CAD, Revit, and Software

I am hoping that you will be able to help me. My son is in college studying architecture. Throughout high school he studied CAD - the only program related to architecture in our home town school system. However he has found that in college it is necessary to know many other programs to help him with his studies. Unfortunately though,  the school he attends is not teaching the students these programs but rather assuming they either know them or can teach themselves. With the amount of work to be done, my son does not have the time to learn these programs during the regular semesters. He is looking to learn the program Revit this summer either at a school that teaches it or whatever way available. Can you guide me into finding out where he would be able to learn this program? We live in North Jersey.

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Architects use many different software; as well, architecture students use many different software.  Aside from CAD - computer aided drafting/design, many students use SketchUp (http://sketchup.google.com/), Adobe Suite (http://www.adobe.com/), Rhino (http://www.rhino3d.com/), Maya (http://usa.autodesk.com/maya/), FormZ (http://www.formz.com/), and BIM (Building Information Modeling) -- the list could be endless.

While it may true that some architecture programs may require knowledge of these software including Revit, I cannot imagine that it would be expected upon arrival from high school.  For example, I work at an architecture program in the midwest; we expect our students to know Revit ( http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-architecture/) by their sophomore year, but we teach the software.  Others learn it via a course within a community college.

Thus, I would not be overly worried that he does not know Revit.  Have you talked with the architecture programs and solicited their advice?  Check local community colleges to determine if they teach the course.  Assuming he can get his hands on the actual software, there are tutorials on the web.

http://usa.autodesk.com/revit-architecture/training/

Aside from there, there are probably plenty of providers of training but at a cost.

Computer Software

I was recently laid off of my position as an architect after working for the same firm for 23+ years.  The firm I worked for used VersaCAD as the design/drafting software for all our construction drawings.  No one else in the world uses VersaCAD.  I've been researching job opportunities as an architect in other parts of the state, and it is apparent I will need to have training on some other type of CAD software.  My resources are limited, so I'm trying to figure out what additional training to look for.  Do I do AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, or something else? In some ads I've seen SketchUp, 3D Rendering, Projects, and Uniform Drawing System also listed.  I am familiar with Word, Excel, Photoshop, Acrobat Professional; I know my way around both Mac's and PC's, as we have Mac's at home and I used a PC at work.

I would really appreciate some insight into what additional training might give me the best return (job possibilities) for my investment of time and money.  Thank you.

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First, I am sorry to hear that you have been recently laid off especially after 23+ years with the same firm.

As you are seeking this additional training as part of a job search, I would continue to research what software is being used by the firms to which you are interested.  Use you network to ask the same question to learn what is best for you to learn.

Understanding that I currently work within an architecture program, I would suggest considering the following but do talk with professionals in the firms:

Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard (InDesign, Photoshop, Premier Pro, Acrobat Pro, etc.)
Autodesk (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, Revit Architecture, Rasterdesign, 3D Max Design

FormZ RenderZone
Rhino
SketchUp

Clearly, the shift occuring within the professions is from AutoCAD to BIM (Revit).  While you need to know AutoCAD (you know from your years of VersaCAD), you may wish to know learn BIM.  In addition, be sure to know the various presentation type software (Adobe) and 3D modeling/rendering softwares (FormZ, SketchUp, and Rhino).  In other words, you need to learn it all.

Obviously, many softwares make trial versions of their software available, but many have substantial discounts available for students.  I would suggest taking courses through a community college to learn but also to be able to take advantage of these discounts.

Bottom line, connect with the area schools, firms, and even AIA chapters for possible training opportunities.  One idea is to contact firms to determine if they provide training opportunities for you given your circumstances.

Dr. Architecture