BIM models, visualisation files and project datasets continue to grow in size and complexity, placing increasing demands on how architecture firms store, access and manage their data.

This shift is happening alongside wider industry changes. The global Building Information Modelling (BIM) market was valued at $8.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach more than $24 billion by 2030, reflecting the growing reliance on digital design software across the architecture, engineering and construction sector. 

As projects become more data-intensive and collaboration more distributed, the technology infrastructure supporting architectural practice has become a strategic decision.

For many firms, this raises an important question: should project data be hosted on on-premise servers within the office, moved to cloud-based infrastructure, or managed through a hybrid approach combining both?

In this article, we explore:

• How Cloud Infrastructure Is Changing Architectural Workflows
• Advantages of On-Premise Servers for Architecture Firms
• Advantages of Cloud Servers for Architecture Firms
• Key Factors Architecture Firms Should Consider
• Why Many Architecture Firms Are Adopting Hybrid Infrastructure

Let’s dive right in.

How Cloud Infrastructure Is Changing Architectural Workflows

Cloud infrastructure is increasingly shaping how architecture firms collaborate, store project data and manage complex BIM workflows. As projects become more data-intensive and teams more distributed, many practices are rethinking how their systems support day-to-day design work.

One major driver of this shift is the growing size and complexity of BIM models. Large architectural projects often involve multiple consultants, linked models and extensive datasets that need to be accessed and updated regularly. Cloud platforms allow teams to work on shared models more easily without relying on a single office-based server.

Another factor is the continued growth of remote and hybrid working. According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Future Trends report, hybrid working has become common across many UK architecture practices since the pandemic, increasing demand for systems that allow secure access to project files outside the office. Cloud infrastructure enables this by allowing authorised users to access files from different locations without relying on VPN connections to office networks.

Cloud platforms are also becoming more integrated with modern design tools. Many leading architecture software providers now offer cloud-based collaboration services, allowing teams to synchronise models, share updates and coordinate changes more efficiently across disciplines.

At the same time, cloud infrastructure offers improved scalability. Firms can increase storage or computing capacity as projects grow without investing in additional physical hardware. This flexibility can be particularly valuable for architecture practices managing multiple large projects simultaneously.

However, cloud adoption also introduces new considerations around data security, cost management and system performance, which architecture firms must evaluate carefully when deciding how to structure their infrastructure.

Advantages of On-Premise Servers for Architecture Firms

Despite the growing adoption of cloud infrastructure, many architecture firms continue to rely on on-premise servers located within their offices. For certain workflows, particularly those involving very large BIM models or sensitive project data, this approach still offers several advantages.

• Control over infrastructure and data: One key benefit is direct control over infrastructure and data. With on-premise systems, firms manage their own hardware, storage and security policies. This can be particularly important for practices working on projects with strict client confidentiality requirements, such as government buildings, infrastructure projects or sensitive commercial developments.
  
  
• Consistent performance: On-premise infrastructure can also offer consistent performance when working with large files locally. BIM models, point clouds and high-resolution visualisation files can be extremely large, and accessing them through a local network often provides faster performance than transferring them over the internet.
  
  
• Infrastructure ownership: Another advantage is predictable long-term infrastructure ownership. While on-premise systems require a higher upfront investment in servers, storage and maintenance, some firms prefer this model because they retain full ownership of their infrastructure rather than relying on subscription-based services.

For firms with dedicated IT support and well-managed office networks, on-premise systems can remain a reliable solution for hosting large project files and maintaining full control over their technology environment.

However, as collaboration becomes more distributed and projects increasingly require access across multiple locations, on-premise systems can also present challenges that cloud-based solutions aim to address.

Advantages of Cloud Servers for Architecture Firms

Cloud infrastructure has become increasingly attractive for architecture firms as collaboration, data volumes and project complexity continue to grow. By hosting data in secure remote environments rather than office-based hardware, cloud servers allow teams to access project files and design tools from virtually any location.

• Accessibility and collaboration: One of the most significant benefits is improved accessibility and collaboration. Modern architectural projects often involve multiple disciplines working across different offices and locations. Cloud-based environments allow architects, engineers and consultants to access shared models and project files without relying on a single physical office network.
  
  
• Scalability: Cloud platforms also offer greater scalability. As project workloads increase, firms can expand storage capacity or computing resources without purchasing additional hardware. This flexibility is particularly useful for architecture practices managing multiple large BIM projects simultaneously.
  
  
• Infrastructure maintenance: Another advantage is reduced infrastructure maintenance. With cloud environments, much of the responsibility for server maintenance, updates and system monitoring shifts to the provider. This allows architecture firms to focus more on design and project delivery rather than managing hardware infrastructure.
  
