The earliest architects and draftsmen relied on painstaking hand-drawn 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 like Revit® has allowed draftsmen to quickly and easily create 3D drawings of buildings, bridges and other structures. Depending on his role, a Revit® designer may serve as a drafter, inputing the designs and ideas of architects and engineers into a computer modeling program. Other Revit® designers draft their own designs, which may relate to architecture, engineering, interior design or manufacturing.
A Revit® designer who works primarily as a draftsmen works under the guidance of more qualified design professionals. He works closely with engineers and architects to understand their plans for buildings, bridges, roadways and other structures. Based on the information provided by these professionals, the Revit® designer create 3D drawings on his computer to model the potential project. he then prints these drawings out on a large printer called a plotter. He then presents these drawings to the design team for review and approval before making any required changes using the Revit® software. A Revit® designer who works in this capacity may also be employed in manufacturing, where he creates 3D models of new products as 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 homeowners or commercial building managers to plan new projects or renovations. By drafting the project in Revit®, the designer is able to show the homeowner how it will look once it is complete. This type of modeling is useful for maximizing the performance and layout of a space, such as in a manufacturing plant, or simply improving the aesthetics of a home to please the homeowner.
A Revit® designer may also be responsible for more technical modeling projects. For example, building information modeling (BIM) through the use of Revit® and similar software programs is useful for analyzing the energy efficiency and performance of a building. This allows building owners and managers to make decisions related to heating and cooling upgrades, or switching industrial equipment for more efficient and better-performing units. BIM is also helpful in terms of estimating the cost of a renovation or new project, as it gives contractors a much more thorough picture of the work required than traditional 2D drawings. Designers who perform this type of modeling work may be employed by engineering firms or as independent consultants.