VisualARQ: Flexible BIM Plugin for Rhino and Grasshopper

VisualARQ is a flexible BIM solution for Rhino, a plugin oriented to professionals in the architecture and construction sector. By integrating completely into Rhino and Grasshopper’s interface, it allows performing design, modeling and documentation within a single environment, reducing dependence on multiple programs and optimizing workflow.

Within the Architecture, design and visualization category, VisualARQ stands out for its concept of « flexible BIM »: it combines the formal freedom of Rhino’s NURBS modeling with data structures and BIM intelligence. This allows SMEs to create complete projects (from conceptual design to technical documentation) without depending on more costly or rigid platforms.

For small studios or independent professionals, it represents an efficient way to save time in documentation, standardize processes and maintain interoperability with programs like Revit or Archicad.

AgentAya Verdict: VisualARQ

VisualARQ is the most practical option for SMEs and architecture studios already working in Rhino and wanting to incorporate BIM (Building Information Modeling) without abandoning their environment. Its greatest advantage is offering a parametric BIM flow with real-time 2D documentation, flexible and affordable.

Its connection with Grasshopper allows creating automated processes that compete with much more costly solutions. In international contexts, where teams are usually small and budgets tight, VisualARQ becomes a strategic ally: robust, stable and with technical support in multiple languages.

The main limitation is its total dependence on Rhino, as it’s not an independent tool. Still, its cost-benefit ratio, learning curve and documentation position it as one of the most cost-effective BIM solutions on the market for SMEs.

Score Breakdown

Category	Score	Description
Features and Functionality	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)	Parametric BIM objects, dynamic documentation and integrated Grasshopper workflow
Integrations	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)	Compatible with Rhino, Grasshopper and IFC 2×3 / IFC4 formats to interoperate with Revit and Archicad
Language and Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Available in 12 languages; technical support, forums and training materials
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)	Easy for Rhino users; requires additional learning to take advantage of Grasshopper
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)	Perpetual license, 90-day free trial and educational options; affordable for SMEs

AgentAya Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

A solid and mature add-on, ideal for small studios seeking to professionalize their BIM flow without compromising budget or flexibility.

Main Features

• Flexible BIM: combines free NURBS modeling (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) with parametric objects and editable BIM data.
• Intelligent architectural objects: walls, doors, windows, slabs, roofs, stairs, railings, columns and furniture, all with editable styles.
• Design automation with Grasshopper: creates custom objects through visual definitions, without programming.
• Dynamic documentation: plans, sections, elevations and quantity tables in real-time.
• IFC interoperability: import and export with Revit, Archicad, Solibri and other AEC platforms.
• Project management: levels, sections and layers to organize complex models.
• Customizable profiles and templates: libraries of metric and imperial styles adaptable to any standard.
• Extended compatibility: supports Rhino 7 and Rhino 8, with optional automatic updates.

These functions allow an SME to reduce rework, eliminate manual processes and maintain documentary consistency, generating value from the first project.

AI Functions

VisualARQ integrates a powerful parametric automation system through Grasshopper, allowing creation of visual workflows based on rules and logical relationships. Users can define custom behaviors, thus generating models that react dynamically to design modifications (for example, a staircase automatically adjusts when changing a level’s height or walls update according to defined thickness).

This approach reproduces many advantages of automated intelligence: process optimization, reduction of repetitive tasks and documentation updated in real-time. Although it’s not artificial intelligence in a strict sense, its capacity to automate design and management decisions converts VisualARQ into an advanced tool for studios and SMEs seeking control, efficiency and flexibility within their BIM flow.

Integrations

VisualARQ integrates natively with Rhino and Grasshopper, functioning as a plugin that expands their capabilities.

Additionally, it includes an IFC module supporting standards 2×3 and 4, guaranteeing interoperability with Revit, Archicad, Solibri, Tekla and other sector programs.

It doesn’t include integrations with administrative software (CRM, ERP or messaging), as it’s focused on architecture’s technical flow.

For advanced users, it has a Python API and Rhino compatibility. This enables mixed collaboration flows.

