Nemetschek

Nemetschek is a German software group whose products support the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure, from architectural and engineering design through construction, operation, maintenance, and asset management. The group also owns software businesses serving media and entertainment, particularly visualization, rendering, animation, and related creative workflows. Its portfolio is organized around four broad business areas: Planning & Design, Build & Construct, Manage & Operate, and Media & Entertainment. The company originated in 1963 when engineer and professor Georg Nemetschek established an engineering office focused on structural design and construction. From an early stage, the business used computers to address engineering calculations and developed software initially intended for its own professional work. It later commercialized these capabilities, beginning with the distribution of the Statik 97/77 structural-engineering program in 1977. At the 1980 Hanover Fair, Nemetschek demonstrated an integrated calculation and design package for standardized solid-construction components, an early example of computer-aided engineering on microcomputers. Its best-known early product was Allplan, a computer-aided design system for architects and engineers launched in 1984. Allplan introduced three-dimensional building modeling capabilities and became a foundation for Nemetschek's expansion in architecture, engineering, and construction software. The company broadened its international presence during the 1980s and 1990s, establishing subsidiaries and distribution arrangements across Europe. In 1989, Nemetschek Programmsystem GmbH was created to handle software distribution, while the original engineering business continued to participate in development. The corporate entity became Nemetschek AG in 1994 and went public in 1999. Nemetschek's growth has relied heavily on acquiring specialist software companies and maintaining a portfolio of distinct product brands. Major transactions included Diehl Graphsoft, subsequently known as Vectorworks, and Maxon Computer in 2000; Graphisoft and SCIA International in 2006; Bluebeam in 2014; and Solibri in 2015. Further additions expanded the group's coverage of structural engineering, building services, construction documentation, facility management, project information, and operational software. Brands and acquisitions associated with the group have included Vectorworks, Allplan, Graphisoft, SCIA, Bluebeam, Solibri, SDS/2, dRofus, RISA, Spacewell, and Maxon. Since 2008, Nemetschek has operated as a holding company for its software brands. The group positions itself around digitalization of the built environment and promotes open building information modeling, or open BIM, through participation in industry organizations and standards-oriented initiatives. Its products are intended to connect professional disciplines and improve information continuity across design, construction, and operation rather than serving only as isolated drafting tools. The group has also supported research and education. Foundations associated with Georg Nemetschek have funded work concerning the built environment, innovation, democracy, and artificial intelligence. In 2020, the Nemetschek Innovation Foundation provided funding for the Georg Nemetschek Institute at the Technical University of Munich, an institute focused on artificial intelligence applications in architecture, engineering, construction, infrastructure, and asset management. In 2024, the group completed its largest acquisition to that point by adding GoCanvas and its sister company SiteDocs, extending its SaaS-based field-management capabilities. Nemetschek remains an active international software group with a portfolio spanning design, construction, building operations, and digital content creation.

