Autodesk Revit is a widely used building information modeling (BIM) software that helps Architects, Engineers, and Contractors prepare for building-related tasks. It was initially developed by Charles River Software in 1997. Revit, which is short for "revise instantly, " was created to assist with architecture design. In 2002, Autodesk acquired Revit, and with this acquisition came advancements in the software. These included improvements to its collaboration features, functionality, and performance. In the time since, Revit has remained a staple tool due to its ability to create accurate models of systems, shapes, and structures. This software also allows users to annotate their 3D structural designs with 2D drafting tools. Those who work with Revit use it to make instant, real-time revisions to sheets, elevations, schedules, sheets, or plans, which are shared in real-time with all team members involved in a project.
One reason Revit remains an industry standard in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors is its ability to unite team members across multidisciplinary projects, improving collaboration and efficiency. Revit also includes tools for integrated analysis, fabrication, cost estimation, and quantity takeoffs. It is also used to unite various types of datasets and files, ensuring design accuracy.
What Can You Do with Revit Training?
Knowledge of Revit is useful for all sizes and types of construction projects. This BIM software is a go-to for professionals like Designers, Architects, Structural Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers for designing, modifying, reviewing, and sharing the detailed 3D models they create. Revit has features for placing building elements like walls, windows, and doors in drawings, which helps users create precise designs. This software also assists with making floor plans and schedules. Before the advent of this tool, this aspect of the design process was much more involved and tedious.
Revit’s advanced analysis engines are a great resource for accessing performance data. This software also can run accurate cost estimates for projects and help professionals stay on top of a project’s performance at every stage of its lifecycle. This software’s 3D visualization capabilities help users create documentation of their construction projects that includes 3D views, cutaways, and stereo panoramas. Users can also use Revit alongside Autodesk’s 3D Max software if they want to visualize their building or structure using virtual reality.
Because Revit is a multidisciplinary platform, all project members can share their work in real-time with one another. This collaborative feature allows Architects to share their Revit models with team members like Structural Engineers each time they’re updated. Doing so can significantly speed up the design process and ensure that the final product is more accurate and affordable.
What Will I Learn in a Revit Class?
If you sign up for a Revit class in Orlando, you may wonder what to expect from training. Each course is unique in terms of its focus, difficulty level, and scope. However, there are some core Revit skills and features you’re likely to encounter during training. Keep reading to learn how Revit is used for tasks like 3D modeling, project documentation, project management, streamlining workflows, and collaboration.
3D Modeling
One of Revit’s core features is its 3D modeling capabilities. In coursework, students learn how to work with this software to create detailed 3D BIM models of structures and buildings. This helps with tasks like visualizing and analyzing project elements such as walls, floors, ceilings, doors, MEP systems, and windows. Revit can even keep a record of essential elements like cost, project size, and materials, assisting with project coordination and clash detection.
Project Documentation
Revit coursework also prepares students to document the work they complete on construction projects. This knowledge is useful for creating 3D models that include detailed information about all design elements. Revit users can automatically generate 3D drawings that include elements like floor plans, sections, and elevators or work with this software to make schedules based directly on a model. This software’s features improve documentation consistency and greatly reduce the need for users to manually redraw their designs.
Project Management
In addition to learning how to document projects, students who attend Revit classes are also taught how to manage them. Revit is a popular tool for project management because it allows users to create 3D-integrated models for use across disciplines. In Revit classes, students learn how to perform tasks like automatically generate schedules, coordinate designs, perform clash detection, and document their progress. This software also has features for integrating time and cost data, which helps professionals like Project managers make schedules and cost estimates. These tasks are essential for ensuring a project progresses on schedule and on budget and that potential design or construction issues are spotted as early on as possible.
Streamlining Workflows
Students of Revit usually explore how to streamline project workflows during training programs. This software offers a versatile toolkit that not only streamlines the design process but essentially reinvents it. With Revit, users can create complex 3D models and automate documentation. Prior to the advent of this software, professionals had to use disparate tools for tasks such as these. Revit now provides a way to unify them on a single platform. This results in more accurate models with fewer errors. It also can significantly cut down on the time a project will take to complete so that team members can focus on more pressing matters.
