Making the Most of Revit® MEP

On Point with Matt Danowski

Mueller electrical engineer Matt Danowski has been working with the new Revit® MEP software for the past year, participating in Autodesk User Group International forums and attending Autodesk University in Las Vegas in November 2007. On Point connects with Matt to discuss the challenges and benefits of working with Revit software.

Q: What has been the process to implement Revit MEP at Mueller?

A: We first acquired the new software in spring 2007. Five of us, representing mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and CADD staff, participated in a four-day training class here at Mueller. Since then, I’ve continued to gain tips and insights by participating in the online user group. This forum puts me in touch with users across the country. I also learned a lot at the Autodesk University conference. The learning sessions enabled me to focus on how to use Revit more effectively by exploring the different features in more detail.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in terms of implementing Revit at Mueller?

A: We readily saw the benefits of Revit and building information modeling (BIM) in general, so it’s had a good reception internally at Mueller. The 3-D modeling capabilities enable us to get a much better visualization of a building. The challenge has to been to shape the software to our own standards—to customize it to what we’re doing and the way we approach MEP design.

Q: What has been your hands-on experience to this point?

A: Mueller was able to use Revit on a major project for the University of Delaware. We worked closely with the architect, Ayers|Saint|Gross, to optimize use of the software. It really helped with project communications. It’s clearly a tool that can help us coordinate more effectively and efficiently with architects and other team members.

Q: What advice would you offer a firm looking at implementing use of Revit?

A: Keep an open mind. This tool requires a new way of thinking and some patience to explore its features. Ultimately, it puts design teams more in sync throughout the course of a project, which is better for everyone—especially the building owner.

For more information on Mueller’s use of Revit, read Revit Revs Up Production in the Momentum newsletter.