Building Magazine ~ The use of force: Building Information Modelling

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Further to my posting London BIM Conference and the UK Government about the Paul Morrell at the need for IPD and BIM, Building Magazines Stephen Kennett gives his take on the future of BIM short extract below:-

Building information modelling may make everything better, but most firms don’t want to use it. But that might change now the government plans to make it compulsory on all public projects. Stephen Kennett reports

Not many technologies can point to a global financial meltdown as their saviour. But building information modelling just might. Earlier this month Paul Morrell, the government’s chief construction adviser and the man tasked with improving the return on taxpayers’ investment, indicated that the government intended to adopt building information modelling, or BIM, for the procurement and management of public assets. Morrell is convinced the technology could unlock new ways of working that will reduce cost and add long-term value to the development and management of public sector buildings.

Pop over to the Building Magazine web site to read on....
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Revit Detail ~ 23 Video Tutorials, Model and Rendering Guide

Peter McCarthy is an Architectural Technician based in London in the UK with a passion for detailing (including 3D detailing) and member of LRUG the London Revit User Group. He started his blog Revit Detail on Friday 1^st January 2010 stating that:-

“Over the next 12 months I plan to write and explain how to develop your architectural details and model them in Revit. I’ll run through analysis of the detail, modelling the basics, modelling the advance parts, adding the 2D detail for final touch-ups and more. This is to help all new Revit users, students learning architecture and to develop the general knowledge base in the Revit community.”

It appears his intention was “ to see if a whole project could be done in about 15 (half hour) videos so that you could download them all and watch them in a single sitting of one day at work.” However it ended up as 23 videos, which is approx 10.5 hours worth of footage.

On Saturday 16^th October 2010 Peter posted his central model for the project, 23 Videos and a nice 39 page booklet on how to Render in Revit. So he actually ended producing more in less time!

This is a very valuable Revit resource for new and existing revit users, and I would like to thank Pater for the time and effort he has put into producing these videos.

It’s really worth popping over to Revit Detail and harvesting the material that Peter has produced.

Enjoy.
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Autodesk Education Community

My last post was about the unemployed and the Autodesk Assistance Program and free software.

If you are a student you also have access to free* download of over 25 products
all with a new, extended 3-year license

Register Here .

This is the same full version software that over 9 million designers, engineers and digital artists are using at 100 percent of Fortune 100 companies in over 183 countries around the world. Experience the newest editions of 2D and 3D products, such as Autodesk® Inventor®, Autodesk® Revit®, Autodesk® 3ds

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software. The products, programs and other information contained on this page may not be available in all geographies.
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Autodesk Assistance Program for the Unemployed

Recently I’ve been asked by a number of technicians who are victims of the current economic climate due to the loss of government spending on construction etc. etc. about learning Revit to enhance their CV and improve their skill set, in order to make them more employable. So here is a re-post about the Autodesk Assistance Registration programme.

Autodesk can help you get back in the game. With the Autodesk Assistance Program you can take action today to gain a competitive advantage in your field. The program offers:

• Free* Software License: Student licenses of over 25 Autodesk® products including AutoCAD® software and other industry focused products supporting Building Information Modeling and Digital Prototyping technology. 

• Free OnlineTraining: On-demand training available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  (requires internet access)

• ClassroomTraining: Many Autodesk Authorized Value Added Resellers and Autodesk Training Centre (ATC®) partners are offering classroom training at their facilities at a discounted price for Autodesk Assistance Program members. (Offers vary by partner, please check with your local ATC or Reseller to get details)

• Certification: Certification preparation and exams available at discounted rates through Autodesk Authorized Certification Centres (Offerings will vary, please check with your local Certification Center to get details)

• Software Discounts: Commercial product discounts are available for select products exclusively for Autodesk Assistance Program members, or employers that hire them. Contact your local Autodesk Authorized Value Added Reseller for more information about this and other programs. (approval by an Autodesk Territory Manager is required)

Seize the opportunity now. Don’t just survive, thrive!

