Parametric tools have recently increased in eminence in
architectural practice with several claims made about their potential as a creative design iteration tool to enhance design decision making and problem solving. This paper carried out a survey of two types of architectural practices: one that predominantly uses non-parametric CAD tools and another that primarily employs parametric CAD. The results from the survey were analysed statistically. The findings show that parametric tools did not help conceptual work at the early design stage. Also there was very little difference between
both tools regarding their potential in dealing with complex geometry. However parametric tools were found to enhance creative decision making more than non-parametric tools. Their benefits for structural and environmental optimisation, fabrication, articulation of facade patterns and the creation of design variants were also highlighted.