Geeks Communicating (from AU2009)

I know, I should really do a real summary post from the wonderful experience that was Autodesk University 2009, but, for the moment, I'll simply share an image with you from the AUGI booth in the Exhibit Hall (at the request of fellow blogger, RobiNZ)
Between work, checking schedules, keeping touch at home and with other attendees you're trying to meet up with... mobile devices were EVERYWHERE. While I was charging my smartphone at the booth, I was chatting with some pals... when I suddenly realized they were all 'checking in' at the same time during a lull in our conversation (I swear, contrary to popular belief, we were NOT communicating with each other via text or tweet at this time) and I found it amusing.

I call this piece "Geeks Communicating"

From left to right:
Frank Mayfield, Robin Capper, Ray Gorman, Matt Stachoni, Paul Kirill

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CAD Managers Not Optimistic

Robert Green recently conducted a survey to gauge the state of the economy according to the CAD Manager.

See his article: Survey: CAD Managers Reveal Effects of the Economy, Part 1

This is a followup survey to one he conducted in February (Results Part 1 and Part 2), so he can compare how things have changed since then.

Here are some quick highlights, please follow the link to the original article for Robert's more in-depth analysis and some charts:

There were 405 responses worldwide.

40% of respondents have had their pay cut or frozen (although he estimates that 15% of CAD Managers have been laid off this year).

Only 10% report being busy with work, and 65% report recent layoffs.

Only 7% of the respondents are really optimistic about the year ahead.

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Revit Standards - Getting Started Guides

As I may have mentioned, our parent organization began a mandate a couple of years ago to utilize BIM on larger projects, but, the ramp up to all BIM on all projects is coming up with the next calendar year.

While our parent organization doesn't specify a particular format, I've chosen the Revit family of products for my campus and am in the midst of writing our facility's BIM/Revit standard now.

I thought that I'd share some documents that I've downloaded to get myself started:
NBIMS - National BIM Standard from the BuildingSmart Alliance
USACE - US Army Corps of Engineers BIM Roadmap (and Bentley requirements)
GSA - US General Services Administration
a model content matrix
data exchange standards (IFC) - FIM on IFC benefits, IFC & XML, CADalyst on GSA
Autodesk whitepapers\ Revit whitepapers
McGrawHill SmartMarket report on BIM 2008 and 2009 Business Value of BIM
and am ordering some AIA documents (B101, A295, E202, Add 200.2 C106, E201, ConDoc200.2, ConDoc301).
ASHRAE - Introduction to BIM

But, of course, most of that is very general and very overwhelming. So, in addition, I've been looking specifically for information on Revit Standards. HOK posted their AutoCAD/ADT/Revit standards a couple of years ago, but, I think they were just starting the Revit portion at that point so it might be quite a bit out of date.

The next step has been talking to some of our local contractors about what they're using as guidelines in-house so far. As with my CAD Standards, I want to be specific enough to get reproducible and reusable documents, but, I don't wish to greatly interfere with established workflows. BIM is a very different animal than CAD, trying to standardize it is much more about outlining the design process, rather than outlining the state of the deliverable. They've been very generous with their responses so far, and I appreciate the feedback. But, it looks like most of them are not using a set of 'BIM Standards' or 'Revit Standards' so far, they're trying to keep things out of the box as they ramp up, and just try to control information with a good and consistent folder structure. While I plan on taking everything I hear into consideration, I won't be copying anything word for word, primarily just finding inspiration about what is important and what is not.

I'm going to continue to ask around, and I'd certainly appreciate links or emails with any resources anyone can offer. Either from firms with a Revit Standard or established guidelines, or introductions to other building operators who are investigating or adopting BIM. (I'd also appreciate any pointers to anyone who has used Revit with Archibus, so far all I can find is one little 'whitepaper' that says it's possible, but, haven't found anyone who has actually tried and succeeded yet).

On a related note, I liked this article on the VICO site about the single-model misconception, revealing one GSA projects has over 200 models.

Oh, and while not really about standards, here is a link to a CADalyst interview I did with Clyne Curtis of BYU about the status of their Revit adoption.

And of course, don't forget the dicussion areas for BIM Managers:
AUGI BIM Management Forum
BIMManager Google Group

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New BIM Magazine from AUGI

Alright, looks like the AEC crowd has a new magazine from AUGI (I believe that, if it does well, they will look into branching out into other disciplines).

We're just starting to use Revit here on my campus, and, coming from the Engineering group, we're interested in MEPFP content mainly, and I'm thrilled to see that the debut issue of "AEC Edge" doesn't just focus on the Architectural industry.
They're talking Architectural models, IPD (integrated project delivery), Training, Implementation, Coordinate Systems, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing building systems), Structural, Analysis, education and API. Loads of content.

Don't take my word for it, check out the Table of Contents below, then download the current issue (available in the interactive format AND pdf).



Also, please don't forget, TODAY is the last day to participate in the 2009 AUGI Annual Salary Survey! Just 19 short questions, it will take about 5 minutes (there's a link to a currency convertor for any non-US folks who want to participate, I LOVE international participation!), results will be presented in broad categories in AUGIWorld Magazine this fall. If you've already participated, please, feel free to send the link to your colleagues and invite them to take part as well.

