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The Edge: Do You Revit?
Novedge: Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do
Jeffrey Pinheiro: How's it going Novedge?! My name is Jeffrey Pinheiro and I am an almost-architect, a technology geek, and a BIM-enthusiast. I say "almost-architect" because I am currently in the middle of taking the Architects Registration Exam (ARE). If all goes as planned, I will be an actual architect very soon. I digress. I have worked professionally in the field of architecture for the last nine years. While working, I received two associates degrees (Architecture and Construction Management), a Bachelor of Science (in Architecture), and a Master of Architecture.
I am currently employed as both a designer and BIM influencer at Fletcher Thompson, an A/E firm in Hartford, Connecticut. Additionally, I am the founder of TheRevitKid.com and BIM After Dark. Both websites offer tutorials, tips, and tricks of all things Revit and BIM related. TheRevitKid.com, in particular, has just hit its five year anniversary and 1000th post.
Novedge: Why Revit?
Jeffrey Pinheiro: I have always been fascinated with technology's role in the architectural process. I began using AutoCAD in high school and started experimenting with different 3D design tools. At that time, it was mostly SketchUp (pre-Google) and 3ds Max (with both Mental Ray and V-Ray rendering engines).
My first employer introduced me to Revit. We had it installed and a client wanted to use it. Together, my boss and I learned Revit. I enjoyed the fact that I did not need to back-check view references, manage sheet numbers, and elevations updated when I changed a plan! Unfortunately, Revit still lacked the quality of visuals that I was getting out of SketchUp or 3ds Max. Then, Revit was released with the Mental Ray render engine! That was a major game changer for me. Now, I could do everything I wanted to do IN ONE PROGRAM! TheRevitKid.com was created shortly after.
Novedge: How do you come up with topics for your tutorials?
Jeffrey Pinheiro: Honestly, I would say 85% of my ideas come from readers' emails, tweets, or comments. If not, then they probably came from a question I answered in the office or something I sat and tinkered with for hours to figure out.
Novedge: How many videos have you created? Do you have a favorite?
Jeffrey Pinheiro: Currently, TheRevitKid.com has 1024 posts. Of those 1024 posts, 721 are tutorials or tips, that either I've created or link to other great sources. There are so many that it is hard for me to even remember them all. Believe it or not, I search the blog every once in a while looking for an old post I created! Presently, I am most proud of the BIM After Dark videos. I love this series because it combines my passion for BIM with my passion for design.
Novedge: What is the worst advice you've ever heard about BIM?
Jeffrey Pinheiro: Hmm… That is an interesting question. I'm not sure if this is considered advice, but I think the worst thing that a company or an individual can do when it comes to adopting BIM is treating it as just another documentation tool. Revit is a tool. Yes. But it requires a new process and mindset to be efficient and effective.
Novedge: What are your favorite blogs to follow about Revit?
Jeffrey Pinheiro: I follow A LOT of Revit and BIM related blogs, websites, and Twitter handles. Instead of typing them all, I created a special page for Novedge followers. Click here for a list of some of my favorites.
Novedge: Can you give us a quick Revit tip?
Don't be afraid. Learning new software, especially Revit, can be incredibly intimidating. The only way to learn Revit is to break stuff. It will happen. Dive in, ask questions, use Google (or TheRevitKid.com!), and start BIM-ing today!
Novedge: Architecture as a profession is changing a lot: what would you like to see happen in the next few years?
Jeffrey Pinheiro: If I had to make a prediction about which "emerging technologies" will gain traction in the next few years I would have to go with what I call the "three realities": immersive reality (3D collaboration/gaming engines), virtual reality (Oculus Rift, etc..), and augmented reality (ie. SmartReality). That's not to say there aren't many more emerging technologies but I see these three as being the most feasible and closest to mass public use.
If Revit is part of your workflow and you are looking to learn more about it, check out the blog, subscribe to the RevitKid on YouTube and connect on Facebook and Twitter.
And don't forget to like Novedge on Facebook!
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