Nemetschek began in 1963 as an engineering office founded by Georg Nemetschek for work in structural design and construction. The company was an early adopter of computing in engineering and initially created software to support its own calculations and design activities. In 1977, it began distributing Statik 97/77, a structural-engineering program. A major early technology milestone came in 1980, when the company presented an integrated calculation and design system for standardized solid-construction components at the Hanover Fair. The system was notable because it brought computer-aided engineering to microcomputers at a time when such tools were not widely available. Allplan, launched in 1984, became the group's principal architectural and engineering design platform. Its three-dimensional modeling capabilities helped establish Nemetschek in computer-aided design and later building information modeling. In 1989, Nemetschek Programmsystem GmbH was established to manage software distribution, while the original engineering organization continued development work. The company expanded beyond Germany during the 1980s and 1990s through subsidiaries and European distribution partners. It became Nemetschek AG in 1994 and completed its initial public offering in 1999. The group's modern structure was shaped by acquisitions. In 2000, it acquired Diehl Graphsoft, later known as Vectorworks, and Maxon Computer, the developer of Cinema 4D. Graphisoft, known for Archicad, and SCIA International were added in 2006, strengthening the group's architecture and structural-engineering portfolio. Further acquisitions included Data Design System in 2013, Bluebeam in 2014, and Solibri in 2015. After adopting the legal form Nemetschek SE in 2016, the group added SDS/2, dRofus, RISA, MCS Solutions, Axxerion, and Plandatis. MCS Solutions, Axxerion, and Plandatis were subsequently associated with the Spacewell brand, while some acquisitions made by Maxon and Spacewell expanded the portfolio at subsidiary level. Since 2008, Nemetschek has operated as a holding company with four business units: Planning & Design, Build & Construct, Manage & Operate, and Media & Entertainment. The portfolio covers design authoring, analysis, coordination, documentation, construction workflows, facility management, building operations, rendering, animation, and visual effects. This multi-brand approach allows the group to preserve specialist products while offering coverage across the building lifecycle. Nemetschek has promoted open BIM and interoperability through industry participation, including involvement with buildingSMART and the German Sustainable Building Council. Its research and philanthropic activities include the Nemetschek Foundation, the Nemetschek Innovation Foundation, and the Georg Nemetschek Institute at the Technical University of Munich. The institute focuses on artificial intelligence applications in the built environment, including digital twins, structural monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, construction robotics, and analysis of construction materials. The group's expansion continued in 2024 with the completion of its acquisition of GoCanvas and SiteDocs, field-management software businesses delivered primarily through SaaS models. The transaction extended Nemetschek's reach into mobile and cloud-based workflows used by construction and field-service teams. Today, Nemetschek remains an internationally active, publicly traded software group whose brands serve professionals across architecture, engineering, construction, real-estate operations, and media production.

1. 2024GoCanvas and SiteDocs acquired

   The group completed its largest acquisition to that point by acquiring GoCanvas and SiteDocs.

   Source
2. 2020AI institute funded

   The Nemetschek Innovation Foundation funded an artificial-intelligence research institute at the Technical University of Munich.

   Source
3. 2018MDAX inclusion

   Nemetschek joined the MDAX in addition to its TecDAX listing.

   Source
4. 2016Conversion to Nemetschek SE

   The company adopted its European Company legal form and operated as Nemetschek SE.

   Source
5. 2015Solibri acquired

   Nemetschek acquired Solibri, strengthening its model-checking and BIM-quality capabilities.

   Source
6. 2014Bluebeam acquired

   Nemetschek completed the acquisition of Bluebeam Software, a provider of construction-documentation and collaboration tools.

   Source
7. 2008Holding-company model adopted

   Nemetschek began operating as a holding company organized around four business units.

   Source
8. 2006Graphisoft and SCIA acquired

   Nemetschek acquired Graphisoft and SCIA International, expanding its architecture and structural-engineering portfolio.

   Source
9. 2000Vectorworks and Maxon acquisitions

   The group acquired Diehl Graphsoft, later known as Vectorworks, and Maxon Computer.

   Source
10. 1999Public listing

    Nemetschek went public and subsequently became associated with the Frankfurt Prime Standard and TecDAX.

    Source
11. 1994Nemetschek AG formed

    The corporate business began operating as Nemetschek AG.

    Source
12. 1989Distribution company established

    Nemetschek Programmsystem GmbH was established to handle software distribution.

    Source
13. 1984Allplan launched

    Nemetschek launched Allplan, a three-dimensional CAD and building-design system for architects and engineers.

    Source
14. 1980Microcomputer CAE system presented

    The company presented an integrated calculation and design package for standardized solid-construction components at the Hanover Fair.

    Source
15. 1977First software distribution

    Nemetschek began distributing the Statik 97/77 structural-engineering program.

    Source
16. 1963Engineering office founded

    Georg Nemetschek founded an engineering office focused on structural design and construction.

    Source

A multi-brand, lifecycle-oriented software group for the architecture, engineering, construction, operations, and media industries, differentiated by specialist applications and an emphasis on open BIM and connected digital workflows.

• AllplanArchitecture and engineering BIM1984

  Allplan is Nemetschek's architecture and engineering design platform. It developed from the group's early CAD work and introduced three-dimensional building modeling capabilities. The product is used for design, documentation, coordination, and related BIM workflows across building and infrastructure projects.

• VectorworksCAD and BIM

  Vectorworks is a design software brand acquired through Diehl Graphsoft. Its tools serve architecture, landscape architecture, entertainment design, and related professional fields, combining drafting, modeling, documentation, and visualization workflows.