*Free products MAY NOT be used for commercial, professional or other for-profit purposes, and are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies the software.  A copy of this agreement can be found here.

To learn more about the program and included benefits, download the Autodesk . Assistance Program FAQ

For firms that must reduce their workforce, the Autodesk Assistance Program can help. The program is designed to help displaced employees in the Architecture, Engineering, Design and Manufacturing industries update their skills and improve their employability in a down economy.

Download this 1-page flyer as a handout during exit interviews, or to share with those that may benefit from the program.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Alias Autodesk Inventor, ATC, Civil 3D, Ecotect, Inventor, Maya, Navisworks, Revit, Showcase, SketchBook, Robot, Algor, MotionBuilder, Mudbox, Softimage and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document

Sign Up  Registration is free. Sign Up Now.
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ERUG is Here! - Where? - In Edinburgh

ERUG is here!

I've been hearing that an ERUG Edinburgh Revit User Group was about to spin off from the GRUG Glasgow Revit User Group for a little while.

Well now they have made it official.

A linked-in Group has been constructed and the first two committee members Michael Boyd (Structural) & Kelvin Donaldson are requesting that any other enthusiastic individuals join them to move this group forward.

London BIM Conference 2010 and the UK Government!

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Last week on Thursday 30^th September, I attended the Autodesk BIM Conference 2010 at Links Place in London.

There were speakers from Autodesk, John Lorimer Director of Manchester City Council, Architects, Structural and Civil Engineers, John Tocci, CEO, Tocci  Building Companies (from the USA) there were representatives from the Institutions and then there was Paul Morrell

Who Is Paul Morrell? I hear you ask

To give him his full title it’s Mr Paul Morrell OBE FRICS HonFRIBA, UK Chief Construction Advisor to the UK Government. He was previously senior partner of construction consultants Davis Langdon, and also former deputy chair of the Commission on Architecture in the Built Environment (CABE).

He is a very eloquent and humorous speaker who puts his point across very distinctly. The image I have used is very Hitch Hikers Guide like (An in-joke for those that attended the conference and are of a certain age or should I say vintage).

Like the Earth in the Hitch Hikers Guide, Paul Morrell could be described as “Mostly Harmless”, however his message will mean changes on the way that those not already using Revit or BIM software will have to work in the future.

He indicated that Building Information Modelling (BIM) will become a key part of the procurement process of public buildings in the future, saying:-

“I am convinced that this is the way to unlock new ways of working that will reduce cost and add long-term value to the development and management of built assets in the public sector, but the move needs to be made on a basis that is secure, that works for Government clients and those who deliver services to them, and which draws on proven means of integrating the supply chain,”

A trial team is currently testing the use of BIM in government projects and will report its findings to the Construction Clients Board in March. Paul Morell said that he hoped that the report would “mark the beginning of a commitment to a timed programme of transformation”.

Autodesk vice-president, Phil Bernstein.said: “We believe that yesterday’s recommendation to UK government construction procurers will drive industry change, just as similar decisions by the government have in the US,” and “We also believe that these clear incentives will encourage the use of BIM methodology by government and the wider construction industry. They will provide better value for construction spend while enhancing environmentally responsible building design, construction and operation.”

So there you have it boys and girls, it looks as if the UK Government are following the USA with regards to IPD and BIM.

Autodesk Revit 2011 Video Tutorials ~ 90 Seconds plus

As regular visitors to my blog know I like to see what is new on YouTube and post links here so you guys don't have to search and get taken down all the other stuff you tube connects too. So here are some new videos uploaded by Autodesk Building's Channel , Enjoy......  

Autodesk Revit: Sketching (1:36)

This video demonstrates when sketching is required to create geometry, such as slabs and roofs, in Revit.

Autodesk Revit: Using Images in Revit (1:28)

This video illustrates importing, resizing, and placing an image file for use in a Revit project.

Autodesk Revit: Choosing the Project Location and Weather Station (1:47)

This video describes how to specify the location and a weather station for the project, so the correct climate information will be used during energy analysis.