  
• Security and resilience: Cloud providers also invest heavily in security and resilience. According to Gartner, global spending on public cloud services reached over $561 billion in 2023, reflecting the widespread adoption of cloud platforms across industries seeking improved reliability and security. Many providers operate highly secure data centres with advanced monitoring, backup and disaster recovery capabilities.

However, cloud environments can also introduce considerations around ongoing subscription costs, internet connectivity and data governance, which architecture firms must evaluate carefully when designing their infrastructure strategy.

Key Factors Architecture Firms Should Consider

Choosing between on-premise and cloud infrastructure is rarely a purely technical decision. For architecture firms, the right approach depends on how teams work, the size of project files, and the level of collaboration required across offices and disciplines.

• Performance: One of the most important factors is performance when working with large BIM models. Architectural projects can involve extensive datasets, high-resolution visualisations and linked consultant models. Systems must be able to handle these files efficiently without introducing delays that disrupt design workflows.
  
  
• Collaboration: Collaboration requirements are also critical. Modern architectural projects often involve multiple stakeholders working across different locations. According to a McKinsey report on digital collaboration in construction, increased digital coordination between project teams is becoming essential for improving project delivery and reducing errors. Infrastructure therefore, needs to support reliable access to shared files and coordinated design environments.
  
  
• Security: Another key consideration is security and data protection. Architecture firms store highly valuable project information, including detailed building plans, client data and intellectual property. With cyberattacks against construction and engineering organisations rising in recent years, firms must ensure their infrastructure includes strong access controls, backup systems and monitoring capabilities.
  
  
• Scalability and Cost: Cost and scalability should also be evaluated carefully. On-premise systems often require significant upfront investment in servers and maintenance, while cloud infrastructure typically operates through subscription-based services that scale with usage. Firms need to consider not only immediate costs but also long-term operational requirements as projects and teams grow.

Finally, firms should consider internal IT expertise and support requirements. Managing on-premise infrastructure often requires dedicated technical knowledge, while cloud environments may reduce some maintenance responsibilities but still require careful management and security oversight.

For many architecture firms, the decision ultimately comes down to balancing performance, collaboration needs, security and long-term flexibility.

Why Many Architecture Firms Are Adopting Hybrid Infrastructure

For many architecture practices, the decision between on-premise and cloud infrastructure is no longer an either-or choice. Instead, a growing number of firms are adopting hybrid environments that combine both approaches.

Hybrid infrastructure allows firms to keep high-performance workloads or sensitive project data on local servers, while using cloud platforms for collaboration, backup and remote access. This approach can offer the best of both worlds: reliable local performance for large files alongside the flexibility of cloud-based systems.

This model is becoming increasingly common as architecture workflows evolve. According to the Flexera 2024 State of the Cloud Report, 73% of organisations now use a hybrid cloud strategy, combining public cloud services with private or on-premise infrastructure.

For architecture firms working with large BIM models and distributed project teams, hybrid setups can help address several practical challenges. Teams in the main office may work directly with high-speed local storage, while remote collaborators can access synchronised project files through cloud platforms. At the same time, cloud-based backup systems can provide an additional layer of protection for critical project data.

Hybrid environments can also provide greater flexibility as firms grow. Infrastructure can evolve gradually, allowing practices to modernise their systems without completely replacing existing technology investments.

As architectural workflows become more digital and collaborative, hybrid infrastructure is increasingly seen as a practical way to balance performance, accessibility and resilience.

Conclusion

The decision between on-premise and cloud servers is becoming increasingly important as architectural workflows become more digital and data-intensive. Large BIM models, distributed project teams, and growing collaboration requirements mean infrastructure choices now have a direct impact on how efficiently architecture firms can work.

On-premise servers can still offer strong performance and control, particularly for firms that rely heavily on local networks to manage large project files. Cloud infrastructure, meanwhile, provides flexibility, scalability and easier access for teams working across multiple locations. As a result, many practices are beginning to combine both approaches, adopting hybrid environments that balance performance with accessibility.

The key takeaway here is that there is no universal solution. The right infrastructure depends on your firm’s workflows, project size, collaboration needs and long-term technology strategy.

For architecture firms, the most effective approach is often to design infrastructure deliberately rather than allowing systems to evolve organically over time. Working with technology specialists who understand architectural workflows can help ensure that infrastructure supports design teams rather than slowing them down.

At Lyon Tech, we work with architecture firms to build secure, high-performance technology environments that support modern BIM workflows, collaboration and long-term growth.