• ArchicadArchitecture BIM

  Archicad is Graphisoft's BIM platform for architects and building-design teams. It supports building modeling, documentation, collaboration, and information exchange, and forms one of Nemetschek's central architecture software brands.

• BluebeamConstruction documentation and collaboration

  Bluebeam provides software for creating, reviewing, marking up, sharing, and managing PDF-based technical and construction documentation. It extends Nemetschek's portfolio from design authoring into project communication and construction collaboration.

• SolibriBIM model checking

  Solibri develops model-checking and quality-assurance software for BIM projects. Its tools help project participants inspect model information, identify coordination or compliance issues, and improve the reliability of digital building data.

• SCIAStructural engineering

  SCIA provides structural-analysis and design software for engineers. The brand contributes structural calculation, modeling, and documentation capabilities to Nemetschek's Planning & Design portfolio.

• SpacewellFacility and real-estate management2018

  Spacewell is the group brand for software serving building operations, facilities, workplace management, and real-estate processes. It was formed in connection with the integration and rebranding of MCS Solutions, Axxerion, and Plandatis.

• Cinema 4D3D modeling, animation, and rendering

  Cinema 4D is Maxon's 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software. Through Maxon, it represents Nemetschek's Media & Entertainment business and supports motion graphics, visualization, animation, and other digital-content workflows.

• GoCanvasConstruction field management

  GoCanvas provides cloud-based and mobile field-management software intended to digitize forms, inspections, workflows, and operational processes. Its addition expanded Nemetschek's SaaS presence in construction and field operations.

• 2024Acquired GoCanvas and SiteDocsM&A

  Nemetschek sought to expand its cloud and SaaS capabilities in construction field management.

  What changed. The group completed the acquisition of GoCanvas and its sister company SiteDocs.

  Aftermath. The transaction extended the portfolio into mobile-first field workflows and was described as the largest acquisition in Nemetschek's history at the time.

  Source
• 2018Expanded the Spacewell platformStrategy

  Acquisitions in building management and operations broadened Nemetschek beyond design and construction software.

  What changed. MCS Solutions, followed by Axxerion and Plandatis, was integrated and associated with the Spacewell brand.

  Aftermath. Spacewell became the group's principal brand for facility, workplace, and real-estate operations software.

  Source
• 2008Adopted a four-business-unit holding structureStrategy

  Nemetschek had developed a broad portfolio of specialist software brands across design, construction, operations, and media.

  What changed. The group organized its activities into Planning & Design, Build & Construct, Manage & Operate, and Media & Entertainment.

  Aftermath. The structure supported a multi-brand strategy covering multiple stages of the building lifecycle while retaining specialist product identities.

  Source

• 2024Nemetschek completes acquisition of GoCanvas and SiteDocs

  Nemetschek completed the acquisition of SaaS field-management software provider GoCanvas and its sister company SiteDocs, described in the reference material as the largest acquisition in the group's history.

  M&A
  Source
• 2020Nemetschek establishes AI research institute at Technical University of Munich

  Funding from the Nemetschek Innovation Foundation supported the creation of the Georg Nemetschek Institute for Artificial Intelligence for the Built World.

  Other
  Source
• 2018Nemetschek enters the MDAX

  Nemetschek was added to the MDAX while retaining its TecDAX listing, increasing its visibility among major German listed companies.

  Other
  Source
• 2018Nemetschek joins the MDAX

  Nemetschek was added to the MDAX while remaining associated with the TecDAX, increasing its visibility among major German listed companies.

  Other
  Source
• 2018Nemetschek expands through Spacewell-related acquisitions

  The group acquired MCS Solutions and subsequently added Axxerion and Plandatis, consolidating these activities under the Spacewell brand for building and facility operations.

  M&A
  Source
• 2016Nemetschek becomes a European Company

  The company began operating as Nemetschek SE, reflecting its corporate reorganization as a European Company.

  Other
  Source
• 2015Nemetschek acquires Solibri

  Nemetschek added Solibri, strengthening its capabilities in model checking, quality assurance, and open-BIM coordination.

  M&A
  Source
• 2014Nemetschek acquires Bluebeam Software

  The group completed the acquisition of Bluebeam, expanding its portfolio with PDF-based construction documentation, markup, collaboration, and workflow tools.

  M&A
  Source

1. Nemetschek