Collaboration
In addition to training with technical skills, Revit courses also teach soft skills like tools for collaboration. Since construction projects aren’t completed in a vacuum, they require contributions from multiple team members, including those who work across disciplines. One of the benefits of using Revit for construction projects is that it facilitates collaboration among those in the AEC industry. Its BIM capabilities allow multiple users to work on a project model simultaneously. It also has work-sharing features that divide projects into individual work sets; each team member can complete their own portion of the design, and it won’t affect others’ work. Revit users can also link their models across disciplines to learn how each design interacts with others and contributes to the whole project.
Autodesk offers a BIM 360 platform that allows users to access their Revit model from any location. Those working on a project get real-time updates pertaining to all changes made to the document by other team members. This feature ensures that issues can be resolved early on, which saves time and money down the line. Learning to use Revit’s collaborative features helps with project transparency and reduces expensive missteps along the way.
How Hard is It to Learn Revit?
Before you start learning Revit, you may wonder how hard this process will be. Each learner is unique in terms of the knowledge and skills they bring to the learning process, their approach to training, and their reasons for learning this software. For most, learning Revit is a straightforward process when it’s broken down into phases. A good starting point for learners is to become familiar with this software’s features and tools. Those who come from a tech-savvy background or who are able to learn new software quickly will find it easier to learn Revit than individuals who start from scratch. For example, students who already have training with BIM software or tools like AutoCAD will find it much easier to learn Revit than those who don’t have this skill set. Once the student learns Revit’s core features and functions, they can build on this foundation and start small projects.
Another factor that dictates the difficulty level of studying Revit is the student’s goals for learning this software. Those interested in acquiring basic Revit skills for small home renovation projects will likely need much less training than those who want to use this software for professional purposes. The time and effort required to learn Revit’s advanced features and capabilities is much greater than the commitment needed to perform basic tasks such as navigating the interface and working with core features, the modifying tool, or the thin line tool.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Revit?
Because Revit was created to help with large, complex building projects, the software is thought to have a much steeper learning curve than other modeling products. One of the core challenges most learners face when learning Revit is making the transition from traditional drafting tools and methods to working with 3D parameters. In 3D models, each minute change to an element has ramifications that affect the entire design. Those new to Revit or BIM software must simultaneously learn how to navigate this software’s interface while working with various model elements, which can be difficult for some students.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Revit?
The amount of time it will take you to learn Revit is subjective and will depend on a range of factors. Most individuals find that learning this tool takes approximately one full year. Generally speaking, it takes learners three months to become familiar with Revit’s layout and basic features. Intermediate skills can then be built on this knowledge base during three to four more months of practice. Once the Revit user can complete small projects with this software, they can begin attempting larger, more advanced jobs. This study phase takes five or six additional months. Aspiring AEC professionals who intend to use Revit at their current job, or to apply for an entirely new career path will need to spend longer on their training than casual users.
Should I Learn Revit in Person or Online?
Both in-person and online training options are available for those interested in learning Revit. Live coursework includes in-person and live online classes. Online training is also available on demand. Read on to learn more about each learning option to decide which is best for you.
In-Person Revit Training
For most learners, in-person training is the most engaging and effective way to learn Revit. Classes take place in or near Orlando at a designated training facility. Students have access to computers with the most current version of Autodesk Revit installed and ready to use. Participants not only benefit from the real-time training and guidance provided by the expert instructor but also the support and camaraderie of studying alongside other learners who are on a similar educational path. If in-person Revit coursework sounds like a good option for you, it’s important to remember that you will have to have access to a reliable form of transportation to attend class. This training format may be difficult or prohibitive for those who don’t have a car or live near a major city.
Live Online Revit Training
Students who want to study Revit through live coursework can also opt to do so with live online training. Like in-person study, live online classes provide students with real-time access to an instructor who has industry experience creating 3D models using Revit. Rather than having to commute to and from a training facility to attend class, those who study this software via live online classes like a bootcamp or certificate can complete all their lessons remotely. There’s no need to battle rush-hour traffic in Orlando or waste money on tolls and parking. Instead, students can learn Revit from the comfort of their own space by using Zoom or a similar teleconferencing platform. Live online training allows students to ask questions in real-time and receive immediate support and clarification. Students can even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for additional help.
