What do Revit API developers do?

[Anonymous]

Hey guys.

I would like to know what other people on this forum, that have the skills to write Revit API plugins do for a living?

Do you work at architecture firms? What positions?

Do you work for yourself? What do you do?

Do you work for software companies?

I am a qualified professional Architect who has a background in software development, which I studied before Architecture.

I have since studying architecture mostly been focusing on my architectural career. I have now been working in architecture firms for about 4 years, and never really thought there was much use for my programming skills as none of the firms I have worked for had any use for or interest in them.

But I have recently developed a new interest in my programming side and would like to start exploring the Revit API.

I am still only employed as an architect, my company does not really seem interested in my programming skills (which I have discussed with my superiors).

So I was wondering what other kinds of opportunities there might be for someone that shares my skill set?

Thanks in advanced!

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous

Good evening!

I don't have an answer to all of your questions, but I could tell you what it's been like for me to a degree.

I've had kind of the opposite experience from you, I am a developer who recently gained an interest in applying my skillset to engineering. Currently, I've only touched Fabrication and Pipeline issues, but let me tell you it's been extremely fun (when I'm not beating my head against my keyboard).

I work for myself as a sole proprieter, but I'm only contracted by one client at this time - and I work from home now for the first time in my life. That part has both pros and cons, everyone always says that sounds awesome but it has it's drawbacks like anything else.

I hope to branch out into other sectors.

The more i learn the more amazed I am at what can be accomplished - I've only been doing this for about a year, and it shocks me sometimes when I found out some of the problems facing people out in the field (or anyone drawing in Revit, CAD, or otherwise), and how much time people waste or are forced to waste (no choice in the matter) doing something manually over and over every day, or several times a day, and then someone like you or me steps in and creates a button that does it in 2 seconds.

And I've only helped one company out, it really makes me sad to think about the people who are working for companies that don't have a developer, or refuse to train one of their staff on development, or literally fail to see the benefit of having a developer in the first place (like in your case).

The possibilities are almost endless when you sit back and look at it all.

But the best part of this kind of development, at least for me, is knowing that the tool I wrote or script or whatever it is has an immediate, practical application for a real problem facing people that are busting their tail day in and day out, and knowing that it saves them time and stress, and (hopefully) puts a little more money in their pocket so they can take a **** vacation.

Anyway, just thought I'd let you know.

If you are interested in the least I say go for it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks man.

I feel exactly the same.

Mind if I IM you sometime to find out a bit more?

[Anonymous]

Sure, I'll answer what I can 🙂

[Anonymous]

Hello gerald,

I'm a civil engineer working on the information exchange in BIM environment. Basically, I identify which information is useful in a BIM model and which could be inserted to enable different simulations.

I'm currently doing a PhD, and hope to finish this year, so no, I do not work on architectural/engineer firms. However, based on what you've described, it is a shame that your skills are not seriously used in your company (although I understand). Usually, managers and owners want good and want fast, and if you say "oh, I need to work on the development of a tool to assist us in doing X or Y", you'll probably lose their interest...because if you are doing that, you are not "producing". However, if you're good you'll develop simple tools that will make your life, and your colleagues' life, much easier, without the need to pay for external plugins.

It is my opinion that in the future we'll see more and more architects/engineers with minimum, but useful, computer science background. The synergies in the construction industry have never been so vast as nowadays, and with the digitalisation of the construction, it will become even more important that professionals have those set of skills. Will we be able to compete with developers? No, but will create the bridge between technical knowledge with programming language (MVD and IDM are a good example). But this is my opinion 🙂

Cheers

Ruben

[Anonymous]

Hi Ruben

Thanks for the reply.

What do you plan on doing once you have completed your phd?

Good luck with it.

[Anonymous]

It will depend on the opportunities that I'll have once I finish the PhD. I'm looking for an academic role, but a mix between academy and industry (e.g. engineer or contractor firms) would also be very good. In the end, I would really like to continue working and researching on BIM or new ways of digitalisation!

Thanks!

[Troy_Gates]

I started programming the Revit API as a BIM Manager and needed to automate tasks for my architects and engineers. I had experience in LISP, Visual LISP, and VBA from AutoCAD in the late 90's/early 2000's. I was able to learn C# purely by working with the Revit API. Lots and Lots of searching the Internet to learn both as I created macros to solve specific tasks I wanted to automate.

Now I am a Solutions Consultant for the BIM / Technology Services side of an Autodesk VAR and don't program the Revit API as part of my job anymore, but I still work with the Revit API as a hobby.

[MarryTookMyCoffe]

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@Anonymouswrote:

Do you work at architecture firms? What positions?

Do you work for yourself? What do you do?

Do you work for software companies?

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I will be short on this one:
No

No, for company. Most of the time I made a plugin for revit to import data from program of my company to revit.

Yes, we do programs to design sanitary installation.