BIMserver vs Finch

BIMserver stores and manages building-project information as IFC data, using structured model objects rather than treating the project as a collection of files. Users can check, version, merge, query, and filter models, arrange project structures, and generate IFC output on demand. Multi-user support lets people work on separate parts of a dataset, with notifications when a model or section changes. BIMserver is intended to serve as an IFC backend for other software, and developers can add plugins, services, and clients or embed it in their products. The listed service interfaces are SOAP, JSON, and Protocol Buffers. It is open-source and self-managed, with a free plan under the AGPL-3.0 license; some plugins and libraries use different licenses. It supports Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted use. The project wiki points to GitHub Releases for downloads and includes an Ubuntu installation guide. For help, maintainers point users to the wiki, FAQ, issue tracker, and contributors, and list an email contact. The project says its open-source community has been active since 2013.

Finch is a building-design platform for generating plans, exploring options with real-time data, and producing project outputs. Its Plan Library draws on past projects, firm knowledge, accessibility rules, local codes, and constraints as a basis for design generation. The AI agent Archie handles repetitive precision tasks such as placing doors, checking compliance, and updating linked units. Finch produces floor plans, area calculations, and BIM geometry, with exports to traditional BIM tools. It documents workflows with Rhino, Revit, Grasshopper, and Autodesk Forma; listed application versions include Rhino 8, Rhino 7.24+, Rhino 6 SR35+, and Revit 2023–2027. Finch is available as an extension and on macOS, the web, and Windows. The Free plan costs nothing for one user. Basic costs €79 a month for one user and lists a 14-day trial. Enterprise costs €14,500 a year, billed annually for at least three seats.