Revit is an Autodesk platform for design and documentation that helps Engineers, Architects, and construction professionals create 3D models of infrastructure and buildings. This popular tool allows users to make changes to visualizations, sheets, and plans and have their model updated in real time so all team members have access to the most current revisions.
If you’re an Architect who already knows how to use Revit, you might consider learningArchiCAD, 3Ds Max, or Blender to make you a more well-rounded employee or job applicant.
Each of these popular tools will be discussed below so you have a clear understanding of what skill you want to tackle next.
What is Revit?
Autodesk Revit is popular building information modeling (BIM) software that professionals like Contractors, Engineers, and Architects use to 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 tools for fabrication, cost analysis, and quantity takeoffs.
Read more about what Revit is and why you should learn it.
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What Can You Do with Revit?
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.
ArchiCAD
Those who are already familiar with how to use Revit will usually find it fairly easy to learn ArchiCAD. This computer-aided design (CAD) tool is popular with professionals like Architects for creating urban areas, buildings, and interior spaces. This software relies on BIM to keep track of construction data, create 3D models, coordinate and analyze designs, access libraries containing smart objects, instantaneously connect various elements of construction, and collaborate with others. Those who work with Revit and ArchiCAD find that ArchiCAD’s interface is more intuitive than Revit’s and, therefore, is easier to learn.
ArchiCAD’s workflow is more focused on design than Revit’s, which makes it a good option for those who place greater focus on the creative design aspects of a building design project over advanced management capabilities. ArchiCAD is considered a more effective tool for the initial design phases of a project than Revit because it offers more flexibility in 3D modeling capabilities. However, those who are involved in complex projects that involve clash detection and exact coordination may prefer working with Revit.
3Ds Max
Another tool some individuals choose to learn after Revit is 3Ds Max. Similar to Revit, 3Ds Max is an Autodesk product. It’s primarily used for tasks like creating animations, 3D models, images, and games. This tool has a range of applications in TV and film; it allows users to create complex scenes and detailed characters. It is also popular for creating room-scale and mobile PC virtual reality experiences and video games. Within the field of architecture, 3Ds Max has applications for visualizing detailed architectural designs.
Those interested in studying Autodesk 3Ds Max should keep in mind that it’s not a CAD system. Rather than placing a primary focus on object accuracy in the design phase, 3Ds Max focuses more on lighting, shading, object animation, and material presentation. Whereas Revit is more useful for creating sketches, drawings, and calculations, 3Ds Max can produce an entire virtual world that features sound, characters, and animation.
Blender
Blender is open-source graphics software used by creative professionals and non-professionals to create visual effects and motion graphics, animate films, make art, design, and create 3D-print models. This free cross-platform tool is a great tool for individual use and for those who work in small studios because it provides users with a responsive development process and unified pipeline. This tool assists with motion tracking, compositing, rendering, game creation, modeling, and animation-related tasks.
Blender users can customize their settings to reflect the keyboard shortcuts, colors, and 3D rotation behavior they wish to use. Because Blender is open-source, it’s easy to develop add-ons for this software. Both Revit and Blender are 3D modeling tools. However, Revit is used more for BIM and architectural design tasks that require creating functional, intricate building models. On the other hand, Blender’s versatility makes it useful for tasks like creating visual effects, animations, and artistic designs.
Learn Revit with Hands-on Training at 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.