Abstract
In this interview of the BIM Theory Podcast, we sit down with Altaf Ganihar, founder and CEO of Snaptrude, to explore how a simple hobby project evolved into a cutting-edge cloud-based design tool. Starting as a SketchUp plugin, Snaptrude has grown into a platform that integrates AI, automation, and BIM to streamline workflows and eliminate redundant tasks in the AEC industry. Altaf shares insights into the challenges of reinventing design tools, the future of AI-driven BIM, and how Snaptrude is enabling seamless collaboration from early design to construction.
Listen to the podcast here
Guest
Altaf Ganihar – Snaptrude CEO
With a research background in geometry and computer graphics, Altaf contributed to a large-scale national project focused on reconstructing a UNESCO World Heritage site in 3D. This experience exposed him to the outdated tools and workflows of architects from the 80s and 90s, sparking his desire to assist. Initially creating plugins to address specific workflow needs, Altaf realized that these were mere band-aids for a much larger issue. Over a decade, it became clear that the entire design ecosystem needed an overhaul.
Interview Questions
(ICEBREAKER)
1- Your background is in computer graphics, but you’ve made a big impact in the AEC industry. We have seen, founders from different fields often bring fresh ideas to architecture. Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start Snaptrude?
(PERSONAL & CAREER JOURNEY)
2 – You launched Snaptrude in 2017, and over the past eight years, you’ve built it into a leading cloud-based design platform. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
(INTRO TO SNAPTRUDE & KEY FEATURES)
3 – Can you tell us about Snaptrude as an early design BIM Tool and what are the key features and how does it improve the speed and efficiency of the design process?
(CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS)
4 -Snaptrude has made major strides in workflow integration, now supporting Rhino and Revit interoperability. What are some of the most exciting new features on your roadmap?
(AI, OWNERSHIP & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY)
5 – With AI-driven design tools becoming more common, there’s growing concern about data ownership and intellectual property. How does Snaptrude make sure that architects and firms stay in full control of their designs and data?
(TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT)
6 – Snaptrude is built on a modern geometry kernel and a real-time database stack. How do these technical innovations set Snaptrude apart from legacy tools in the AEC industry?
(COMMERCIAL GROWTH & MARKET ADOPTION & EXPANSION)
7 – Let’s talk about the business side—Snaptrude saw 3x customer growth in 2024 and recently raised $14M in Series A funding. What’s fueling this momentum, tell us if there are any new markets you’re looking to expand into?
(FUTURE OF AEC & SNAPTRUDE’S ROLE)
8 – The AEC industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation with cloud-based tools, AI, and real-time collaboration. Where do you see the industry in 10 years, and how will Snaptrude help shape that future?
9 – [Closing Statements] Altaf, thank you so much for your time and for sharing about Snaptrude. It has been great having you with us and learning more about the impressive work you are doing.
As well, thank you to all the listeners of this episode. If you would like to learn more about Snaptrude, please visit their website at Snaptrude.com
Conclusion
As we wrap up this conversation with Altaf Ganihar, it’s clear that Snaptrude is more than just another design tool—it’s a bold step toward modernizing BIM workflows with AI, automation, and cloud collaboration. From its humble beginnings as a hobby project to becoming a game-changer in the AEC industry, tools like Snaptrude are paving the way for more efficient, collaborative, and intelligent design processes.
Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check out Snaptrude.com to explore the platform for yourself!
(Cover image source: https://www.snaptrude.com/blog/snaptrude-v1-0-released)
