Revit is a powerful Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool designed to help stakeholders design, visualise, and construct buildings more efficiently than ever before.
But Revit is way more than just a digital drafting tool. In fact, Revit makes it easy for everyone to work together, makes workflows more efficient, and lets you get the most out of BIM.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at what Revit can do. We’ll see what features it has, how it can be used, and why it’s useful for Australian professionals.
What Is Revit?
Revit is Autodesk’s top Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. In the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, it’s a dynamic and intelligent 3D modelling tool — a real foundational piece of software.
What sets Revit apart from traditional CAD software is its focus on 3D modelling. Revit models are rich in data, with detailed information about every building component.
As Elise Moss says in “Autodesk Revit 2021 Architecture Basics,” these components range from the basics like walls and windows to more complex things like electrical wiring and plumbing.
What makes Revit stand out is its data-centric approach. It turns the design process into something you can interact with and connect with other parts of.
Any changes you make to one element are automatically reflected in the whole model, so you can be sure everything is consistent and accurate.
This parametric modelling capability, as shown in “Autodesk® Revit® Architecture Workflow Fundamentals and New Features,” by Paul F. Aubin, really helps to cut down on errors and the need for rework, which saves valuable time and resources.
There’s a more detailed comparison between Revit and 2D drawings in the video below. Have a look:
Benefits of Using Revit
The benefits of using Revit go far beyond basic 3D modelling. It streamlines project delivery, minimises coordination errors, and improves both cost and time efficiency across disciplines. Below are the operational gains Revit brings to each stage of your project lifecycle.
Increased Project Efficiency
Revit enhances efficiency through parametric modelling and centralised data updates. When you change a single element in the model, every related view updates automatically, reducing manual adjustments. This feature alone saves hours during design revisions and improves delivery timelines across complex projects.
Beyond automation, Revit’s scheduling tools cut down administrative overhead. Teams can generate live quantities, material lists, and documentation with just a few clicks. This allows architects and engineers to focus more on design refinement rather than repetitive drafting tasks.
Reduced Errors
Revit reduces errors by keeping every element in sync throughout the entire model. When a dimension or component changes, its ripple effect is automatically applied across sheets and views. This helps eliminate costly design inconsistencies.
In large projects, this means fewer RFIs (Requests for Information) and rework requests. With fewer clashes and coordination gaps, the team can move faster with better quality control. It keeps the entire team coordinated and reduces errors caused by miscommunication.
Improve Coordination and Collaboration
Revit improves coordination and collaboration by enabling multiple contributors to work on a shared model in real time. The worksharing system supports architectural, structural, and MEP teams, eliminating the need for file transfers or version updates. This integrated model environment eliminates friction, especially across remote or cross-disciplinary teams.
Cloud platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud make coordination even easier for teams. Everyone can access the live project model from anywhere in the world. This simple process eliminates the confusion of sharing outdated design files.
Enhanced Building Quality
Revit enhances building quality by maintaining a consistent link between design intent and technical detailing. Each window size, wall material, or slab edge remains fully connected to the original concept throughout documentation. This connection ensures the design details are accurate and consistently applied.
This detail directly helps improve the quality of work on the construction site. Contractors can build with more confidence from the accurate digital model. It reduces guesswork and leads to a much better final building outcome.
Improve Decision-Making
Decision-making improves because everyone has access to model-driven insights. Whether estimating quantities, analysing design options, or staging in 4D, the model helps clarify trade-offs quickly.
The model also helps visualise impacts before committing to a change. Stakeholders can see the downstream effects of layout, sequencing, or component swaps. This clarity reduces rework, lowers friction, and keeps the entire project on track.
Comprehensive Project Data
Project data is comprehensive because Revit acts as a central information hub. Geometry, quantities, material specs, and cost estimates are all embedded and connected. This keeps all your important project information organised in one reliable place.
By integrating with dashboards and BIM coordination tools, Revit extends access to broader teams. Project managers, clients, and consultants can extract clear insights without needing to open Revit themselves. This approach simplifies reporting and helps everyone track project progress clearly.
Who Uses Revit?
Because it’s so helpful for the entire building process, Revit is used by many different professionals in the Australian AEC industry. If your job involves designing, building, or managing a building, Revit can likely help you. Here are some of the key people who use it:
- Architects to create building designs and construction drawings.
- Interior Designers to plan out internal spaces and furniture layouts.
- Structural Engineers to design the building’s frame and support systems.
- MEP Engineers to lay out the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Construction Managers to plan schedules and spot potential issues before they happen.
- Contractors to understand the design and build it correctly.
- BIM Managers to oversee the project model and make sure it’s accurate.
- Facility Managers to help operate and maintain the building after it’s finished.
If you’re new to BIM or looking to upskill, you can also enrol in our Interscale Revit course to build confidence in project-ready workflows. We designed it with Australian AEC professionals in mind, using real tasks and outputs from local practices. Whether you’re a technician, coordinator, or project lead, the course helps you make the most of your Revit investment.
