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Often the best way to express a design is by means of a visual model. There's quite some modeling languages around, to name just a few: Archimate, UML, BPMN, EPC, IDEF, Use case maps, E3value. The complexity of the average language (an important improvement area) forces the architect to look for a tool to support his modeling effort. Architects who don't like the concept of being restricted to a single language and / or tool (a good habit I believe) will not likely invest in expensive tools. Up till recently there were only two options for the architect: either accept the fact and spend money on multiple tools or divert to a combination of already paid for Office tools (e.g. MS Powerpoint and/or Visio) and pencil sketches (another good habit I would say). But recently the number of free to use tools is growing rapidly. Below a few interesting examples:
BPMN: Intialio designer, TIBCO Business Studio, Savvion process modeler
UML: ArgoUML, StarUML
E3value: e3value editor
Use case maps: UCM navigator
The content presented in this editorial reflects the personal opinion of the author. Copyright notice: This publication is based on the principle of open content Erik Vermeulen is director of Stichting Digital Architecture and member of the Via Nova Architectura editorial board. He is executive business consultant at Atos Consulting. 
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