Craft CMS versus Architect CMS

When choosing a CMS, the discussion quickly turns to features. Which system has the smoothest backend? The most user-friendly editor? What about AI integration?

For organisations whose websites do more than publish content, handling things like ticket sales, timetables, event calendars or internal workflows, there is a more important question to ask: does the platform adapt to the way your organisation works, or does your organisation have to adapt to the platform?

Craft CMS and Architect CMS, our own platform, approach this question in fundamentally different ways. In this article, we explore the key differences.

What is Craft CMS?

Craft CMS is a popular and flexible content management system developed by Pixel & Tonic. It is known for its content-driven approach. Rather than forcing content into predefined page types, you define how your content is structured yourself. This is known as content modelling. Developers can build the front end using templates or work independently of the front end through an API connection.

Craft can be self-hosted, with a licence for each project. The Solo edition is free for a single user. Team and Pro require a one-off payment, followed by an annual fee for updates. If you prefer not to manage hosting yourself, you can also run Craft on Craft Cloud, Pixel & Tonic’s own hosting service, which includes the licence.

What is Architect CMS? 

Architect is the CMS developed in-house by Inventis. It is specifically designed for organisations whose websites play an active role in their day-to-day operations. Think of managing programmes, timetables, concerts, inventory, promotions, ticketing or internal workflows.

Where a standard CMS starts to reach its limits when dealing with these requirements, Architect takes the opposite approach. Rather than forcing an organisation to adapt to a predefined structure, the platform is modelled around how that organisation actually operates.

Architect is built on proven open-source technologies, including Symfony and Sylius for e-commerce. These are not off-the-shelf packages, but robust building blocks that we use to create a tailored platform. Upon delivery, the client takes full ownership of Architect, including the source code, database and integrations. Inventis remains involved as an implementation and development partner, not as the owner of the platform.

The key differences between Craft CMS and Architect CMS

Content modelling vs. operational structure

Craft excels at flexible content modelling. You can build virtually any page structure you need without having to modify the underlying code. This makes it an excellent choice for content-heavy websites, such as magazines, marketing websites and portfolios.

Architect goes beyond content alone. The platform models not only how content is displayed, but also how an organisation operates. It defines how events, products, members and workflows relate to one another. For a content-driven website, you may not notice the difference. For an organisation with multiple operational processes, you certainly will.

Integrations: plugin ecosystem vs. built-in from the start

Craft offers an extensive ecosystem of plugins and connectors. Integrations can be added later, depending on the project’s requirements.

With Architect, integrations with CRM and ERP systems, ticketing platforms and payment systems are designed into the platform from the outset, rather than added afterwards. Already know that you need to connect with systems such as Teamleader, Mollie, UiTdatabank or a ticketing platform? That means designing an architecture that accounts for those integrations from day one.

Licensing vs. full ownership

Craft operates on a licensing model. You pay a one-off fee per project or subscribe through Craft Cloud, with an annual fee for updates. This is a clear and predictable model, with Pixel & Tonic responsible for owning and maintaining the core software.

Architect has no licence fee. Upon delivery, you receive full ownership of the source code, database and integrations. Inventis acts as a development partner, not a software vendor. There is no annual licence invoice: the cost lies in the development process, not in a licence.

Which platform is the better choice for your organisation?

Craft CMS is an excellent choice for organisations looking for a flexible, content-driven platform. It offers a mature ecosystem and a predictable licensing model, without requiring extensive operational complexity.

Architect is designed for organisations whose websites are closely intertwined with their day-to-day operations. This includes cultural venues managing ticketing and event programmes, healthcare providers handling patient information and appointment scheduling, businesses managing product catalogues and points of sale, and public authorities with large, structured content ecosystems.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution

Craft CMS and Architect CMS are not direct competitors in every situation. They are designed to solve different types of problems.

A content website without operational complexity has little to gain from a platform built around business processes. Conversely, an organisation with multiple interconnected processes will sooner or later encounter the limitations of a generic CMS, regardless of how flexible its content modelling may be.