Autodesk Revit: Using Automatic Form Rationalization (2:43)

This video demonstrates how intelligent energy settings are used to rationalize the mass form into mass surfaces and zones for energy analysis.

Autodesk Revit: Changing Energy Settings (2:12)

This video demonstrates how you can modify energy settings to change zoning, glazing, and skylights before performing energy analysis on the model.

Autodesk Revit: Performing Conceptual Energy Analysis (1:37)

This video demonstrates how to start a conceptual energy analysis and view the results.

AUGI Revit Structure Wish List Voting Results

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The results of the Revit Structure Wish List voting held during August 2010 are presented below. The Points column totals the votes for a particular wish by giving a wish six points for each first-choice vote, five points for each second-choice vote, etc. through one point for each sixth-choice vote.

The First Choice column indicates how many first-choice votes a wish received.

The Score column normalizes the Points total for a wish by dividing it by the number of voters so that the popularity of a wish can be compared across voting cycles even though the number of voters in each cycle would differ.

Below are the Top Five AUGI Revit Structure Top of the Pops, "How's about then Guys and Girls, that we give Glenn Jowett of Revit ST a big round of applause for getting in at number 5 in the hit parade, with "Tag in 3D View""  (OMG I'm turning into Sir Jimmy Saville!)  

		Points		First Choice	Score
1.	Framing Member Disallow	389	36		104.57
	Provide a "disallow join" option for framing members. This will allow them to be infinitely controlled as needed.
	Submitted By:  Tony Wagner
2.	Improve Block Text Notes	384	32		103.23
	Make the creation of large text notes, such as general notes, much more like AutoCAD and graphically stable when editing at different display scales.
	Submitted By:  Buck Wooten
3.	Free Tag Rotation	352	9		94.62
	Allow Tags to be freely rotated at a desired angle. At present the user can only rotate the tags just horizontal or vertical.
	Submitted By:  Silleke Suarez
4.	Tag Top of Footing	308	17		82.80
	Enable the option in tags of showing Top of footing elevations, not just bottom.
	Submitted By:  Jonathan Brazier
5.	Tag In 3D View	290	25		77.96
	Enable the ability to tag anything in a 3D view.
	Submitted By:  Glenn Jowett
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To See the Top Ten Click Here to see the remaining wishes click the Show/Hide toggle button at the bottom of the listing on the AUGI site.

Subscription Advantage Pack Demo Videos

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Subscription Advantage Pack Demo: Revit Server Extension



Subscription Advantage Pack Demo: Revit Conceptual Energy Analysis



Subscription Advantage Pack Demo: Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2011

Structural Revit Ninja ~ New Blog to add to your list

   Welcome to my blog. Notes, Tips and experiences from my daily use of Revit on commercial projects from a Structural perspective

I would like to welcome Ben May who is Technical Manager with an Australian Consulting Engineering Firm and a REVIC (Revit Users Group of Victoria) Committee member to the wonderful world of Blogging.

He started the Revit Ninja Blog on the 4th of September. His opening message says:-

"Welcome to my New Blog

After many thoughts of starting my own Revit blog finally I took the step

If you dont know me, I am currently working for a large Consulting Engineering firm in Melbourne, Australia. Managing an established team of 15 Revit Structural technicians working with a team of 30 design engineers on every project type imaginable including our first baby a $900million hospital which is now fully completed onsite. I am also spending some time helping out our MEP guys who are entering the next phase of their implementation process of Revit which is exciting times finally having a fully integrated building model to work with.

Some exciting things happening, new projects new experiences which I hope to share here on this blog

So back soon with some info on what is happening at the moment "

He has already posted some interesting and informative about his experiences, so add him to your list of Revit Bloggers and keep an eye on his blog..... I'm adding his blog to my watching list.

