The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is at an inflection point. Digital workflows are no longer optional; they're essential. But for many AEC professionals, the existing solutions come with a painful tradeoff: powerful capabilities locked behind prohibitively expensive subscription models.

That's why HP's launch of Build Workspace represents something different. Not just another tool, but a reimagining of how AEC professionals should access, pay for, and benefit from cloud-based project management technology.

What Is HP Build Workspace?

Build Workspace is HP's cloud-based platform designed specifically for AEC workflow management. Think of it as your central hub where you can upload files, create project folders, coordinate with project partners and contractors, and access an expanding toolkit of purpose-built applications—all from a single dashboard.

If you've worked with platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud or Procore, you already understand the value of centralized project management. What makes Build Workspace compelling is HP's fundamentally different approach to both pricing and platform development.

A Different Philosophy on Cost

Traditional construction management platforms operate on expensive SaaS subscription models. Annual contracts. Per-seat licensing. Costs that scale whether you're using the platform heavily or barely at all.

HP is taking a radically different approach with Build Workspace. The platform itself is free to access. You can sign up, create an account, upload files, organize projects, and collaborate with your team without spending a dollar. You only pay for specific outputs when you need them—a pay-per-use model that aligns cost with actual value delivered.

This isn't just a pricing gimmick. It's a recognition that not every project needs the same level of tool intensity, and you shouldn't have to pay enterprise rates for mid-sized renovation work.

What's Coming Next

HP has shared that Build Workspace will evolve into a comprehensive ecosystem with additional collaboration and communication tools.

While specific features are still under development, the vision is clear: create an integrated platform that enables AEC professionals to manage entire project lifecycles without constantly jumping between disconnected applications.

The platform is being updated rapidly. We are seeing improvements and new features weekly. HP is listening to user feedback and iterating quickly, which is refreshing in an industry where software updates often move at a glacial pace.

Why This Matters for Renovation and Mid-Market Projects

Build Workspace shines brightest in scenarios that traditional platforms often ignore:

Renovation projects where you're working from old drawings—maybe saved as PDFs, TIFFs, or JPEGs—that need to be converted to editable CAD files. Projects that don't justify the cost or complexity of complete BIM modeling, but still require accurate digital drawings.

Mid-sized firms that need professional tools but can't stomach $10,000+ annual subscriptions for platforms they'll only use intermittently.

Variable project intensity fluctuates throughout the year in businesses in which the year. Why pay for subscription seats during slow months?

In the past, companies faced limited options: pay interns to manually trace raster images, struggle with inadequate legacy conversion software, or resort to makeshift solutions in Photoshop. AI Vectorize and Build Workspace provides a professional-grade alternative that's both more capable and more affordable.

TAVCO's Role as Your Build Workspace Partner

HP selected TAVCO as an early access partner for Build Workspace. We worked directly with HP during the beta process, tested the platform with select customers for six months before the June 2025 public release, and provided extensive feedback that shaped the product you see today.

We've seen firsthand how this platform performs with real-world projects and real customer challenges. We understand not just what the buttons do, but how Build Workspace fits into actual AEC workflows and where it delivers the most value.

As one of the nation's leading HP authorized partners, we're here to answer your questions, provide product demonstrations, and help you evaluate whether Build Workspace is right for your firm.

In our next post, we'll dive deep into AI Vectorize specifically—exploring its capabilities, walking through real customer success stories, and showing you exactly how much time and money you can save compared to manual redrawing methods.

About the author: 

Kevin Vaughan is the President of TAVCO. With over two and a half decades of experience, he has received various awards for sales performance and channel growth. Published articles focus on AI-powered AEC technologies, CAD software, and large-format technology. When he is not geeking out on new technologies, you can find him hanging with his wife and kids, playing guitar, or Scuba diving.