Showing posts with label HNTB Architecture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HNTB Architecture. Show all posts

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 (Paperback) Review

With each release of Revit, more and more publishers are starting to print Revit Architecture books. Finding the correct book that meets your needs can be difficult, especially if you are ordering online and don't have an opportunity to skim through. And to be perfectly honest, one book may not meet all your needs.

I teach Revit Architecture at the community college level and choosing either a textbook or supplemental text is pretty important. I don't want my students spending money on something they won't use when the class is over, so I have chosen not to use a textbook. Instead, I encourage my students to buy a supplemental text that will help them during the class and on the job.

For that reason and several other, I recommend the "Mastering Revit Architecture" series and the Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 title is now available. Having read and used previous version of the Mastering Revit Architecture series in the classroom and at work, I have come to expect very high standards from the latest title "Mastering Revit Architecture 2010". I am pleased to report I was not disappointed. In short, the book is well organized and the material is presented in a manner that it can be used as an easy-to-follow tutorial or as an in-depth and knowledgeable reference. Each of the 20 chapters takes you through the subject matter from the basics to the more advanced features.

Why is this book different? I think what sets this book apart is the authors. You have your Autodesk insiders who are working for the company and know how each individual tool is intended to work. But you also have a practicing Architect as part of the writing team, Eddy Krygiel.

Eddy has worked on large complex projects like the IRS Center in Kansas City to much smaller projects like the renovation of his home (send me model pic to post Eddy). So what does that mean. Well, we have all seen the Autodesk demos of Revit. Sometimes the workflow makes sense and well, sometimes it does not. Sometimes Autodesk intends a tool to be used in a particular manner but in the real production world it gets used differently. That's what Eddy brings to the table. He helps you understand and learn the tools the way an Architect will use them. Not the way a programmer thinks you will use them. And he knows this because he is actually working on projects from pursuit to commissioning. He's not a consultant who may touch a project briefly or a application developer.

If you want a book that is going to teach you about the buttons on the ribbon, then find the cheapest one. If you want a book that is going to teach you how to properly use the tool so that you are successful with BIM, then I think you would be very happy with "Mastering Revit Architecture 2010" series.


Monday, April 13, 2009

Introduction to the Revit 2010 Platform Seminar

**** UPDATE ****

WOO WHOO!! Are you as excited upcoming 2010 Platform Seminar with Scott Davis as Mira is? If so, we look forward to seeing you and please RSVP with Stephanie Murrell at cad@seilerinst.com so we can get an accurate count for lunch.

If you you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP with Stephanie at:

RSVP asap please to:
Contact: Stephanie Murrell
Phone: 816-518-1220 or
Call Toll free: 888-263-8918
Email: cad@seilerinst.com

If you have questions or comments, please contact Mirabela Ticu at 816-527-2438

You can also register as a member of the user group on our KCRevit Google Groups page.

---------------

Hey, you interested in learning about the changes to the Revit 2010 Platform? Want to know about all the new Features? What to complain about a new Feature? Want to see Phil Read wear a tie? Then you will want to attend the next meeting of the Kansas City Revit User Group. Scott Davis of Autodesk will be presenting an Introduction to the Revit 2010 Platform on April 17th from 11:30 to 1:30pm at HNTB (715 Kirk Dr, Kansas City, MO 64105).

Topics to be covered are new features for the Revit 2010 product line. Including Architecture, MEP and Structure. Inside these disciplines he will focus on the major development themes which were; User Interface, Modeling & Analysis, Performance & Operability and Conceptual Design.

We want to thank Stephanie at Seiler Instrument for sponsoring this event and providing lunch to all attendees. If your not familiar with Seiler Instruments, they are an Authorized Autodesk Reseller serving the Midwest. Stephanie will be in attendance so please make sure that you stop by and introduce yourself.

Keep watching the site and we will have more details to come.

For those that have not seen Phil in a tie, here is a pic.

