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Revit 2011 Web Update 2 Now Available

 

Revit 2011 Web Update 2 is now available for all products. 

links below:

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011

Autodesk Revit Structure 2011

Autodesk Revit MEP 2011

Update Enhancement Lists below:

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 Update Enhancement List

Autodesk Revit Structure 2011 Update Enhancement List

Autodesk Revit MEP 2011 Update Enhancement List

Notes:

• Web Update 1 (WU1) is included with Web Update 2 (WU2) - It is not necessary to install WU1 first, WU2 will take care of it.
• The Subscription Advantage Pack (SAP) that is imminent will require WU2 so there is no redundancy to install WU2 now and then the SAP when it goes live.
• It will be necessary to visit the Subscription site to get the SAP when it becomes available.

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Revit 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack ~ Bloggers day

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* Extended Worksharing Capabilities

* Extended Design Analysis Capabilities

* Extended Project Collaboration Capabilities

* Q&A

I will leave it to Revit OpEd   Revit - David Light   Do U Revit?   and CADD Help to fill you in.

We are still playing around with Worksharing and trying to find Architectural firms to work in partnership with on projects in Revit. So at the moment Extended Worksharing Capabilities is about as useful to us as a pushbike is to a goldfish.

In as few words as possible, I'm underwhelmed!

I was looking for something for everybody in this SAP, some fixes and tweaks, a bit like last year when they finally got it to work on UK Computers.

IMHO it’s the basics in Revit Structure that need fixing, I want to be able to schedule pile layouts without relying on my software provider producing an add-on for Revit to bridge the gaps in what should be basic functionality wihtin the program. I want to be able to RC detail and schedule without dropping out to ASD.

The Architects and the Sustainability LEEDS BREEAM and MEP Users got something Extended Design Analysis Capabilities.

USA and Japanese Engineers get a couple of extensions. Looks like very little else for UK this time around.

Autodesk, the clue is in the word "Subscription Advantage Pack", but at the moment I'm at a loss to see any Advantage for UK Users, well at least until I can read the read me and see what bugs they have fixed, and if they are more or less than those they have introduced with the SAP.
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RAC2011- Professional Mass Modeling & Rendering Tutorials

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Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011- Video Tutorials ~ Professional Mass Modelling & Rendering.

These Videos have been created by Autodesk Student Expert Tu Graz,  Marvi Barsha, Klaus Hyden and Philipp Muller Special thanks to Bjorn Wittenberg and Herbert Bickelmann

There appears to be three of these series of videos in German, but currently only two appear to have been uploaded in English. If  I discover the third I will be sure to post links to it here on my blog for you to enjoy....

Step 00/12 - Introduction (1:21)

Step 01/12 - Extrusion – Work Plane – Void (5:16)

Step 02/12 - Conceptual Mass - Blend Mass – Edit Mass Profiles (5:31)

Step 03/12 - Reference Lines – Freeform Surface – Revolve Mass (6:37)

Step 04/12 - Swept Blend Mass – Dissolve Mass – Spline Through Points (5:02)

Step 05/12 - Divide Surface – Surface Patterns – Adaptive Elements  (4:30)

Step 06/12 - Panel by Pattern (Part 1) Type – Parameter (6:40)

Step 07/12 - Curtain Panel by Pattern (Part 2) Instance – Parameter (5:38)

Step 08/12 - Autodesk Mass Floors – Floor Area and Volume Calculations – Place Floor, Wall, Curtain System and Roof by Face (6:00)

Step 09/12 - Walkthrough (7:03)

Step 10/12 - Render Materials – Exterior Daylight Render – Background Image (6:49)

Step 11/12 - Night Render – Adjust Exposure – Render without Textures (7.26)

Step 12/12 - Graphics Display Options – Shadow Settings – Interior Daylight Render (4:59)

Click here for more from the guys in Lederhosen!

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RAC2011 ~ Video Tutorials ~ Getting Started

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Here are a nice set of Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 Getting Started video tutorials that I found on YouTube ~ They have been created by Autodesk Student Expert Tu Graz, Marvi Barsha, Klaus Hyden and Philipp Muller who give Special thanks to Bjorn Wittenberg and Herbert Bickelmann.

