I am curious how many people still use AutoCAD for all their construction documents. I have a full time job in construction management, but work as a freelance drafter/designer for a couple of architects who still use AutoCAD LT. Most of these projects are higher end residential with complex roofs that half multiple slopes going all over the place. I'm getting a little nervous that my freelance services might become obsolete in the near future if I stick to AutoCAD only. Have you had success transitioning into other software programs for custom residential design? Is AutoCAD the best option for the work I do? Thanks.
Yes, Revit is on the top of my list, but I feel it focuses more on commercial design. I usually have pretty complex framing plans and feel like Revit will only let me detail to a certain extent. Other programs I have looked into:
Still using AutoCAD Architecture. The office has the full Building Design Suite which has Revit included. The office did one high end residential project using Revit. Myself and one other drafter become productive with Revit. The remaining higher ups are afraid to even open a file up with it so the office does not do any projects with it.
Work for a company that does a reasonably wide range of projects. Large and small. But no residential. It's a mix of Autocad and Revit. They like to claim they are a Revit company, but there are some projects for which Autocad will always be the more efficient program.
I really dislike doing residential. But if I do, it's in Autocad.
If anything, BIM is very useful especially for small residential projects. The times you have to redraw everything all over again just because the clients or your boss want a wall or window moved, even a few inches, arrgh. While using BIM, Archicad or Revit whatever, you just move that one single element and everything magically updates in your drawing set, so you have more time to figure out the detailing. I actually even quit a job once because they told me during my interview they worked with BIM and then when I started they didn't even have Revit installed on their computers, they had only one licensed copy still in a box on a shelf somewhere. I had to draft like a cadmonkey in autocad, so obviously quit after my trial period. Was the most horrible working experience, all we were doing is redrawing the same stuff and setting up layouts to print. The office split right after I left...apparently I wasn't the only one fed up with this 90s way of working 16 years onwards and we actually beat them at a pitch at my new job, that was rather satisfying tbh.
Dec 19, 16 10:13 am ·
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GabrielleBovard
It made my heart sink to hear of a perfectly good Revit program sitting on a shelf collecting dust! Noo! Anyway, why do you think they were so hesitant to embrace it?
Lot of firms use CAD especially if they deal in existing buildings as so many existing commercial buildings are documented in cad and lots of consultants are still in cad. CAD is also less expensive per licence and doesn't require such a monster of a PC to work on as Revit.
I would find a way to get some Revit time on a regular basis so you can learn how the software works and how to negotiate the many little challenges and quirks you will encounter when modeling a project. Best way to learn it is to challenge your self and the software.
We are still primary on CAD as most of the work we do is renovations. Few of our projects are sufficiently complex for us to recover the time and effort it takes to model them in Revit. That doesn't stop people from jumping on the Revit bandwagon. I'm starting to see some firms in my town pushing BIM on clients that probably don't really need it. Autodesk is doing the same thing. Revit is the wave of the future, because Autodesk wants it that way. Everyone needs to get familiar with Revit, because it is well on its way to becoming the prevalent architecture software.
Thank you all for your comments. I agree, thisisnotmyname, Autodesk is out there to sell and make you feel like a loser for not jumping on the whole BIM thing. I know a lot of small companies that buy the package that includes Revit and they have never touched it.
im pretty positive autocad will be around for a few more decades, there are definitely more projects completed in cadd than revit. that said, we use vectorworks in our office
We also, are using ACAD only. However most of our work is for remodels of existing buildings. The time to develop a BIM model seems excessive. When we do need renderings, we do it in sketchup.
dsc, that seems so foreign to me, to design a three dimensional project with only 2D drafting tools available and only in the final stages, when the design is already finalized and only to make some pretty pictures, would you introduce 3D modelling software. We use 3D modelling in all stages of the project from concept all the way to the details.
^^yes tintt complex details are worked out and represented in 3D alongside their traditional 2D format. Now with more and more suppliers providing their products also as IFC-objects it becomes easier to work like that.
Well the details are three-dimensional puzzles that need to be worked out one way or another, so if you can work with virtual three-dimensional objects in your BIM-software of choice you can better solve those puzzles I suppose. We provided the contractors or consultants with both traditional 2D drawings and an IFC model (mostly due to old-fashioned building regulations/contracts and traditional division of responsibilities still largely based on 2D drawings). Not sure if it saves time, can't compare it with other ways of working since I don't have that much experience with other ways of working but it does increase the time you can take for yourself to actually design since the 3D model is not frozen to be worked out in 2D drawings but can stay dynamic for much longer.
I have done residential work in Straight Autocad, ACLT, and architectural desktop for nearly a decade. for the last five years, I went back and forth between Cad and Revit. Then three years ago made a full commitment to go to Revit and have never looked back. I really do not agree that it is quicker and easier to do anything in cad than in revit. You can literally do anything in Revit that you can do in cad. Plus so much more.