Chances are though, you won't see Phil wearing a tie though. With the upcoming release of the Revit 2010 products, he is wearing his Revit Implementation suit. See below.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

HNTB and Solibri

Press Release


HNTB Architecture Inc. extends BIM capabilities by executing a firm-wide implementation of Solibri Model Checker v5.

Las Vegas, NV, December 3, 2008 - HNTB Architecture Inc. has selected the Solibri Model Checker v5 technology as part of its corporate initiative to advance the practice of BIM. “We are committed to BIM and are always exploring ways to improve the consistency and quality of our processes. Using the Solibri Model Checker will allow us to establish an internal BIM quality assurance program, where we can dramatically extend our model analysis capabilities, throughout the organization”, said Phil Read, VP and Director of Technology at HNTB Architecture.

Jonathan Widney, CEO of Solibri LLC (the US HQ of Solibri) stated, “HNTB Architecture is regarded as a leader in BIM and Solibri is a company that is totally dedicated to improving the quality of BIM analysis. This will allow us to work together to advance the BIM process and practices. We will continue to provide market leading BIM solutions, incorporating the needs and enhancement requests of valued customers like HNTB.”

For Solibri

Solibri, Inc. was established in 1999 to develop and market solutions that improve the quality of Building Information Modeling and make the entire design process more productive. Solibri is well recognized as the pioneer in providing out of the box software that automates the BIM Model Checking, Design Review, Analysis, and Code Checking process. Solibri’s customers include building owners and users, construction companies, architects and engineering firms.
For more information about Solibri, please visit www.solibri.com.

For HNTB Architecture Inc.
HNTB Architecture Inc. serves aviation, private, education, federal and local government clients across the nation. The employee-owned firm's design professionals provide comprehensive architecture services ranging from planning to design to construction services.
For more information about HNTB Architecture Inc., visit www.hntbarchitecture.com.

Monday, November 17, 2008

AU 2008 - HNTB Sessions

Another class that HNTB Architecture was asked to present (two weeks ago I believe) is:

AB314-3 Custom Stairs and Railings in Revit Architecture

In this session, students will learn how to create families for posts, balusters, panels, railings, and stair nosing. Focusing on design for high-end commercial and residential projects, this class will dive directly into the use of the Family Editor to physically build the components needed. Once the families are established, the class will move to Assembly in the project to expose the difficulties designers face. The commercial portion of the class will cover extruded steel with glass panels; the residential portion will cover custom handrails and raised panels. You’ll also learn how to design winding and spiral staircases, as well as how to create custom materials with wood hatching that you can apply to the stair components to give the stairs and railings your personal touch.

Since we did not originally propose this class, Phil Read, Todd Williams and I have taken a little creative liberty to change the ciriculum a little. We will be focusing on:

Introduction

UI / Understanding the Dialog Boxes (what they do)
Images and Notes
General Best Practices
Maintain Detail Level
Start Generic>Move to Specific
Copy Paste
Stair / Railing Template
Leverage Other Projects

Conventional Custom Stairs with the Stair Tool
Core Functionality
UI / Dialog Boxes
Best Practices
Tips / Tricks
Conventional Examples

Unconventional Custom Stairs without the Stair Tool
Specialty Equipment / Casework
Pros: Very Detailed / Control / Kit of Parts
Cons: Scheduling / Graphic Standards

Conventional Custom Railings
Core Functionality
UI / Dialog Boxes
Best Practices
Tips / Tricks
Conventional Examples

Unconventional Custom Railings
Advantages / Disadvantages
Repetitive Elements: Planting / Outdoor Lighting / Train Tracks?
Pros:
Cons:
Curtain Wall Tool
Pros: Contain Space / Baluster Unlock and Move
Cons: Scheduling
Unconventional Examples

Best Practices
Examples

Conclusion

So, if you have any have any comments or suggestions, please let me know.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

In case you haven't started reading it, Phil Read formerly of Autodesk Consulting has joined HNTB Architecture and started started a Arch | Tech blog. His latest post is on the weakness of the current Revit Warnings system.


