Small Firms Ideas Exchange

Hello all,
Our firm is contemplating making the move to Revit but of course have some reservations. I have seen the demos that Autodesk has and it looks like the best thing since sliced bread. Just the coordination aspect alone has caught my attention. The question I have is what does a set of CDs look like that has been 100% created with Revit? Do you have complete control over text styles, line weights, etc.? Not to ask too much but would anyone like to offer PDF set of drawings produced exclusively with Revit? It would be greatly appreciated.

I just signed up to be a member of Augi.com. Does anyone have any helpful hints/tips to navigate the site and find "new cool stuff" or simple answers to some issues I've been having?

I started on ArchiCAD in 2000 and used it for 4 years & felt it was superior to AutoCAD in many respects. We modeled the buildings and site and then used various 2D elements (both imported and created)to fleshout details and sections. In '04 I joined another firm that had been using Revit since it's creation and have never looked back. We create everything in REVIT, including schedules and 2D elements, which both of which are some of the greatest tools REVIT has to offer - truly intelligent schedules that are user friendly and the ability to quickly create 3d (and 2d) library components.

REVIT does have it's drawbacks but they are relitivly few compared to the advantages. We work with a couple of companies that use REVIT Structures but most still require an export to a DWG file but this is easy to do, along with importing base DWG files back into REVIT.

M Mermel, you have made some good points. Currently, only the structural engineering consultant that I work with is using Revit Structure; all of the MEP consultants that I use are still using AutoCAD-based products. It has been a little more work on my part to export the Revit backgrounds and then clean them up so that they can use them but it has not been too bad.

I understand Revit MEP still has a ways to come. After all, I just started using Revit Architecture a couple of years ago. Even though it had been out for awhile, I had some of those same reservations and waited for it to mature.
For me I am using Revit by choice and currently do not have any projects where its use is mandated by a client. So as long as I am able to provide a seamless product to my clients I am happy and do not necessarily care at this point how we get there. If the development of Revit Architecture is any indication, then my guess Revit MEP will be there shortly.

I am curious to what others are doing when BIM is required by the client and are all disciplines using a BIM product or is it primarily still just architecture? Also, what are contractors doing that have adopted Revit and are building virtual models to check for interference conflicts and other issues prior to physically constructing the building, are they using all flavors of Revit?

While the Revit Architecture product has been around for perhaps seven to ten years, the Revit MEP is only about three years old. Many architects love Revit once they get the hang of it. They do not realize that they are using a somewhat "mature" product.

Revit MEP is no where as complete or mature a product as Revit Architecture.

My concern is, when the architects ask the engineers to do a project in Revit, are they aware of what Revit MEP cannot do?

Also, how do architects feel about projects containing both AutoCAD and Revit drawings? My understanding is that no one can really get everything (all details, schedules, etc.) done in the Revit format.

Don't get me wrong. I'm in favor of full blown BIM projects, I just think the hype about Revit and most of the other products has everyone thinking we can do magic. Unfortunately, it's just an advertising illusion.

When I started in architecture everything was drawn by hand, then a mixture of hand and CAD
while the programs matured, and then all CAD. After twenty years of working with AutoCAD, AutoCAD w/ SoftDesk’s Auto Architect (the precursor to Architectural Desktop), Architectural Dektop (ADT) and AutoCAD Architecture (ACA), and a few other programs that have disappeared or should disappear, I started using Revit about two years ago. For me, it has has been a breath of fresh air and a joy to work with. Having one program that allows me to create and explore my designs from concept through the creation of construction documents has been great. Finally we are starting to see the benefits that computer-aided design promised years ago.

We use ArchiCAD and love it. It took about 3 weeks to get up to speed for CDs. Then you can "play" with it, depending on what more you want to do with it. The schematic and DD drawings go much quicker; you will be surprised!

I tried Vectorworks a few years ago but it wasn't powerful enough. I haven't used Revit, but i support anything that brings the architecture field out of 2D and into 3D where we belong!

Hey David, thx for the response. Kudos to you for stepping into it! I'm glad to hear that it's working well for you - and I like your challenge. I've got a user manual for building 2008... have yet to load 2009 update and get a new manual... I always wonder if the updates are worth it or not? What's your take? Also, are you willing to offer some "hints" to our community? Thx, Lisa.

I purchased Revit subscription in 2003 and now use it exclusively for all types of projects, including a recent repair project for a city-owned parking garage. I created the 3D model from incomplete original construction drawings, including the precast double tees available in the program.

What may surpise you is that I am 66 years old and, because of Revit, don't want to quit practicing! Yes, the learning curve is what most architects object to, but I love the fact that I can run a small office and complete projects easily, doing the whole project myself! The younger set should have no excuse for learning the new technology if an old man like me can master it.

By the way, there is a User Manual and I have one already for Revit 2009.

The best way to "work through" problems is to join AUGI or team up with someone who has been using the program longer than you have.

Hey I saw a review from convention by a third-party modeling site that refers to the Big Three of BIM. By which they mean Revit, ArchiCAD, and Vectorworks. I was amazed at the amount of trash talking of others' products that was taking place on the expo floor. What I can see is that Vectorworks is the least expensive but you give up collision detection. Their customizable reporting is cool in that it works but clunky to set up. I like that you can do 3D models and 2D details in the same document. I still haven't found something to set ArchiCAD apart. I guess it must be the middle ground. Not the least expensive and not the most powerful. What do y'all think?