Helpful Everyday Resources for Architects
I have heard from several fellow architects that one of the best skills you can have as an architect is being able to find needed answers quick and fast on your own!
One of the biggest keys to being successful in that is knowing where to look. You don’t want to have to ask your coworkers. I get it. Me neither. Who wants to be reliant on a coworker when you can find all the information you need online on your own??
Therefore, in this article let’s get into the nitty gritty on great online resources for developing architects and even experienced architects.
These resources focus more on the practice of architecture on a daily basis. They are not necessarily going to help you for your ARE NCARB exams, although some of them may be helpful in that too!
Resource: ICC Codes by year (2024, 2021, 2018)
Website: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes
Why Use This Resource: A necessary resource for IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC, IPC, IECC building codes. If you are currently a practicing architect you have likely already opened these codes on a weekly basis. The building code is written with legal jargon and therefore can sometimes be difficult to decipher.
Access: Free.
Resource: MADCAD
Website: https://www.madcad.com/
Why Use This Resource: The ICC/IBC/IRC can be tricky to comprehend. This website streamlines the code research process for architects. This is a helpful resource for deciphering and decoding what the ICC, IBC, NFPA requires. It helps simplify the IBC/IRC/NFPA in simple language that makes sense. It will help you to ensure that your building meets code at the federal, state and local level.
Access: Paid Subscription. With this resource, as far as I know, you need to create an account and have a subscription. They do offer a free 3 day trial. However, alot of firms already have a subscription to MadCad and so you just need to ask your HR manager or a principal what the login is. If you do not have access to a subscription through your architect firm, you will need to pay roughly $100 – $300 per year depending on what library/codes you need access to.
Resource: UL Solutions
Website: https://iq.ulprospector.com/en/
Why Use This Resource: This is a database for accessing UL certification information. Locate new or alternative products or components. Here you can search materials, exterior wall systems, fire rated roofs/walls/beams/columns, firestop systems, joint systems, roof deck constructions etc. If you are overwhelmed by the amount of information here you are not alone. It is alot. However if you are in search of a good fire rated wall assembly, start by selecting “Fire rated roofs, walls, floors, beams” and then filter the search on the left by the assembly type, construction group and protection type that you desire. The design number refers to the specific fire-rated assembly or system, which has already been tested and certified to meet safety standards.
Access: Free. However, need to create an account.
Resource: Linked-In Learning
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
Why Use This Resource: This resource is very valuable when it comes to software video tutorials. The software I use it for most is Revit, AutoCad and Sketchup tutorials, but there is a wide variety of software lessons/tutorials available with the monthly subscription. The lessons are generally in the form of video tutorials and you can easily skip through lessons to focus on the information you need. We all learn best from different teachers… I like to sift through several teachers until I find the one teacher I really like and then I stick with them through hell or high water. I find that doing it this way makes the vast database of videos less overwhelming.
Access: Paid Subscription. Yearly or monthly around $25 – $45 per month depending. Often they will offer a free trial for new users.
Resource: Fair Housing Act Design Manual – 1998
Website: Google Search “Fair Housing Act Design Manual pdf”
Why Use This Resource: Especially important resource in multifamily design, where it applies most often. On the first page of the manual it states “A manual to assist designers and builders in meeting the accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act.” It was last updated by HUD in 1998 – which is the most current version – (time of writing – Oct 2025). The focus is on accessible entrances, accessible routes, accessible public areas, and accessible units, kitchens and bathrooms. The FHA references ANSI (American National Standards Institute) building design standards for accessibility.
Access: Free
Resource: Old Site Development Plans
Website: Google search ‘Site Development Plans’ in ‘your specific City or County’
Why Use This Resource: This is an excellent public resource that is available to all. Enables you to see the Site plans that were submitted to the city or county for older projects that are under construction or have been built.
Access: Free.
Never be afraid to ask others of course. But remember, the better you are at finding answers on your own, the better architect you will be.
Hope that you got at least something out of all this!
Thank you all!
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Written: Study Warrior Staff
Nick