I used to be one of those users that didn't concentrate too much on warnings, until I started working with Daniel Hurtubise. It took Daniel all of a half hour to show me the importance of addressing warnings immediately. Yes, I know that is not always possible, but it is a good practice. (If you are a non-believer, send Daniel an email and I am sure he will provide you with a demo).


Since then I have been working with Phil and Autodesk Consulting (and yes they still have some assume talent there) on addressing warnings. While we have been documenting many warnings to provide the user with greater insight on how to correct them, the ability to access and track warnings has been lacking.

When Phil joined HNTB, one of the topics I was hoping would be addressed is the issue of accessing and tracking warnings and during the recent AIA Large Firm Roundtable BIM Implementors meeting, Phil let one of the Revit Architecture product managers aware of his thoughts about how the warning system could be improved ad what would happen if this didn't get done. So, I thought I would include the text from his blog.

One final note, Autodesk is monitoring his blog, so if you have a comment to make about the warning system, by all means comment.

Dear Anthony,

The cultural challenge with Warnings in Revit is the present lack of accountability. Users are smart enough to know there's something amiss in the file. But they have no idea where to point (or give) the finger. Or fingers.

Warnings also provide some indication as to the learning and experience level of members on a team. Warnings indicate when users have decided to work in a way that is expedient rather than deliberate. Reviewing Warnings allow people to learn from their own mistakes. Or better yet - they allow people to learn from another team member's mistake. ;)

Unfortunately, many users and teams tend to put off reviewing / resolving Warnings as there's no sense of ownership. This makes project management really difficult. By the time you need to review warnings - it's often too late. And who should fix what?

So I'd propose the following stuff with regard to Warnings:

1. Warnings should be maintained in a regular Revit Schedule. Stop hiding them in a dialog at the bottom of a Tools Menu.

2. Project Managers would like to know the Workset Username responsible for generating the Warning. This would allow Warnings to be scheduled per user name - which would impose a sense of accountability in the Revit database.

3. Original date / time stamp helps the team track the frequency of Warnings against project development.

4. Like any other Schedule in Revit , the ability to jump from line item / to context of project location.

5. Some indication of severity (for ranking purposes). All warnings are not created equal.

6. Counts / Totals / Types of Warnings. Now the project manager knows who (typically) on a team is responsible for the bulk of Warnings so they can remedy the situation, and prevent its recurrence.

Overall, this added functionality compels team members to preemptively fix what they have broken. Project Managers can quickly get a sense project dynamics. And the rest of the team isn't penalized with one or two team member's lack of discipline.

Monday, January 7, 2008

HNTB Architecture is Looking for YOU!

HNTB Architecture is looking for you

BIM Specialist - HNTB Architecture - DC


Job Summary

Intermediate proficiency level and expertise with BIM (Revit Architecture). This position level may include supervisory responsibilities. Work duties may be narrowly focuses or diverse. Examples of focus may include areas such as CADD management, 3D specialist, BIM Specialist and other areas of specialization. Will be knowledgeable in methods, techniques, and practices of the appropriate specialty. Will help establish, guide and direct BIM systems and processes. Provide leadership and vision to the firm in the area of CADD and BIM.


Essential Functions

Responsibility for planning and implementation of BIM firm wide. Overseeing, developing and organizing support and training materials for CADD and BIM applications. BIM contact for local Arch Inc offices. Develop and foster relationships with sub-consultants, and user groups. Participate in the development of CADD and BIM standards. Conduct project related model reviews.