Because live online Revit classes are taught in real-time, students must be able to commit to attending training that meets at regular intervals, often multiple times a week. This study format may not be possible for individuals who work full-time or who have other recurring personal commitments.
On-Demand Revit Training
The most flexible study option for Revit is on-demand coursework. Whereas live training takes place in real-time, on-demand courses are pre-recorded and placed online. Each student can access the course material as their schedule permits. One major benefit of on-demand coursework is that it’s self-paced, which means each student can decide for him or herself how much time to spend on a particular lesson and when to complete it. Some learners may prefer devoting an entire weekend to learning the Revit interface, whereas others may find it more helpful to pace this study out over a full week after work. Students can pause lessons, rewind them, or rewatch them completely to ensure they are mastering the skills being presented.
Many types of on-demand Revit training are available. Learners can select free content from providers like Udemy or Coursera or opt for more comprehensive training with the VDC Institute. Self-paced classes are available for learners at all levels, including those new to working with BIM software, as well as those seeking Revit certification. If self-paced Revit training seems like it’s a good match for you, it’s important to consider that no instructor will be present in class. This means it’s up to you to identify any areas of confusion you encounter while training and find answers on your own to questions that arise.
Can I Learn Revit Free Online?
Are you interested in learning Revit but don’t want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on training? If so, you can work with free resources to learn Revit basics or to find answers to specific questions pertaining to this software. The following are a few free resources that can help you with your training or supplement your studies:
- Noble Desktop, an educator based in New York City, has a hub of AutoCAD tutorials, resources, and articles that contain relevant information to help you get started working with Autodesk products.
- Free on-demand courses are a great way to learn Revit basics without having to spend a penny. In Udemy’s free course, How-To-Revit (Beginner Course), students spend two hours learning how to work with Revit’s basic tools and drafting capabilities, as well as transforming 2D drawings into detailed 3D models. Coursera has BIM Fundamentals available as well for no cost. This class teaches participants how to retrieve information from Revit models and use essential modeling tools.
- Autodesk offers free Revit resources on its site. The content includes quick-start tutorials, best practices, and links to many online training resources.
- LinkedIn Learning provides learners at all levels with free online courses, as well as access to an online Revit community, where they can connect with other learners.
- Learners can also find free Revit-related content at Revit-courses.com. This site offers a free “Jump Start Guide” PDF that provides introductory-level tips and tricks.
Free resources can be a great way to learn Revit basics or to find answers to questions. They also can be a valuable supplementary tool to training courses. However, most individuals will find that it’s difficult to learn this software solely via free resources. Anyone who wants to study Revit for work-related reasons will likely benefit more from a structured, live learning approach in which an instructor is present.
What Should I Learn Alongside Revit?
Once you’ve decided to learn Revit, you may be curious if there are any other skills or tools that you can study alongside this industry-standard software to make you a more well-rounded employee or job applicant. One common tool that some professionals wish to study with Revit is another Autodesk product, AutoCAD. This 2D drafting software is a staple in fields like construction and architecture. Those who work with AutoCAD use it to create lines and specific shapes. This differs from Revit, which offers a concept-based, holistic design approach in which all elements are created as components with their own unique properties. AutoCAD provides a straightforward interface, and many consider it easier to work with than Revit because it is more geared toward 2D drafting rather than 3D modeling.
Industries That Use Revit
Revit training has applications in several prominent Orlando industries, including architecture, manufacturing, construction, interior design, and nonprofits. The following sections will take a closer look at the role this software plays in each of these core city sectors.
Architecture
In Orlando, architecture plays a prominent role in building and restoring buildings and historic districts such as the Orlando Public Library and the Orange County Regional History Center. The city’s downtown historic district includes many building styles such as Art Deco, Queen Anne, and Mediterranean Revival. Some of the city’s most notable Architects include Murry King and Howard Reynolds. Architects who work in Orlando conceptualize, design, and oversee how buildings and other structures are created. These professionals perform tasks like creating timelines for clients, visiting construction sites, making intricate drawings of interior and exterior spaces, and monitoring project progress so that construction goals are met on schedule.