These guys are Austrian so it's a bit like being taught by Arnold Schwarzenegger but there again their English is better than my German! and they do know there stuff.... So guys what about some English Revit Structure Videos?

Step 00/14 – Introduction (2:13)

Step 01/14 – User Interface  (4.07)

Step 02/14 – Grids & Levels (6:51)

Step 03/14 – Walls – Columns – Floor Modifications (6:06)

Step 04/14 – Split Element – Match Properties – Attach Element to Top (3:47)

Step 05/14 – Interior Walls – Trim / Extend Elements – Doors (5:42)

Step 06/14 – Windows – Stairs – Shaft Openings (5:14)

Step 07/14 – Railings – Modifications of Curtain Walls (5:29)

Step 08/14 – Import Site – Building Pad = Place Site Components (5:17)

Step 09/14 – Groups – Rooms & Room Tags – Color Scheme (7:05)

Step 10/14 – Dimensions (6:32)

Step 11/14 – Wall Construction & Wall Wrapping – Schedules & Tag Elements – Section (5:45)

Step 12/14 – View Template – View Properties – Sheets (5:50)

Step 13/14 – Freeform (6:13)

Step 14/14 – Sun Path – Camera & Navigation Wheel – Render Properties (6:39)

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AUGI World Sept -October 2010

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AUGIWorld, the official AUGI magazine, is published every two months and is made available free of charge to all AUGI members.

Download the most recent issue:

Click for high-resolution (30.3MB) version
Click for low-resolution (9.09MB) version

The editorial content of AUGIWorld includes:

·             Tutorials for the newest Autodesk products

·             CAD management trends and issues

·             Tech articles and tips & tricks

·             Training advice

·             CAD industry observations

Calling all Revit Users in and around Bristol in the UK

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I had a chat with Mark Fox over at Revit FOX on the phone after he sent me his details for the UK Revit Register and I had looked at his Blog.

He is really interested in finding more people in and around Bristol who might be interested in gathering in a local pub or office, or perhaps starting a BRUG Bristol Revit Group.

Mark says on his Blog “I suppose it was inevitable, that at some stage, I would need to give up my lonely Revit existance and join other like minded individuals. I have to say although daunting, also somewhat exciting. I feel I have been boring my colleagues with my Revit talk, and ultimately the conversations are always one sided, as no-one else uses/wants to use Revit! So… with a hop and a skip and a little glint of pearly whites, i’m off to make contact! Wish me luck!"

Lets do better than just wishing him luck, let’s help find him some other Revit Heads to Play with and put some more pins on the map!

If you are in or around the Bristol area and fancy gathering and talking Revit then send your details to me for adding to the UK Revit Register, and then Mark and others in your area will be able to find you.

There is nothing quite as good as peer to peer support, that's why I'm involved with AUGIuk!

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Revit FOX another UK Blogger surfaces !

I was recently contacted by Mark Fox a 28 year old Structural CAD Technician who asked me to add his details to the UK Revit Register. He has managed to wangle one of a couple of Revit Structure seats that his employer has purchased to be installed on his computer so that he can play and learn Revit.

Mark has been playing with Revit since October 2009 and is working his way up the learning curve and has decided to record and document his struggle on his shiny new blog Revit FOX

I will be adding Revit FOX to my watching list because he is a UK Blogger, Revit Structure user and reminds me of me! ~ I started this blog for the same reasons three years ago.

So Mark welcome to the snakepit that is Blogging!
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A Hunter Shoots A Bear

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I have no idea how this guy has done this but try a few basic words, It had me in fits of laughter!

Thanx to Rikki for finding this one

Manufacturers BIM Models

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Here is the link to the CADdetails page of Manufacturers who have BIM Models!

I keep forgetting that this place exists, so now it's on my blog I have a reminder (and so have you!)

Enjoy

Health & Safety ~ Repairs to a Rear Dormer

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I was about to go into a site this morning when I saw a chap removing tiles on a front roof slope of a domestic property a little up the road.

