Top 11 Time Tracking Software for Architects
As your architecture firm expands, you’ll soon find that basic tools like Excel can’t keep up with tracking time across projects and teams. I’ve chatted with architects who’ve been there and they’ve shared their top picks for time tracking solutions that really work.
Top Benefits of Time Tracking Tools
Time tracking software is essential for architects. It helps the team work more efficiently and get more done. It also:
- Supercharges productivity: Track hours with ease, so your team stays focused on the good stuff and gets more done daily.
- Bumps up your earnings: Understanding project time helps you cut waste and boost your bottom line.
- Keep projects on track: Catch extra work before it spirals out of control, and avoid scope creep.
- Allocate resources wisely: Balance workload to prevent team members from getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Make informed calls: Get a clear view of project progress with accurate data, and stay on schedule without surprises.
Continue learning about architecture management in the following guide.
Essential Features
The best time tracking tools are easy to use, letting architecture teams log hours without slowing down the workflow. The tool should ideally support project and phase-based tracking for design, planning, and construction stages. Fast time logging keeps things efficient. Custom reports and analytics support firms by keeping them on budget. They also help track productivity and improve project decisions.
With that out of the way, let’s move on to the list of top architecture time tracking tools.
Top 12 Time Tracking Tools for Architects
1. Teamhood
Best for: teams needing a visual management platform with advanced planning
Capterra score: 4.9/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: Paid plans start at $9 per user/month
Teamhood is a project and task management platform tailored for architectural firms. It lets you assign tasks, monitor progress, and synchronize efforts across multiple workspaces using intuitive, architecture-focused tools—helping your team stay organized, improve collaboration, and drive project profitability.
2. CMAP
Best for: KPI tracking and reporting
G2 score: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: Determined by three main factors: the number of users, the chosen plan (Starter, Growth, Pro, Enterprise)
Adopted by a 50-person firm and highly recommended. Offers robust project and performance tracking tools. Suitable for firms looking to analyze KPIs and gain operational insights.
3. Factor (by Aptera)
Best for: all-in-one project and billing management
Combines time tracking with invoicing and project phase management. Integrates well with QuickBooks and works best when billing structures are defined early.
4. Toggl
Best for: ease of use
Capterra score: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: Paid plans start at $9 per user per month
Simple, intuitive interface with valuable reporting features. Ideal for teams that want lightweight time tracking with useful insights.
5. BigTime
Best for: milestone tracking and QuickBooks users
Capterra score: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: The Essentials plan starts at $20 per user per month
Supports custom fields and milestone tracking. Employees find it easy to use, and it reduces accounting complexity when used with QuickBooks.
6. TrackingTime
Best for: task-level time insights
Capterra score: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: The PRO plan starts at 3 users. It costs $5.75 per user per month billed annually or $7 per user per month billed monthly
Offers flexibility in how time is tracked. Allows users to monitor time spent on specific tasks or projects, depending on setup.
7. Connecteam
Best for: team-wide operations
Capterra score: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: basic plan starts from $29 per month.
Combines time tracking with task management and communication tools. Managers appreciate its ease of use and its ability to streamline payroll and operations.
8. Factor AE
Best for: architecture and engineering firms
Capterra score: 4.9/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: basic plan starts from $30 per month.
Tailored to the A/E industry. Described as simpler than Deltek, offering a focused alternative for firms that want an easier learning curve.
9. Deltek Vision
Best for: established mid-sized firms
Capterra score: 4.1/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: the basic Deltek pricing plans with limited features cost under $100/per month.
Successfully used by firms around 50 employees. Suited for those who need comprehensive project and time tracking within a more traditional enterprise system.
Pricing: Basic Deltek pricing plans with limited features cost under $100 per month
10. QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets)
Best for: QuickBooks users
Capterra score: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: Premium, priced at $20 per month plus $8 per user monthly.
Popular among similarly sized firms. Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for payroll and billing, though feedback is mixed on user experience.
11. Buddy Punch
Best for: scalability
Capterra score: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing: The Starter plan is for small teams and businesses. It costs $5.49 per user per month + $19 base fee per month (monthly billing).
Reported to work well in architectural environments and scales with team size. Offers basic time tracking and reporting tools.
Keep Learning
Learn everything you need to know about time tracking:
- Project Time Tracking
- Kanban Time Management
- Agency Time Tracking Best Practices
- Best Time Tracking Software for Engineers
- 8 Effective Resource Tracking Practices
Frequently asked questions
What software is best for solo architects?
One solo practitioner likes Clockify for tracking efficiency and out-of-scope work. For managing info and collaboration, a freelance designer uses ClickUp to capture and organize details – they say it’s essential. Notion is also popular for storing information.
Are there cheaper alternatives to Deltek/Ajera?
Yes, these options can be pricey, but architects seek out alternatives. Monograph is a modern, user-friendly option used in smaller firms. Factor AE is designed for A/E firms and is simpler than Deltek. BQE (previously ArchiOffice) is another option that’s cheaper than Deltek.
What invoicing software do architects recommend?
QuickBooks is a popular choice, but it’s limited for complex custom billing. Alternatives include BQE Core (easy to set up different billing arrangements), Coretime UK, Monograph (integrates time and expenses), Harvest APP (connects to QuickBooks), and Solution Suppliers Limited (UK based) with a built-in finance section.
What features should affordable timekeeping software for architects have?
For small firms on a budget, they want software that tracks project hours, overhead hours, personal leave, and utilization rates. A smartphone app that syncs is a must-have.
Can time tracking software integrate with QuickBooks?
Yes, many options integrate with QuickBooks (especially QuickBooks Online). This integration lets accountants and bookkeepers use QuickBooks while getting the features of time tracking software. It also brings accounting data into the project management software for a clearer view.
How does time tracking software help with invoicing and billing?
It’s essential for measuring performance and profitability, which is key for invoicing. Software makes invoicing faster by including tracked time and expenses, and lets you edit. Some software even lets you set up different billing arrangements and send estimates and invoices directly. You can also generate more professional-looking invoices.