Q: A few years ago, ONE was said to use Revit for 40% of its projects. Would you say it’s more now?
A: I don’t know the exact number, but we’re way past 40% at this point. I’d estimate we’re at I’d say 85% or better now.
Q: Would you say there are more owners coming to embrace 3D modeling now versus in the past?
A: For the most part, yes. By coming together and developing better team workflows, the consulting side has figured out ways to share data from these building models more efficiently and quickly. There is a point, though, at which owners have to decide if this makes sense for the project. There are upfront costs and time associated with setting up a project in Revit – certain pieces have to be in place for a good, healthy building model to result. You might have a smaller project, for example a bathroom remodel or an entryway remodel; it might not make sense to spend the time for that unless it will be incorporated into the overall model for the building. A large hospital for example – if they needed a small bathroom remodel but they wanted the design of that project incorporated into their whole building's model, it would be a good idea to use Revit.
Q: How has ONE’s project process evolved?
A: We finally afforded ourselves the time to iron out some of the repetitive tasks. We’ve automated some tasks and beefed up our template so that model views will look a certain way. By continually identifying ways to automate tasks, we're able to keep our project deliverables looking consistent and save ourselves valuable time. Back when we first started to utilize Revit, everything had to be created on the fly. Adjusting software settings, creating content, and producing deliverables simultaneously was a tedious and repetitive adventure. Whereas now, we are able to leverage Revit to automate tasks and store settings according to our standards.
Q: Can you talk specifically about what’s changed in terms of our standards in the last few years?
A: At this point, we’re working towards a pretty cool standards manual that will dive into workflow techniques, tips and tricks, and a lot of the standard methods we use to refer to when we utilize Revit. The goal is to include write-ups, screen captures and links to videos.
Q: What impact does the new process have for owners’ projects and their buildings?
A: This means owners are able to realize the evolving design of their building. The parametric engine permits teams to edit floor plans and create detailed 3D views to share with all project stakeholders in ways not seen before; that style of swift turnaround allows the owner to provide the input that satisfies their vision. Having the ability to moderate costly design oversights early, before drawings go out, is another great advantage to the process.
Q: That’s great, and what about new team members coming in? How do they get up to speed with ONE’s process?
A: Currently we have initial training sessions for them – we start them out with the basics of user interface, features, and workflows, move into more advanced methods and workflows as they get more experience. I enjoy training because you get to meet the new people. Right now, we’re working on follow-up training to provide answers as the users get their feet wet. We also have our more experienced team members attend conferences to make sure we stay ahead of the trends. It just goes to show that ONE is not only investing in Revit, but also investing in its people. We’re allowing others to better their own professional needs and wants.
Q: Anything else you’d like to include?
A: Revit is not an acronym for anything.
Q: So it doesn’t need to be in all caps?
A: {laughing} I know it’s kind of petty, but I thought it was worth mentioning. I would also add that no matter where you’re at with BIM, and/or the tools that use it (i.e. Revit), it comes down to communication. Revit is a modeling software, a database, that allows us to communicate within the building model as long as we’re looking for it and we know where to look. But in the end, it really comes down to collaboration – talking – with the people that are around you working on these projects. I think that while a BIM helps communication, it doesn’t replace it.