ArkoAI vs Maquete

ArkoAI turns architectural models and active views into AI-generated renders. It connects with Rhino, SketchUp, and Revit, and users of SketchUp or Revit can render directly from the view open in the modeling software. Discipline and style controls guide the generated image. The SketchUp plugin supports versions 2021–2026 on Windows and macOS; the Revit plugin supports versions 2021–2026.

ArkoAI is available on macOS, Windows, and the web. It offers a free trial but no free plan, followed by monthly or yearly subscriptions that can be updated or canceled at any time. Each tier includes a fixed monthly quota of high-priority renders. The Pro toolset includes seed settings and negative prompts for the basic model, high-quality resolution settings, and the subscriber-only Pro Model, described as retaining geometry. The pricing page lists a 608-pixel maximum image height for the free basic model and an average image height of 768 pixels for the Pro Model. Users own their renders, and final outputs are stored on the user's device. ArkoAI says it does not retain inputs or outputs on its servers after a session or task, though data may be sent to third-party providers for real-time processing.

Maquete is an AI architectural rendering platform for turning model views and image exports into interior and exterior renders. Users can upload PNG, JPG, or TIFF files in a browser, or render a current viewport through the SketchUp plugin. The maker says a typical still takes around 30 seconds, though complex scenes or high demand may take longer. More than 15 lighting presets and controls for materials, atmosphere, and context help shape the result. Maquete says it aims to preserve composition and proportions, but generated walls, openings, fixed elements, camera, and proportions should be checked against the source model.

Projects can group renders and source images with specification and cost schedules, status, and an activity trail. Guided briefings collect client requirements; slide presentations can be shared by live link or PDF. Starter costs $9 a month for 10 credits, with output up to 2K; Pro costs $24 a month, Studio $59 a month, and Business $99 a month. A 2K still uses one credit, a 4K still two, and five- and ten-second walkthroughs use four and eight credits. Credits reset each billing cycle without rollover. The service runs on web, macOS, and Windows.