Sunday, January 13, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
FMDesktop Blog
For all those FMDesktop users hungry for additional learning or information resources, you will be glad to know that there is a Blog dedicated to FMDesktop. As a casual FMDesktop user, I will be honest and say that this Blog by no means satisfies my thirst for information, but it is a start.
So, if you are a FMDesktop user or investigating the product, then take a minute to view "FMDesktop & Beyond!" by Shaun Bryant
So, if you are a FMDesktop user or investigating the product, then take a minute to view "FMDesktop & Beyond!" by Shaun Bryant
Local Files - By Steve Stafford
For those not familiar with Steve Stafford he is definitely one of the Revit rock stars and he has a very informative Blog called Revit OpEd which I am sure most of you are aware of.
One of Steve's recent postings was on "Local Files - How, How Often and Where?" is a really good document worth adding to your personal or firms documentation.
The firm I work for follows are very similar process that Steve outlines though we have a few twists on his guidelines.
I also recommend bookmarking Steve's Blog, he provides some really good information.
One of Steve's recent postings was on "Local Files - How, How Often and Where?" is a really good document worth adding to your personal or firms documentation.
The firm I work for follows are very similar process that Steve outlines though we have a few twists on his guidelines.
I also recommend bookmarking Steve's Blog, he provides some really good information.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Best Practices for Content Creation and Management - Part 1
Before we get into this, I want to make sure I give credit to Daniel Hurtubise of Revit It! and Katherine Meeder, BIM Specialist at HNTB Architecture for all their work in putting together this document.
What is a Family?
A Revit Family is the most basic building block or component in a Revit Architecture model. Families are reusable and can be transferred from project to project. You can use System Families from existing Revit projects or templates by using the File > Transfer Project Standards. Component Families can be loaded from family libraries using the File > Load from Library > Load Family.
Families can be either 2D or 3D. Families are easily swappable as the project progresses from schematic design quality into the construction document phase. Properly created Revit families can minimize the size of the BIM model file while providing a high level of detail that can be viewed in the schedules, tags and labels.
Revit uses 4 types of families:
Systems Families (walls, text, ceilings, etc.)
Component Families (doors, windows, plumbing fixture, equipment, furniture, etc.)
Mixed-Use Families (grids, levels and stairs)
In-Place Families (Families that are created within the context of the project. The family exists only in the project and cannot be loaded into other projects easily) They have limited categories. They add a lot of geometry.
Where to Start?
Planning
Before creating a family in Revit, users should consider the following questions regarding their intended use of a family. A properly created family can provide a wealth of data and graphical benefits with minimal impact on performance, but it all starts with planning.
1. Sketch the Family’s end result.
This helps you gather your thoughts and every view and level of detail that you will require.
2. Does this family require a host (or does it attach to another object)?
Is this family typically attached to another design element - a wall, or maybe a ceiling? Possibly it is a roof mounted mechanical unit or skylight. How this family is hosted (or what it does or does not attach to) will determine which template file should be used to start the family. If it is hosted, is it face based?
What is a Family?
A Revit Family is the most basic building block or component in a Revit Architecture model. Families are reusable and can be transferred from project to project. You can use System Families from existing Revit projects or templates by using the File > Transfer Project Standards. Component Families can be loaded from family libraries using the File > Load from Library > Load Family.
Families can be either 2D or 3D. Families are easily swappable as the project progresses from schematic design quality into the construction document phase. Properly created Revit families can minimize the size of the BIM model file while providing a high level of detail that can be viewed in the schedules, tags and labels.
Revit uses 4 types of families:
Systems Families (walls, text, ceilings, etc.)
Component Families (doors, windows, plumbing fixture, equipment, furniture, etc.)
Mixed-Use Families (grids, levels and stairs)
In-Place Families (Families that are created within the context of the project. The family exists only in the project and cannot be loaded into other projects easily) They have limited categories. They add a lot of geometry.
Where to Start?
Planning
Before creating a family in Revit, users should consider the following questions regarding their intended use of a family. A properly created family can provide a wealth of data and graphical benefits with minimal impact on performance, but it all starts with planning.
1. Sketch the Family’s end result.
This helps you gather your thoughts and every view and level of detail that you will require.
2. Does this family require a host (or does it attach to another object)?
Is this family typically attached to another design element - a wall, or maybe a ceiling? Possibly it is a roof mounted mechanical unit or skylight. How this family is hosted (or what it does or does not attach to) will determine which template file should be used to start the family. If it is hosted, is it face based?
Building Performance Analysis Tools
Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd (IES) offers a number of building performance analysis tools that have been integrated with Revit. IES’s plugin for Revit Architecture 2008 is a free Plugin that provides the linkage between Revit Architecture and both the IES Sustainability Toolkits and the IES
Sustainability Toolkit Features:
You can download the free trial at http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Job Postings
If you are a BIM or CADD users, then you want to bookmark Steve Stafford's Revit Jobs blog.
If you are looking for a position in Kansas City and want to work for a great firm (I have never worked there, but I have friends there), then check out 360 Architecture.
BIM Facilitator - 360 ARCHITECTURE
BIM Facilitator
360 ARCHITECTURE is a design-centered, client-focused and solution-oriented firm providing full-scope services to corporate, institutional and public sector clients, and private individuals across the United States. We’ve developed integrated expertise in strategic planning, architecture, interiors and graphics to deliver the best overall solutions to our clients and community. We are creative, business-minded professionals devoted to superior project design and delivery.
At THREESIXTY ARCHITECTURE, our ability to deliver excellence in design is based on our ability to attract and retain creative people committed to quality design, innovation and professional growth within a collaborative team environment.
We are committed to the promotion and implementation of BIM as a means to further design, sustainability and project efficiency. With over five years of Revit project experience, 360 has completed more than a dozen projects totaling approximately 2 million sf, in commercial, sports, interiors and institutional projects.
We are looking for a BIM Facilitator to continue the advancement of Revit, and other software applications, within our practice. Architectural professionals who are experienced in managing large, multiphase, complex projects in Revit are of particular interest.
Responsibilities will include:
Revit support and trouble-shooting for project teams.
Project template development, maintenance and content creation.
Research of current and developing software applications.
Liaison with contractors/consultants.
Participate and promote at a local and national level the advancement of BIM initiatives.
Develop and coordinate training strategies.
Familiarity with other software applications such as sketch-up and 3D Studio would be an advantage.
This position will not be responsible for purchasing and installation of software, workstation support or network maintenance. Successful candidates will possess an architectural degree and a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated Revit experience on large-scale project types. Interested in joining our team? Check out our WEBSITE at Please contact us and/or send resume to: hroffice at 360architects dot com
THREESIXTY ARCHITECTURE provides a professional, creative, and supportive team environment. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Monday, January 7, 2008
HNTB Architecture is Looking for YOU!
HNTB Architecture is looking for you
BIM Specialist - HNTB Architecture - DC
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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