Technology today can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Having instant access to news, shopping, and endless design inspiration is a luxury we can all appreciate, but with so many options at our fingertips, it can also feel pretty overwhelming. Where do you even start when you’re trying to bring a creative concept, like a personalized ADU, to life?

That’s where emerging tools like AI and online visualization platforms come in. For homeowners who already have a vision but struggle to put it into words—or for those who just want to play around with possibilities—these tools make it easier to see your ideas take shape. As part of our ADU kit launch, we wanted to share a few of our favorite ADU design software tools that can help you sketch out your dream space before our designers step in to refine and perfect it.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your build, here’s where we recommend starting:

One of the most powerful AI home design tools for architects and design enthusiasts, MyArchitectAI lets you create exterior and interior spaces that match your vision, goals, and location. Using a few of our ADU renderings, we tested the platform and came away with several inspiring concepts—each highlighting just how flexible the platform really is. With a wide variety of photorealistic styles and editing options, you can tailor each detail to your needs and watch your imagination take shape.

Another great—and free—tool for experimenting with your ADU floor plan is HomeByMe, a 3D design platform that helps you build 2D and 3D layouts from scratch or adapt existing ones. Whether you start with one of our pre-engineered ADU models or a quick sketch of your own, you can design and furnish spaces in a way that makes handing plans off to our team seamless. And if you’ve ever played The Sims (or watched your kids play), the interface will feel familiar—just without the quirky characters and their constantly depleting needs.

The last (but certainly not final) tool on our list is Renovate AI, which allows you to upload a rendering or photo of your space, pick a style, and instantly visualize new possibilities for your interior or exterior. While this software leans toward remodeling and interior design, its playful features make it worth exploring. Right now, for example, you can choose from multiple Halloween themes—including a “Witch’s Cottage” mode. Whether or not you use it for your final plans, it’s a fun way to test out bold styles and spark new ideas for your custom ADU design.

Ready to bring your ADU vision to life? Tools like MyArchitectAI, HomeByMe, and Renovate AI are a great place to start, but the real magic happens when your ideas meet expert design and engineering. Our team specializes in turning inspiration into buildable ADU plans—tailored to your property, lifestyle, and budget.

Explore our gallery, browse our new ADU Inspo board on Pinterest, or connect with us today to start shaping your dream ADU.