How Revit Supports BIM Workflows
Revit is a key part of BIM workflows, helping us to create a complete digital picture of a building’s physical and functional features.
In the old way of doing things, architects, engineers and contractors often worked in isolation, which led to lots of misunderstandings and expensive mistakes.
Revit gets everyone working together by letting different teams work on the same model.
This real-time collaboration makes it easier for everyone to communicate and coordinate, which means projects are delivered more smoothly.
As Aubin’s guide explains, Revit’s 4D BIM capabilities add a time dimension to the model.
This lets teams test out construction sequences, spot any issues between building parts, and plan project schedules before construction even starts.
Being able to see and fix these things in the virtual world means the construction process is more predictable and efficient in the real world.
What’s more, Revit can create detailed schedules and quantities right from the model, which makes it easier to estimate costs and get materials.
This transparency means that project stakeholders can make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
As a starting point for understanding Autodesk software in AEC industries, kindly check “A Newbie Guide to Autodesk AEC Collection as Blueprint of Better Futures.”
Key Features of Revit
Revit’s got all the features you could possibly need to get the job done right, no matter what your role is in the AEC industry.
One of the best things about Revit is its parametric modelling, which lets you tweak connected parts of a building model as you go along.
This means you can be sure that everything in your design will fit together properly.
On top of that, Revit has some pretty advanced analysis tools that let users make their designs better, check the structural stuff, and run cost estimates.
Revit’s got some great visualisation tools, like those for creating 3D renderings and animations, which really help to present and understand designs.
What’s more, Revit helps you create comprehensive documentation and schedules, so you can automate lots of time-consuming tasks and improve accuracy.
The software also includes tools to assess the energy performance of building designs, which helps create more sustainable structures.
Applications of Revit
Elise Moss outlines its use in architectural design, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineering, construction management, and facility management.
Architects can leverage Revit to create detailed 3D models, explore design options, and effectively communicate their vision to clients.
Structural engineers can analyze structural systems, design elements, and generate comprehensive documentation.
MEP engineers can design and coordinate building systems, ensuring seamless integration with the architectural design.
In the construction phase, Revit aids in simulating construction sequences, identifying potential clashes, and optimising schedules for efficient project delivery.
Even after a building is completed, Revit continues to be valuable in facility management, serving as a digital twin for asset management and maintenance planning.
How to Get a Revit License
Getting started with Revit begins with the right license. A standard Revit 2026 subscription currently costs around A$4,585 per year for a single user. That includes access to Autodesk cloud tools and all updates throughout the subscription period.
At Interscale dedicated Revit service, we help teams and individuals buy their Revit license with added flexibility. Instead of paying everything upfront, you can split the cost into monthly instalments through our software financing option. Let’s check the Interscale software financing calculator below:
As you see, rather than paying A$4,585 at once, monthly payments can start from around A$213 over 24 months. Longer terms are also available, depending on your budget cycle and operational priorities. This means you can stay licensed, up to date, and fully compliant without large capital outlay.
Financing your Revit license also improves predictability in project costing. Since licensing becomes part of your operating expenses, you can plan without triggering extensive approval processes. It’s a cleaner way to onboard Revit across project teams, especially when scaling from a single seat to multiple seats.
What is the Difference Between AutoCAD and Revit?
AutoCAD and Revit are both Autodesk products used in the AEC industry, but they’re used for different things.
Moss says you can think of AutoCAD as a 2D drafting tool, known for its precision in creating technical drawings.
Revit, on the other hand, is a complete BIM platform designed for 3D modelling and data-rich design.
AutoCAD is still a great tool for certain tasks, like creating detailed construction drawings or working on projects that don’t need the full power of BIM.
So, AutoCAD is all about drawing and drafting, while Revit is about building a complete model that generates all the project drawings and documents.
This is why Revit is better for integrated project workflows, where lots of different people need to work together and share data.
However, as the industry gets better at using BIM and sees the benefits of data-driven design, Revit is becoming an even more popular choice.
For more details on the AEC collection software names, please take a look at “The Autodesk AEC Collection Software List: Find Your Superhero Tool Now.”
Revit vs. Other Design Software
Revit is facing some competition from other BIM software options, such as ArchiCAD, SketchUp, and Vectorworks.
ArchiCAD is another BIM software with a lightweight operating system and an easy-to-use interface, which makes it pretty popular in some regions.
It supports loads of file formats and has features for every stage of the design process.
Meanwhile, SketchUp is great for quick 3D modelling and concept visualisation, but it doesn’t have the detailed documentation and parametric capabilities of Revit.
Vectorworks is also a great choice for its easy-to-use 2D and 3D modelling tools and its strong cloud services, which make it easy to work together.
But Revit’s the go-to for many Australian AEC firms because it’s got a strong market position, loads of features and it works seamlessly with other Autodesk products.
In Closing
The fact that Revit is used in so many major Australian projects shows how important it is for meeting high standards of design and construction.
No matter what your role is in the AEC industry, getting to grips with Revit can make a big difference to how you work and the results you get.
So, what is Revit? It’s your tool for getting the best value on your AEC project in the current year.