An estimated 45% of Architects work with Revit as their primary BIM tool. This software is useful for creating detailed designs and 3D models for buildings. Local architectural firms also work with Revit for project management tasks. Its integration capabilities make it a good option for architectural tasks that involve integrating multiple disciplines into a single model. Architects who use Revit run cost estimates, collaborate in real-time with Engineers and Contractors, automate their project’s documentation, and even create 3D virtual reality models of the structures they what to create.
Manufacturing
Another prominent Orlando sector is manufacturing. The city is considered a major hub for manufacturing endeavors due to its high concentration of industrial companies. Within Florida, Orlando is the number-one city for manufacturing careers. Employment options are available from companies like GE, Ford, Nike, and Coca-Cola. Those who are employed in the city’s manufacturing sector work with Revit to create and model industrial facilities and design layouts for equipment. Manufacturers also work with this software to create intricate 3D models of the products they will sell, which helps them spot design flaws early on, make accurate material quantity calculations, collaborate with Engineers and Architects, and ensure the production process is smooth and efficient.
Construction
Construction projects are prominent throughout the state of Florida. In Orlando, the construction industry is a prominent sector, partly due to the ongoing residential, infrastructure, and commercial development projects underway at any given time. Construction projects must keep up with the city’s need to maintain infrastructure to support a high number of tourists, who flock there for local attractions like Universal Studios. One of the most popular tools for construction professionals is Revit. This software helps them schedule projects, coordinate efforts between different disciplines, and perform clash detection at construction sites.
Interior Design
Interior design is another prominent industry in Orland. Florida’s design is known for its diverse blend of styles, including tropical, coastal, and Mediterranean. Interior design professionals who work in Orlando incorporate open-space design, bold colors, and sustainable practices into their designs. They employ innovative technology to stay on top of trends and ensure interior designs are comprehensive and accurate. Revit training helps Interior Designers create furniture arrangements, design a range of interior layouts, and even work with lighting design.
Nonprofits
The Orlando metro area is home to more than 14,000 nonprofit organizations. Those who work in the city’s nonprofit sector can use Revit to design and visualize a range of building projects, including community centers or soup kitchens. This software helps manage costs, communicate with project stakeholders, and effectively plan construction initiatives. Additionally, the high-quality 3D visualizations and renderings Revit can create can be shared with potential funders and showcased in grant proposals. Nonprofits can use Revit through Autodesk’s donation program.
Nonprofits can use Revit, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, to design and visualize building projects for their facilities, community centers, or other structures they may be developing, allowing them to effectively plan construction, manage costs, and communicate design ideas to stakeholders, all while benefiting from the software's detailed 3D modeling capabilities and potential cost-saving features; many nonprofits can access Revit through Autodesk's Technology Impact Program, which offers free or discounted licenses for organizations that are working on social initiatives to improve their community.
Revit Job Titles and Salaries
Revit training is an in-demand skill set in many career paths in Orlando, including architecture, construction management, and civil engineering. The following sections will briefly explore each of these career paths, as well as the basic job requirements and corresponding salary ranges.
Architect
Architects in Orlando who work with Revit use this tool to create detailed designs and 3D models for buildings. Orland-based Architects earn $132,000-$142,000 a year. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Architects in the US is strong. From 2023-2033, this field is expected to experience an 8% growth rate, which is above the national average in other fields. About 10,000 new jobs are expected to be added to architecture during this time.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers who work in Orlando are hired to oversee building progress and address and resolve any potential issues during the construction process as early as possible. They oversee all stages of the building process and ensure the project stays on budget and is completed on time. These professionals regularly perform tasks like budgeting, planning, meeting with subcontractors, and ensuring projects comply with regional laws. In Orlando, Construction Managers make $116,000-$126,000 a year.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the job outlook for Construction Managers is expected to remain strong from 2023 to 2033. This field is expected to experience a 9% growth during this time, which is well above the growth anticipated for other occupations. Nearly 46,000 new jobs are expected to form in this sector during this decade.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers who work in Orlando plan, design, construct, oversee, and operate different types of systems or infrastructure projects in the public and private sectors. Some Civil Engineers focus on roads or airports, whereas others may wish to work with bridges, dams, or tunnels. These professionals play an integral role in many sectors, including education, research, consulting, and public works. On a daily basis, they work with tools like Revit to visualize and analyze complex project designs. They create live-like visualizations and models that feature roofs, stairs, walls, and floors and rely on Revit to perform basic analysis of the building elements in each project.