Responsibilities


Software Support

Provide production BIM support

Troubleshoot problems

Finding workarounds

Fixing problems

Working with software vendors and consultants

Supply technical support for all BIM software

Demonstrate BIM tools and routines to insure understanding

Provide training to BIM users


Project Support

Coordinate the Project Setup (aka SWAT) Team

Project Setup

Project file loading

Defining project CADD workflow

Interact on project standards coordination with clients

Review incoming CADD files for use on projects (if no project CADD coord)

Obtain any special fonts, plot or color styles

Assist in Publish, PDF or DWF support

Develop, implement and enforce project (& firm) BIM standards

Assist users in understanding the existing standards

Gather comments in existing BIM standards for review

Review BIM files for compliance with standards

Setup project files prior to Project Setup Team startup

Conduct Project related BIM reviews

Perform random scan of BIM files for problems

Perform scan of BIM files for problems as requested

Perform model reviews


Contact Pat Davis via email: pdavis at hntb dot com


The HNTB Companies

Engineers Architects Planners


With more than 93 years of profitable growth, HNTB is one of the most prominent engineering, architecture and planning firms in the nation. Employee-owned, with more than 3,400 employees and 62 offices nationwide, HNTB serves clients in the transportation, architecture and federal markets with integrity, technical excellence and a commitment to performance providing quality work, on time, on budget and to the client's satisfaction. At HNTB, we're committed to making success happen for our clients, our employees and our firm.




Regional BIM Manager - HNTB Architecture - DC


Job Summary

Senior proficiency level and expertise with BIM (Revit Architecture). This position level may include supervisory responsibilities. Work duties may be narrowly focuses or diverse. Examples of focus may include areas such as CADD management, 3D specialist, BIM Specialist and other areas of specialization. Will be knowledgeable in methods, techniques, and practices of the appropriate specialty. Will help establish, guide and direct BIM systems and processes. Provide leadership and vision to the firm in the area of CADD and BIM.


Essential Functions

Responsibility for planning and implementation of BIM firm wide. Overseeing, developing and organizing support and training materials for CADD and BIM applications. Monitor performance of subordinates, if any. Interface with CBS for firm wide support as needed. Firm wide BIM contact for all Arch Inc offices. Develop and foster relationships with sub-consultants, and user groups. Participate in the development of CADD and BIM standards. Oversight of the BIM Process. Assisting and coordinating with Office Leaders and PMs on selection of BIM software for individual projects. Conduct project related model reviews.


Responsibilities


Firm-Wide Support

Organize the BIM environment

Develop, implement and enforce BIM Standards

Provide training and supervision of in-house BIM users

Provide leadership and vision to the firm in the area of BIM

Software Support

Provide production BIM support

Troubleshoot for, find, fix or report problems

Working with software vendors and consultants

Supply technical support for all BIM software

Demonstrate BIM tools and routines to insure understanding

Provide training to BIM users


Project Support

Coordinate the Project Setup (aka SWAT) Team

Project Setup

Project file loading

Defining project CADD workflow

Interact on project standards coordination with clients

Review incoming CADD files for use on projects (if no project CADD coord)

Obtain any special fonts, plot or color styles

Assist in Publish, PDF or DWF support

Develop, implement and enforce project (& firm) BIM standards

Assist users in understanding the existing standards

Gather comments in existing BIM standards for review

Review BIM files for compliance with standards

Setup project files prior to Project Setup Team startup

Conduct Project related BIM reviews

Perform random scan of BIM files for problems

Perform scan of BIM files for problems as requested

Perform model reviews


Contact Pat Davis via email: pdavis at hntb dot com


The HNTB Companies

Engineers Architects Planners


With more than 93 years of profitable growth, HNTB is one of the most prominent engineering, architecture and planning firms in the nation. Employee-owned, with more than 3,400 employees and 62 offices nationwide, HNTB serves clients in the transportation, architecture and federal markets with integrity, technical excellence and a commitment to performance providing quality work, on time, on budget and to the client's satisfaction. At HNTB, we're committed to making success happen for our clients, our employees and our firm.


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