The problem with Revit and other BIM tools is that they become so complex it is a really steep learning curve. and like CAD there are multiple ways you can do things each with their advantages and disadvatages. Until you have a knowledge base that allows you to use the tools correctly all these options are stifling.
My workflow is usually - Sketchup for SD, THEN RIGHT INTO REVIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
But to answer the question. Autocad will alway have a place. I link in a lot of cad files. and knowing how to draft, and manage linework is important. plus as you see there will always be a lot of firms that do not make the transition. But not knowing Revit will become more of a problem. Not learning or using it is like saying your just going to stick with VHS cause it works, and you have it all setup. Ten years from now you will not be able to present the same quality drawing product. For residential this is not as big an issue since most clients are one off. But for commercial work my drawings are compared to others and contractors demand a BIM model now. No way around it.
arivas208 - I am in a similar situation, all of the practices I have worked for previously have only used AutoCAD (small residential firms) but now I am out on my own doing freelance work I find it so tedious and time consuming. I know I need to learn BIM but the software can be expensive and you need a pretty powerful computer to run some of it.
I have been looking into SketchUp for constructions documents as an affordable alternative. It looks pretty good. Check out Michael Brightman or Nick Sonder on YouTube.
Can I ask how you go able finding your freelance work? That is another thing I have been struggling with
Jan 15, 17 10:33 pm ·
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GabrielleBovard
If you have any interest in residential, shop around your local area as if you are looking to do a high-end remodeling project. So many of the freelance clients I've gotten are people who do huge additions or renovations but don't have an in-house staff for their construction documents.
Little late to the game on this thread, but I've been using AutoCAD Architecture since it was ADT 3.3. I utilize it in full BIM fashion - same thing you can do in Revit - but no draftsman knows the software where I'm at. They either know 2D AutoCAD and/or Revit. I'm pondering the move to Revit only to remain relevant and to be able to find assistance with projects, because there's no way I will return to plain 2D drafting. I can photo-realistically render my projects with ACAD too, and I just find that after using ACAD for 23 years, it would be disheartening to have to make a lateral software move "just because".
Oct 6, 18 5:04 pm ·
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Still only on AutoCAD?
I am curious how many people still use AutoCAD for all their construction documents. I have a full time job in construction management, but work as a freelance drafter/designer for a couple of architects who still use AutoCAD LT. Most of these projects are higher end residential with complex roofs that half multiple slopes going all over the place. I'm getting a little nervous that my freelance services might become obsolete in the near future if I stick to AutoCAD only. Have you had success transitioning into other software programs for custom residential design? Is AutoCAD the best option for the work I do? Thanks.
Revit
Yes, Revit is on the top of my list, but I feel it focuses more on commercial design. I usually have pretty complex framing plans and feel like Revit will only let me detail to a certain extent. Other programs I have looked into:
1. ArchiCAD
2. Chief Architect
3. Softplan
4. Vectorworks
Still using AutoCAD Architecture. The office has the full Building Design Suite which has Revit included. The office did one high end residential project using Revit. Myself and one other drafter become productive with Revit. The remaining higher ups are afraid to even open a file up with it so the office does not do any projects with it.
Work for a company that does a reasonably wide range of projects. Large and small. But no residential. It's a mix of Autocad and Revit. They like to claim they are a Revit company, but there are some projects for which Autocad will always be the more efficient program.
I really dislike doing residential. But if I do, it's in Autocad.
^I fully agree with that residential comment.
If anything, BIM is very useful especially for small residential projects. The times you have to redraw everything all over again just because the clients or your boss want a wall or window moved, even a few inches, arrgh. While using BIM, Archicad or Revit whatever, you just move that one single element and everything magically updates in your drawing set, so you have more time to figure out the detailing. I actually even quit a job once because they told me during my interview they worked with BIM and then when I started they didn't even have Revit installed on their computers, they had only one licensed copy still in a box on a shelf somewhere. I had to draft like a cadmonkey in autocad, so obviously quit after my trial period. Was the most horrible working experience, all we were doing is redrawing the same stuff and setting up layouts to print. The office split right after I left...apparently I wasn't the only one fed up with this 90s way of working 16 years onwards and we actually beat them at a pitch at my new job, that was rather satisfying tbh.
It made my heart sink to hear of a perfectly good Revit program sitting on a shelf collecting dust! Noo! Anyway, why do you think they were so hesitant to embrace it?
Lot of firms use CAD especially if they deal in existing buildings as so many existing commercial buildings are documented in cad and lots of consultants are still in cad. CAD is also less expensive per licence and doesn't require such a monster of a PC to work on as Revit.
I would find a way to get some Revit time on a regular basis so you can learn how the software works and how to negotiate the many little challenges and quirks you will encounter when modeling a project. Best way to learn it is to challenge your self and the software.
