How Does Learning Revit Compare with Other Skills?

Revit is a commercial building information modeling (BIM) tool used by professionals like Designers, Structural Engineers, Contractors, and Architects to design, edit, and review 3D models of building structures. Revit training helps these individuals monitor all stages of a building project, from conception to completion and remodeling. An important factor that goes into deciding to learn a new skill is researching complementary and related skills. Doing so will help you make more informed decisions about what you want to learn, and it will help you decide whether learning a specific skill is the right decision for you. You will also explore what kind of skills you may want to learn to complement your training later on. Read on to find out more about related Revit training options, such as ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, SketchUp, MicroStation, and BIM integration. 

What is Revit?

Autodesk Revit is a popular BIM software that helps professionals perform a range of essential building-related tasks. This tool can easily and accurately model structures, systems, and shapes in 3D. It also helps users create the structural elements of a building in 3D and then annotate them using 2D drafting tools. Revit users can make instant revisions to plans, visualizations, schedules, sheets, or elevations, which are updated in real-time so that all team members are working with the most current information.

One of the main benefits of using Revit is that it can unite team members working on multidisciplinary projects, leading to better collaborative practices and higher overall efficiency.

This software provides users with tools for annotating, visualizing, sketching, scheduling, and sharing work. Revit offers users tools for integrated analysis and features for uniting multiple file types and datasets, which allows them to create designs with accuracy and confidence. It also has features for fabrication, cost analysis, and quantity takeoffs.

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Read more about what Revit is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Revit Skills?

Revit training has applications for construction projects of all sizes and types. This commercial BIM software helps professionals like Structural Engineers, Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Architects, and Contractors design, edit, review, and share detailed 3D models. Revit users can place building elements like doors, walls, and windows into their drawings, which helps their drawings be precise and exact. It helps generate floor plans, sections, details, and schedules. Before the advent of this BIM software, the design process was much more tedious and time-consuming. 

Revit offers advanced analysis engines and can access performance data. It can also run extremely accurate cost estimates and help professionals monitor a building or project’s performance throughout its lifecycle. This tool’s 3D visualization capabilities can be used to create construction project documentation that features stereo panoramas, 3D views, and cutaways. Those who work with Autodesk’s 3Ds Max software and Revit Interoperability can even view their building in virtual reality.

Revit is a multidisciplinary platform that allows different team members who are involved with a construction project to share their work in real-time. Architects can share the models they create in Revit with Structural Engineers and other team members as they’re updated. This not only significantly expedites the design process but also helps create a more accurate and affordable final product. 

Skills Related to Revit 

While you study Revit, or once you acquire Revit training, you may wonder if there are any skills or tools to learn alongside this software that can help you be a more well-rounded employee or more appealing job candidate. While each learner will differ in terms of the supplemental training or knowledge base they’ll find helpful professionally, the following sections will take a closer look at several software and skills you can consider learning with Revit. Read on to find out more about tools like ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and MicroStation.

ArchiCAD

One of Revit’s main competitors is ArchiCAD. This software provides users with a user-friendly interface and many helpful BIM features. Those who already have experience working with Revit will find it relatively easy to learn ArchiCAD. This computer-aided design (CAD) tool helps professionals like Architects create buildings, urban areas, and interior spaces. It can also design 3D models, keep a record of construction data, coordinate and analyze designs, provide access to libraries that contain smart objects, and instantaneously connect different construction elements.

ArchiCAD’s workflow focuses more on design elements than Revit, which makes it a useful tool for those interested in focusing on a building’s creative design aspects. ArchiCAD users also find this software more effective than Revit for the initial phases of project design because it provides more flexible 3D modeling capabilities. However, individuals who are completing complicated projects that involve exact coordination or clash detection may prefer Revit over ArchiCAD.

AutoCAD

Another software that’s closely related to Revit is AutoCAD. This 2D drafting tool helps users create individual shapes and lines. This differs from Revit, which offers a more concept-based, holistic approach to design in which all elements are designed to be components with unique properties. AutoCAD focuses mostly on 2D drafting rather than 3D modeling. It offers a straightforward interface, which makes it easier for some to learn than Revit (Revit offers more parameters and options). Beginners who are just starting to grasp basic drawing concepts will likely find AutoCAD more accessible than Revit. Revit requires a more comprehensive understanding of data relationships and project workflows than AutoCAD. 

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that provides users with the tools needed to design 3D models of objects like furniture, video game assets, or skyscrapers. It’s a widely used tool in design-related fields like landscape architecture, civil engineering, video game development, film, woodworking, and interior design.

Generally speaking, users find SketchUp fairly easy to learn due in part to its intuitive interface. This software works with basic shapes like 2D lines, rectangles, and polygons to build forms. It also has a vast library of 3D objects for use in projects. One of the main benefits of working with SketchUp is that it’s compatible with a range of file formats and third-party plugins. When compared with Revit due to its direct approach to modeling. It’s a great tool for small projects, including concept modeling and quick design iterations, whereas Revit is better suited for project management and technical design.

MicroStation

MicroStation is another tool some learners may wish to study to supplement their Revit training. This CAD software platform helps users design 2D and 3D drawings. It has rendering, editing, and visualization capabilities and can create deliverables like 3D physical models and PDFs. Similar to Revit, MicroStation offers features for real-time project collaboration with team members. It also allows users to tailor their experience by creating macros and customized cursor menus.

Most learners find MicroStation easier to learn than Revit because of its focus on 2D design and accessible interface. Revit is considered a more complex BIM tool because of its range of features for project management, 3D modeling, and parametric design capabilities. Those who are completing infrastructure projects that mainly feature 2D drawings will typically find MicroStation a better match for their needs than Revit.

Learn Revit Skills with Noble Desktop

VDCI's BIM Certificate program offers comprehensive training in Building Information Modeling through intensive, small-group classes led by industry expert instructors. Students master essential skills through hands-on experience with real-world commercial construction projects, learning everything from 3D modeling in Revit Architecture to creating detailed construction documentation and specializing in MEP or structural design. The program stands out for its practical approach and student-friendly policies, including free course retake options to ensure mastery of the material.

Noble Desktop offers several hands-on classes for those interested in learning how to work with AutoCAD. The AutoCAD Bootcamp provides learners with comprehensive training on basic techniques for drawing and modifying technical drawings, as well as how to use this software to make 2D drawings. During this program, students design and edit a basic drawing to practice with AutoCAD tools. This bootcamp is designed for PC users, though Mac users can attend this program live online.

Noble also has an AutoCAD Masterclass. This rigorous program provides small class instruction and is a great opportunity for learners to acquire in-depth AutoCAD skills. Coursework begins with an introduction to AutoCAD basics, such as how to navigate its interface, create basic drawings, and use core editing commands. Training then progresses into intermediate-level AutoCAD training that focuses on accurate positioning and effective working methods, such as how to use templates, layouts, and styles. In the final portion of this program, learners explore advanced topics like how to work with attributes, dynamic blocks, and tables. Those interested in sitting for the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam can enroll in Noble’s AutoCAD Certification. This rigorous class provides students with a combination of private tutoring and live AutoCAD training. 

All Noble courses are taught by expert instructors and include a free retake option for up to one year. Students can complete their training live online or attend classes in New York City.