FAQ

You asked, we answered!

We have rounded up questions that the community has asked again and again into a simple step-by-step answer. These answers are illustrated with a screenshot or video so you can fully understand and use it as a guide to create anything you will need in ARK.

If you still have a question we haven’t answered yet, feel free to fill in one here:

ArkDesign.ai is an AI-powered architectural platform that automates schematic design and feasibility studies for multi-family and mixed-use buildings. It is designed for architects, urban planners, real estate developers, commercial brokers, designers, and underwriting teams who need to analyze sites, get the important metrics and generate optimized building layouts quickly and efficiently.

Ark works best on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, as these are the only browsers currently supported for full compatibility and optimal performance.

Ark is currently supported on desktop and laptop computers only and is not compatible with mobile or tablet devices.

Ark was initially created to design multi-family buildings, and its most unique capability is designing the typical floor plan for residential floors. It can generate designs for more than 50 apartments with the desired unit mix according to your input. However, in response to demand, we can now create mixed-use projects with different uses, including commercial and community facilities.

  • From the top menu bar, click File and select Export to PDF.

  • Alternatively, switch to 3D View and click the PDF Export button in the right panel.

The format we support for exporting to Revit is indeed (*rvt). It is offered only with the Pro plan, which is a paid subscription. Currently, we are only extending this feature to a limited number of users. We recommend that you utilize our robust free plan to determine if the product meets your needs. After evaluating the free plan, you are welcome to apply for the Pro plan and join our waiting list for access to this feature.

The software was initially built for the U.S. market and may not fully reflect all local regulations or regional standards. That said, it offers a high level of flexibility, enabling users to adjust designs to meet local codes, market needs, and internal workflows.

Unlike manual drafting in CAD or BIM tools, ArkDesign.ai uses artificial intelligence to generate floor plans and feasibility reports instantly, reducing early-stage design time. It focuses on schematic design — not detailed construction documentation — and aims to incorporate US building codes and ordinances automatically. 

The platform is specialized for:

  • Multi-family residential buildings
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Urban site feasibility studies
    Ark is not primarily intended for small single-family houses or specialized architectural typologies outside its template range.

What outputs can I get from ArkDesign.ai?

ArkDesign.ai generates a wide range of design and feasibility outputs, including:

  • Automated schematic floor plans

  • Feasibility and massing analyses

  • Optimized unit mixes and area distributions

  • Comprehensive reports and diagrams for decision-making

Report outputs include:

  • Gross built-up area

  • Net area and efficiency (%)

  • Total project value

  • Area summary tables

  • Deductions (corridors, cores, services, etc.)

  • Zoning and allowable area tables

Additionally, selected plans and data can be exported to tools like Revit for further design development and documentation.

Yes. The platform includes optimization logic that prioritizes saleable area, density, and overall profitability, helping you explore configurations that improve project performance metrics. 

Yes — users can start for free through the web app, and there are options to schedule demos or access trial periods. (Sign-up for Free)

ArkDesign.ai offers:

  • Premium/Pro monthly subscriptions
  • Unlimited projects, reports, AI generates, and monthly exports with higher tiers
  • Consulting support included in top plans
    Pricing varies, and discounts may be available. (Pricing – Ark)
  • ArkDesign.ai provides tutorials, crash courses, and screen-by-screen guides that help users understand workflows such as lot setup, floor planning, and core selection — even for those new to AI design tools. (Ark Design School)
  • The tool fits into early conceptual phases and can export designs to other architectural software like Revit for further refinement, complementing rather than replacing your established tools. 

Yes. The AI can generate multiple design variations to help you test different layouts and site configurations quickly. (Ark Projects)

Yes — beyond tutorials, the platform includes a community gallery, webinars, events, and certification opportunities for users looking to deepen expertise. (Ark – Events)

Currently, ArkDesign.ai is optimized for US regulations and codes. If you’re outside the US, check if your local code logic is supported or will be incorporated soon.

You can explore the FAQ, tutorials, glossary, blog, support pages, and demos directly on the ArkDesign.ai website — all designed to guide users through every stage of the design process. (Ark Design School)

If you downgrade, your account will revert to the limits of the Lite Plan (3 projects). You may need to archive or delete older projects to edit new ones, but your existing data will generally remain accessible in “view-only” mode or be preserved until you re-subscribe, subject to our data retention policies.

We recommend students and educators utilize the Lite Plan, which is free and offers enough capacity (3 projects) for typical semester coursework. For institutional deployment (e.g., a university class), please contact our support team for custom arrangements. (Ark – Support)

Yes. While Ark comes pre-loaded with specific code templates (optimized for US/NYC standards), the system is flexible. You can manually input zoning parameters such as setbacks, maximum heights, and lot coverage to match the specific zoning code of your local municipality, making it usable for projects anywhere in the world.

Collaboration in Ark is file-based rather than “real-time multi-user.” You can upload and download project files to share with other authorized users. This allows team members to review feasibility studies or continue working on a design iteration without needing to be physically at the same machine.

Currently, direct .dwg or .ifc export is not a native feature. The primary export formats are PDF (for reports) and Revit (.rvt) (for Premium/Pro users). To get a CAD file, the recommended workflow is to export the model to Revit, and then export from Revit to DWG.

Yes. Since your account is cloud-based, you can log in from any compatible computer to access your projects. However, for security, concurrent sessions (logged in on two devices at once) may be restricted depending on your plan type.

No. Unlike traditional BIM or rendering software that relies on your computer’s graphics card (GPU), Ark Design is fully cloud-based. All the heavy AI processing happens on our servers. You can run Ark smoothly on any standard laptop or desktop that runs a modern web browser (Chrome or Edge) effectively.

Your specific project inputs and proprietary designs remain private. Your specific confidential client projects are not made public or shared with other users.

You retain full ownership of all designs, floor plans, and feasibility reports you create on the platform. Ark Design claims no ownership over your project data

Start creating optimized floor plans fast & efficiently with ARK

Ask a Question

Submit a project

Submit Projects that you have designed to our gallery.

Samuel Wieder Architects

A mixed-use residential project with a gross area of 67,431 square feet, spanning 11 floors and comprising a total of 104 apartments.

Perkins Eastman

A mixed-use residential project with a gross area of 146,128.4 square feet, spanning 28 floors and comprising a total of 231 apartments.

ND Architecture & Design

A mixed-use residential project with a gross area of 90,911.7 square feet, spanning 13 floors and comprising a total of 131 apartments.

Become Certified

If you have mastered ARK and have created a few projects on our platform, you too can become ARK Certified and feature on our website!

Submit an article

Submit an article to be published on ArkDesign.AI blog.

Submit a project

Submit Projects that you have designed to our gallery.

Upgrade to Pro

Please fill in your details and we will get back to you with all the details

Get a demo

Please fill in your details and we will get back to you shortly.