Over and OUT
Peter N
We are still primary on CAD as most of the work we do is renovations. Few of our projects are sufficiently complex for us to recover the time and effort it takes to model them in Revit. That doesn't stop people from jumping on the Revit bandwagon. I'm starting to see some firms in my town pushing BIM on clients that probably don't really need it. Autodesk is doing the same thing. Revit is the wave of the future, because Autodesk wants it that way. Everyone needs to get familiar with Revit, because it is well on its way to becoming the prevalent architecture software.
Thank you all for your comments. I agree, thisisnotmyname, Autodesk is out there to sell and make you feel like a loser for not jumping on the whole BIM thing. I know a lot of small companies that buy the package that includes Revit and they have never touched it.
I couldn't resist
im pretty positive autocad will be around for a few more decades, there are definitely more projects completed in cadd than revit. that said, we use vectorworks in our office
Everyday Intern, wait until these memes start using the new Dos XX guy, they will be down right creepy. Lol.
We also, are using ACAD only. However most of our work is for remodels of existing buildings. The time to develop a BIM model seems excessive. When we do need renderings, we do it in sketchup.
dsc, that seems so foreign to me, to design a three dimensional project with only 2D drafting tools available and only in the final stages, when the design is already finalized and only to make some pretty pictures, would you introduce 3D modelling software. We use 3D modelling in all stages of the project from concept all the way to the details.
randomized, are your CD's in 3D? Details, for instance. I've thought this should be more common.
^We've just started providing 3D construction details
^^yes tintt complex details are worked out and represented in 3D alongside their traditional 2D format. Now with more and more suppliers providing their products also as IFC-objects it becomes easier to work like that.
^ with 2D linework? Or with 3D objects?
Does it save time? Increase communications? Both?
Sounds good, randomized. But are you saying you provide the same detail in 3D and 2D?
Well the details are three-dimensional puzzles that need to be worked out one way or another, so if you can work with virtual three-dimensional objects in your BIM-software of choice you can better solve those puzzles I suppose. We provided the contractors or consultants with both traditional 2D drawings and an IFC model (mostly due to old-fashioned building regulations/contracts and traditional division of responsibilities still largely based on 2D drawings). Not sure if it saves time, can't compare it with other ways of working since I don't have that much experience with other ways of working but it does increase the time you can take for yourself to actually design since the 3D model is not frozen to be worked out in 2D drawings but can stay dynamic for much longer.
I have done residential work in Straight Autocad, ACLT, and architectural desktop for nearly a decade. for the last five years, I went back and forth between Cad and Revit. Then three years ago made a full commitment to go to Revit and have never looked back. I really do not agree that it is quicker and easier to do anything in cad than in revit. You can literally do anything in Revit that you can do in cad. Plus so much more.
The problem with Revit and other BIM tools is that they become so complex it is a really steep learning curve. and like CAD there are multiple ways you can do things each with their advantages and disadvatages. Until you have a knowledge base that allows you to use the tools correctly all these options are stifling.
My workflow is usually - Sketchup for SD, THEN RIGHT INTO REVIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
But to answer the question. Autocad will alway have a place. I link in a lot of cad files. and knowing how to draft, and manage linework is important. plus as you see there will always be a lot of firms that do not make the transition. But not knowing Revit will become more of a problem. Not learning or using it is like saying your just going to stick with VHS cause it works, and you have it all setup. Ten years from now you will not be able to present the same quality drawing product. For residential this is not as big an issue since most clients are one off. But for commercial work my drawings are compared to others and contractors demand a BIM model now. No way around it.
I work in as-built so its mainly AutoCAD but with Revit for specialist jobs.
arivas208 - I am in a similar situation, all of the practices I have worked for previously have only used AutoCAD (small residential firms) but now I am out on my own doing freelance work I find it so tedious and time consuming. I know I need to learn BIM but the software can be expensive and you need a pretty powerful computer to run some of it.
I have been looking into SketchUp for constructions documents as an affordable alternative. It looks pretty good. Check out Michael Brightman or Nick Sonder on YouTube.
Can I ask how you go able finding your freelance work? That is another thing I have been struggling with
If you have any interest in residential, shop around your local area as if you are looking to do a high-end remodeling project. So many of the freelance clients I've gotten are people who do huge additions or renovations but don't have an in-house staff for their construction documents.
If managing a lot of juniors and rookies, it's best stay in Autocad. With Revit it's like stepping from one land mine into another.
starrchitect, there's BIM Execution Plan for this. Basically a document describing a way how to do things and not another.
Little late to the game on this thread, but I've been using AutoCAD Architecture since it was ADT 3.3. I utilize it in full BIM fashion - same thing you can do in Revit - but no draftsman knows the software where I'm at. They either know 2D AutoCAD and/or Revit. I'm pondering the move to Revit only to remain relevant and to be able to find assistance with projects, because there's no way I will return to plain 2D drafting. I can photo-realistically render my projects with ACAD too, and I just find that after using ACAD for 23 years, it would be disheartening to have to make a lateral software move "just because".
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