Proceedings: 12th Built Environment Conference 5-7 August 2018 Durban, South Africa Computer software programs usage in built environment consulting firms: A 21 st century outlook ASOCSA 12 - 13 COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROGRAMS’ USAGE IN CONSULTING BUILT ENVIRONMENT FIRMS : A 21 st CENTURY OUTLOOK Mr M.S Mohale Delta Built Environment Consultants (Pty) Ltd 320 The Hillside Road, Rynlal Building, Lynnwood, 0180, South Africa e-mail: sicelo.mohale@deltabec.com Tel: +27 12 368 1850. ABSTRACT Purpose: The study aimed at investigating the extent of utilising computer software to aid consulting firms with current technology, quality information and performance of services provided to clients. Design/Methodology/Approach The objectives of the paper were achieved through a twenty questionnaire survey submitted to five multi-disciplinary firms and relevant literature on studies done in other countries, South Africa included, were reviewed. The reviewed literature provided a more detailed outlook on the scope of software programs used in consulting firms. Research Limitation/Implications: The research was conducted in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Findings based on Empirical Research: Initial findings indicate that software programs have been accepted but not fully utilised. The impact brought by these software programs has sped up performance and increased quality productivity. However, that is not realised fully due to lack of training to professionals and few specialists in these software programs. The requirement for an increase in the skills development budget for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training of employees in companies is apparent. Response to Conference Theme: Increased utilisation and dependency on technology widens the necessity of evolution hence, this paper identifies the magnitude of ICT usage by the built environment-consulting sector. Value of paper: The paper identifies the magnitude in which ICT is utilised within the consulting built environment sector in South Africa.