Security and Data Compliance

VisualARQ works locally within Rhino; it doesn’t use cloud storage.

Therefore, data ownership belongs completely to the user or company.

Asuni Soft, its developer, complies with European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and maintains a clear policy: not sharing, selling or reusing user information. Files are stored locally and protected through operating system security measures.

Language – Customer Support and Interface

VisualARQ offers technical support and documentation in 12 languages.

Users can contact by email or forums in their local language, and access free training materials: tutorials, webinars and user forums.

It also has distributors in different countries for local technical support, though in some markets purchase is made directly online.

AI Language – The Tool Itself

VisualARQ’s interface, installer, templates and menus are available in English, and multiple other languages.

The program automatically adopts Rhino’s language, guaranteeing coherence and facilitating adoption by international users.

Mobile Access

VisualARQ doesn’t have a mobile application. It’s designed exclusively for desktop (Windows and macOS) and requires having Rhino installed.

However, generated models can be visualized on mobile through IFC viewers or external web solutions, facilitating quick reviews or presentations.

Support, Onboarding Process, and Account Management

The onboarding process is direct: install the plugin, activate license and start working. It also has an official YouTube channel with a great variety of tutorials.

Offers interactive guides, forums, webinars and customized courses.

For students and teachers, there’s an educational license with free support. Most licenses include on-demand a 90-minute introductory course. Account management is simple: no complex user management or mandatory maintenance.

Ease of Use / UX

VisualARQ expands Rhino’s standard interface with clear menus, toolbars and property boxes.

Navigation by levels and sections facilitates model orientation and project organization.

Users report a smoother learning curve than Revit’s, especially for those already knowing Rhino. An SME can obtain functional results (plans, sections and reports) in less than a week of constant use.

Pricing and Plans

VisualARQ offers several license types:

• Free and fully functional evaluation version for 90 days.
• Commercial licenses, with included updates (no subscription).
• Educational licenses for students and teachers, with academic certification.
• LAB licenses for universities or training centers.
• Combined packages with Rhino and Lands Design, ideal for studios seeking a complete solution.

Licenses include technical support and minor updates, without maintenance costs.

Prices vary by region, but remain competitive versus BIM alternatives.

Case Study

A small architecture studio uses Rhino to model residential projects. Previously, they had to export models to AutoCAD to document plans, consuming days.

After integrating VisualARQ, the team started documenting directly within Rhino, generating automatic sections and quantities. They also used Grasshopper to automate creation of parametric railings and stairs.

Result: 60% reduction in documentation time, lower error margin and better coordination with external consultants through IFC.

VisualARQ vs Alternatives

VisualARQ vs Autodesk Revit

VisualARQ offers a lighter and more flexible environment within Rhino, ideal for SMEs and creative studios.

Revit is a comprehensive BIM solution with multidisciplinary management and advanced automation, but requires greater investment and learning curve.

For conceptual projects and quick documentation, VisualARQ wins in agility; for large collaborative works, Revit is more robust.

VisualARQ vs Autodesk Forma

Forma focuses on site, climate and urban context analysis; VisualARQ on parametric modeling and documentation.

They’re complementary tools: Forma serves for prior viability, VisualARQ for detailed architectural development.

VisualARQ vs Hypar

Hypar automates design generation with algorithms and scripting in the cloud, while VisualARQ does it through Grasshopper within Rhino.

For SMEs seeking local control, interoperability and less technical complexity, VisualARQ is more accessible; Hypar aims at corporate flows with large-scale automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VisualARQ offer free trials or educational licenses? 

Yes. VisualARQ has a 90-day free trial version and educational and Lab licenses for institutions.

What file formats and interoperability options are compatible? 

Allows importing and exporting IFC 2×3 and IFC4 files, and creating complete BIM models within Rhino.

Does VisualARQ use AI? 

No. It doesn’t have integrated artificial intelligence, but does have advanced parametric capabilities with Grasshopper.

Do I need to know how to program? 

No. Functions are controlled through menus and visual programming (Grasshopper). For advanced tasks, there’s an optional Python API.