Ana Batista Borden
Founder, Principal
AMB2 Architecture / New Orleans
MOST ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS have transitioned to tools like Revit for commercial projects, but it is starting to be used among residential design professionals as well. I was introduced to Revit upon starting a new position in Chicago. Once I started using the program for renovations, it was easier for me to keep the momentum in my design and construction detailing.
With Revit, I easily can communicate what I am envisioning to my clients by generating exterior and interior views from various directions. Giving three dimensional properties and characteristics to anything from partitions to windows to furniture is a powerful tool in making productive and quick decisions that not only saves time but can help provide savings during construction. To overcome any difficulties, it is critical that verbal communication is maintained during the entire design process. You must also resist the temptation to download and insert blocks or items from unreliable sources.
Using Revit has helped me save time as I have developed my own templates for projects similar in scope and type. For example, when I do a historic preservation project, typical areas like exterior wall construction and soffit details are ready for review and updates.
Clients see the benefits not only financially in construction costs but with their construction timeline as design implications were resolved during the design phase in lieu of in the field during construction.