Revit designers must know how to operate a plotter, the large-format printer used to print their designs.
Early architects and designers relied on meticulous hand-made designs. The introduction of the computer led to the use of two-dimensional (2D) design software such as AutoCAD®. More recently, three-dimensional (3D) modeling software such as Revit® has enabled designers to quickly and easily create 3D drawings of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Depending on their role, a Revit® designer may serve as a draftsman, inputting the designs and ideas of architects and engineers into a computer modeling program. Other Revit® designers create their own designs, which may be related to architecture, engineering, interior design, or manufacturing.
A Revit® designer who works primarily as a draftsman works under the guidance of more qualified design professionals. He works closely with engineers and architects to understand their plans for buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. Based on the information provided by these professionals, the Revit® designer creates 3D drawings on his computer to model the potential design. he then prints these drawings on a large printer called a plotter. He then presents these drawings to the design team for review and approval before making any necessary changes using Revit® software. A Revit® designer working in this capacity may also be employed in manufacturing, where he creates 3D models of new products while they are in the design and research phase.
Some Revit® designers are also qualified engineers or architects in their own right. These professionals meet with commercial building owners or managers to plan new projects or renovations. By writing the project in Revit®, the designer can show the owner what it will look like once it is finished. This type of modeling is useful for maximizing the performance and design of a space, such as in a factory, or simply enhancing the aesthetics of a home to please the owner.
A Revit® designer may also be responsible for more technical modeling projects. For example, building information modeling (BIM) using Revit® and similar software programs is useful for analyzing a building’s energy efficiency and performance. This allows building owners and managers to make decisions regarding heating and cooling upgrades or trading in industrial equipment for more efficient and better performing units. BIM is also useful for estimating the cost of a renovation or new project, as it gives contractors a much more complete picture of the work required than traditional 2D drawings. Designers who do this type of modeling work may be employed by engineering firms or as independent consultants.