Revit Architecture & MEP as a Team

So we have just finished our bid/permit set for the project utilizing Revit Architecture and Revit MEP. While it has shown me that it has a lot of potential, it will have to be developed over more projects. This was the first project completed by this MEP/FP engineer in Revit MEP so they had to crib in a lot of typical details from AutoCAD in order to get the drawings done on time. Also, due to Revit crashes they had to finish the fire protection drawings in AutoCAD.

We plan to have a meeting in the next weeks to evaluate the process and I will share the information that we compile so that others may work more effectively. This is also very important since we received approval to proceed with two new buildings on the same site. We are going to push this project forward utilizing complete use of Revit Architecture, MEP, and Structure. Each of the consultants are on board so hopefully we can weed out some of the issues and have a very successful project.

No change in programs can ever go perfect so I will try to weed out the comments that are due to learning and those that are due to how we work together. More to come soon so check back often. I will also post the 3D renderings once they are done. The facade work as shown below includes brick, EIFS (stucco), metal panel and curtainwall system.

JELD-WEN "Stands Out"

I recieved an email today in response to a previous post on manufacturer content from JELD-WEN. The subject of this email was "Most extensive 3D window drawings available online for designers". This is definately true and is making JELD-WEN stand out in the window market for Architects who use Revit. They have set the bar high for other window manufactuers and you will know why when you look at this link.

www.parametrx.com/912/templates/index.asp

You can configure any custom type of window and/or door from JELD-WEN. After configuing the unit you then get a link to download the unit you configured. The configuration options include: Size, finish, operation, and more. The doors come with the hinges and handles on the family. It is amazing to use and I commend JELD-WEN for creating an exceptional tool.

Area Plans

Area Plans can serve a great purpose to contractors who are bidding a project. It also helps to define the exact scope of work to be completed so that you have a more even comparison between bidders. We always include area plans and a schedule, as you can see below, on the cover of our pricing and construction drawings. There are a lot of variance on the cost of a project including addition vs. renovation and finished vs. unfinished spaces. A simple diagram helps the client, contractor, and subs to quickly see the scope of work and the intention of the project.

How to Show Millwork?

What is the best way to show millwork on a construction set?

One of the tasks at Colin Smith Architecture that we have struggled with in Revit is how to create millwork legends. Our goal is to make each set of construction documents that we produce better than the one before it. Millwork is a place that we are trying to improve. Sometimes you want to show a section of millwork but have trouble navigating through all the elements in the floor plan to show a good view. Below is an image of an example that we have created that we are integrating into all new projects. We use this to create and show traditional paneling, benches (Mudroom), beadboard paneling, wall base, crown molding, chairrail, and window & door casings.
In this case, by creating an axon of the millwork (or Architectural Woodwork depending on your nomenclature) we can show how this wall paneling should be constructed including both inside and outside corners. We can also create detail sections both vertically and horizontally through the modeled wall. So that this does not schedule in your project or is an anoyance in your plans, we have created a "Administrative" phase that is after the "New Construction" or "Complete" Phase. We use the Administrative phase to create elements that we want shown on the construction set but that do not scheduled for the construction work. We then created wall sweeps and integrated details thin those sweeps to create the wall paneling and other millwork items. We downloaded the autocad profiles from a local company around us (Andersen & McQuaid) and convert the autocad linework into profiles that we can use as wall sweeps.

Got It!

The reason I started this blog was to descibe our experience of working with consultants who use Revit Structure and Revit MEP. While I have not been able to do that to date, all is about to change. Today we recieved a signed contract for converting a 37,000 GSF warehouse into retail space. While the owner already has a structural consultant on board who did not use Revit Structure on the project, we have a MEP consultant who is willing to use Revit MEP. This will be their second project that they have started in Revit MEP. My goal is to share as much as possible (the good and the bad) about the coordination, file transfers, and workflow.

This is a really exciting development in the way that we work within our office. Not only will things be more coordinated but it will be really interesting to see it all in 3D. Isn't it amazing it has taken this long to get to this point. You would think that since we design 3 dimensional structures that we would have moved away from 2D drawings a long time ago. I look forward to sharing and would like some feedback from anyone else who has tried this.