates
- Limited project members
- Public project viewing
- Basic document management
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Private project management
- Custom BIM templates
- Advanced scoping tools
- Digital signatures
- Priority email support
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
Plannerly
Pros
- Simplifies complex ISO 19650 compliance workflows
- Highly visual interface makes scoping intuitive
- Centralizes fragmented BIM execution documents
- Excellent customer support and training resources
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant time investment
- Mobile experience is less robust than desktop
- Learning curve for non-BIM technical staff