The average yearly salary for a Civil Engineer in Orlando is $97,000-$107,000. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field has a healthy job outlook of 6% from 2023-2033, which is above average. An additional 22,000 new jobs are expected to form in this sector during this decade.
Revit Classes Near Me
If you’re interested in learning Revit and want to find training options close to home, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to search for Revit coursework in Orlando.
The VDC Institute offers a range of self-paced courses in Revit and other BIM tools. This nationally accredited educator offers project-based training for learners at all levels.
Its BIM Certificate Program teaches participants how to work with Revit Architecture, which is a staple tool for creating construction documents and 3D models for use in commercial construction projects. This rigorous program includes 1-on-1 mentoring and a capstone project.
VDCI also offers the Revit Fundamentals Fast-Track Program, a self-paced course that provides learners with the chance to use Revit Architecture to create 3D building models. Participants in this beginner-friendly course explore basic Revit skills, including how to generate construction documents, create architectural models, create walls and doors, and seamlessly collaborate with others working on a project. This program is geared toward Drafters, Architects, and Designers who want to gain a working knowledge of Revit. Tuition includes 1-on-1 mentoring, a full year of access to Revit software, and a final project that’s graded by an industry professional.
In VDCI’s self-paced Revit Architecture Professional Fast-Track Program, participants progress from beginner to advanced-level Revit training over the course of several months. This course is intended to prepare students to pass the Autodesk Revit Certified User Exam. Coursework includes training on how to work with BIM modeling tools, create project construction documentation, and design 3D architectural models. The instructor in this program is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Architectural Project Manager who regularly works with Revit and is there to share their industry knowledge. The cost of study includes 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, a year of access to Revit software, and a verified digital certificate of completion.
Learners can receive specialized Revit instruction by enrolling in the VDC Institute’s Revit MEP Professional Fast-Track Program. This self-paced program prepares participants to design and coordinate the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a construction project. Those enrolled devote several months to learning Revit alongside MEP-specific tools. Learners complete a final graded project. Students all receive access to Revit and Navisworks for one full year as part of tuition.
Coursera also has a free, self-paced class for those interested in using Revit for engineering. In its BIM Applications for Engineers program, those enrolled complete six modules that teach them how to create BIM models.
In Udemy’s Autodesk Revit—Beginner to Advanced Level, participants can access over 20 hours of video content and several articles pertaining to Revit. Training covers topics like project management, collaboration, and advanced modeling techniques. Students complete 11 projects pertaining to top BIM modeling and also take a final exam.
Revit Corporate Training
Are you an Orlando-based employer who wants those at their workplace to learn Revit? If so, Noble Desktop can help. Noble offers corporate and onsite Revit training options for learners at all skill levels. Employees can receive beginner-friendly training in the Construction Fundamentals Bundle or the Construction Management Fundamentals Bundle. These introductory-level programs teach core construction and construction management concepts. Shorter programs are also available that focus on specific construction-related topics, including building structures, building enclosures, fire protection design, and interior design.
You can schedule training directly at Noble’s location in Midtown Manhattan or opt for onsite training at your workplace in Orlando. Live online sessions are also available, as are self-paced programs. It’s up to you whether to train some or all of your employees in Revit. Bulk enrollment vouchers are available for a discount and can be used for Noble’s regular enrollment classes. These classes take place outside of business hours and are a great option for those who work full-time. Employers who want to customize Revit coursework can meet with Noble to create a tailored training plan that will ensure all employees get the most out of their studies.
To find out more about the different corporate training options Noble can provide for those at your workplace, please feel free to contact Noble today.