He created a timber batten ladder to get up the front roof slope. I wondered why?

Then the answer became clear, out popped my camera (see below)..... "the Guys in our Health and Safety Department will love this I thought"

He had obviously been employed to torch on some new felt to the flat roof to the dormer on the rear elevation.

How did I come to that conclusion, take a look at how he got the Gas Bottle onto the flat roof.

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Off Subject ~ A Proud Dad Moment!

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Emma and Kelly ~ Congratulations on your Exam Results ~ Well Done!

Your results reflect the amount of work you have both put in this year.

Revit Customer Council now covers Structure & MEP

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Further to my posting back in April here is the latest from Chauncey Wilson re the Revit Customer Council 

To Revit users,

We are inviting you as Revit® Architecture, Revit® Structure, and Revit® MEP users to enroll in the Revit Customer Council (RCC), which is a group of Revit® users who provide feedback through periodic surveys and other methods to the Revit® product team. The Customer Council has focused on Revit® Architecture users in the past, but the updated Customer Council is now supporting Revit® Architecture, MEP, and Structure.

To join the Revit Customer Council, go to http://revitcc.com/, click Join Now in the upper right side of the page, and follow the registration instructions.

If you have any questions, please contact the Revit Customer Council councilmanager@revitcc.com.

Thanks for your support.

Chauncey Wilson
Senior Manager, AEC User Research
AEC Industry Group
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Proof that Autodesk do listen to us!
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Autodesk University 2010 registration dates have changed

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Autodesk University 2010 registration dates have changed:

AU 2010 (Las Vegas) – Advance registration for AU members only opens September 7. General registration opens September 14.

AU Virtual – Registration opens September 14.

AU Extension – Registration opens September 28.

Please update your calendar and plan to register on these dates.
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Autodesk Feedback Community Group on Linked-In

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I've always maintained that there is little point in complaining about a piece of software if you are not willing to alpha and beta test to assist in its’ development.

I never wanted to become an Engineering Manager, Health and Safety CDM-C and Party Wall Surveyor it was just a natural progression from being a bloody good draughtsman and attending far to many part time college and university courses and obtaining an honours degree in civil engineering (with a structural bias).

Over the years I’ve written CAD software, alpha and beta tested all kinds of software, mostly these have been related to my first love “drawing”. Most testing I do is for fun, yes I like finding the little bugs in programs and code.

The profile for the group says “This group is intended for Autodesk product users and enthusiast interested in participating in Beta test cycles of future Autodesk product releases.”. That's good that means I'm an enthuiast and not a nurd or a geek :0)

Obviously to join the group you will need to set yourself up on linked-In (if you have not all ready).

So if you want to assist in making Revit and AutoCAD as bug free as possible, jump on board the group and get down and dirty with beta software.

Autodesk Feedback Community Group

There are a large number of Revit groups on linked-in already these include the likes off my own  

• UK Revit Register and
• 2D and or 3D Top CAD Experts
• Autodesk University
• Autodesk User Group International (AUGI)
• Charlotte's Revit User Group
• Club Revit
• Glasgow Revit User Group
• KA Connect
• Revit
• Revit Bloggers
• Revit Structure + BIM
• Revit Users
• Revitopia
• The BIM Community

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AUGI Wish List Ballot for Revit MEP and Revit Structure

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Finally AUGI have a Wish List ballot for both Revit MEP and Revit Structure that is now going to be reviewed and submitted to Autodesk for consideration.

A BIG thank you to David Harrington over at CADDHELP for working with AUGI and Autodesk to make this happen. It's been a personal bone of contention of mine for some time that RST and MEP did not appear to get equal support and consideration as RAC.

As David says "it's all very exciting!" and it's encouraging for us MEP and RST Users that Autodesk are demonstrating that they do listen to our needs.

So if you are a Revit Structure or Revit MEP use these links to review the current wish list and vote!

Voting closes at 4:59am (UTC) on September 1st. so you don't have long!
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