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OT: School Update

Well, if you're a subscriber you've probably noticed that my posting rate has gone down a bit here on my blog lately. I've got three or four posts in the queue and just can't seem to find the time to sit down and flesh them out properly.

In addition to the little bundle of joy and his precocious older brother, I have been taking more classes to complete my Bachelor's Degree.

I finished an Associate's Degree back in 2002, but, devoted the next couple of years to financing quality childcare for number one son. ;)

I mentioned last year that I had the opportunity to return to college through a program at work, and I've been very grateful for the opportunity. I have, however, increased my course load. It would take forever to finish if I stayed with taking only one course at a time.

As it stands now, I should finish by the fall of 2011.

I only recently declared my major officially. Organizational Leadership and Technology.
I believe it's sort of a new program in St. Louis University's School for Professional Studies.
Originally, I assumed I'd complete a Mechanical Engineering degree (a second Associate's I'd started years ago when still working on my Drafting Technology degree), but, an education in Management and Computer Science will be sure to prepare me for some very interesting projects, so I'm somewhat happy that it's an option.

So, currently being swamped with homework has hampered my creative writing ability for a bit. When I do get some time off between classes, I'll polish up what I've got (hang in there for me).
You will, of course, be hearing more about the Salary Survey soon as I work on that.

I do have to give major thanks and appreciation to Mike in all of this. He's been really supportive of my desire to complete my education and has picked up my slack around the house (yes, he's actually been cooking, I know!). Seriously, it takes a lot of time and effort to keep a household running smoothly, as well as keeping two growing boys happy, so he's really gone above and beyond.


If you don't have the time or finances (try filling out a FAFSA next fall, who knows what you might be eligible for?), but, still want to educate yourself a bit, try searching for some Open CourseWare. MIT and Yale are two big ones who've been publishing lectures, videos and course materials for the public to enjoy, I'm sure other colleges and universities have some great classes too. And, for those unemployed CAD folks out there, don't forget about the Autodesk Assistance Program if you want to make the most of your time off by making yourself more marketable.

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CAD/Design/Architecture/Engineering Annual Salary Survey Running Now!

AUGI is currently running the 2009 Annual Salary Survey!

COMPLETE THE SURVEY BY JUNE THE 30th.

Which means that your peers need YOU to log in and report your views. We call this a survey because that's precisely what we're doing. We're collecting information from the members to compile and share back with the members. What a great idea!

But, unfortunately, only about 10% of our membership takes part each year, which limits the amount of meaningful data that I've got to work with. Remember, every little bit helps. Speak for your industry!

The survey results will be released in AUGIWorld Magazine this fall.

Of course, if you have any concerns about participating in this anonymous survey or have questions about any of it, be sure to check out the updated FAQ. And the 'F' in FAQ, REALLY means FREQUENTLY. Frequently Asked Questions

I did get feedback from our members last year and, as usual, I have made a couple small changes.
Many "Thanks" to those folks who truly appreciate all of the volunteer time spent on this and tell me about how our survey has benefited you. That's what AUGI is all about, users helping users, and I love to know when you've benefited.

Feel free to check out the results from the 2008 Survey which include: the Salary Survey article and charts from AUGIWorld Magazine, the FAQ document (which includes a listing of all questions asked on the survey, frequently asked questions), a Podcast (mp3 containing survey observations and tips on asking for a raise) and a spreadsheet containing various comparisons and rankings between each discipline/industry.

This survey isn't only about how much money people are earning, it's a pulse in our industry... we can watch trends such as more firms adopting BIM Managers, and more folks retiring and more folks taking pay and hour cuts. I'm very curious to see this year's results and I hope you'll all participate.

Oh, ~sigh~ and just to be one step ahead of the curve... if you frequent other CAD sites, you might have noticed last year that there were a couple of users (one in particular who posted under a couple of other names) who... theorized and then 'spread the word' a bit last year that AUGI or I are benefiting somehow by selling the information we're gathering... which is, of course, a completely fabricated theory. Nothing is done with this survey outside of the results posted on AUGI's website, the results are not tied to user names and I have no way of finding out who reported what and no way to monetize the information. We require a log in to prevent people from flooding the survey with results that might skew the numbers.

And, as always, AUGI is nothing without it's users, so I really hope that you could spare a couple of minutes of your time to chime in with your $0.02 and provide one more salary and industry resource for the community. Thank you for your time!

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Gateway AUG Summer Meeting June 17th

The Gateway Autodesk User Group will meet next week. New features of Autodesk Software will be presented.

When: 17^th June - Wednesday - from 6 to 8:00 pm

Where: Clayco, Inc. Forum Studios, 2199 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63114. (google map).

What:

· "New Features in Revit Architecture" by Brian Myers, Seiler Instruments.

· "New Features in Ecotect and Green Building Studio" by Tomislav Zigo, Clayco.

What else: Pizza and Drinks – sponsored by Seiler Instruments

You can RSVP here so that we can make arrangements for food and drinks.

If you need additional information, please email us.

For information on what's new with AutoCAD 2010 and other programs,
please see your AUGI resources:
http://www.augi.com/education/schedule.asp?page=292
http://www.augi.com/publications/hotnews.asp?page=1958
http://www.augi.com/publications/hotnews.asp?page=1936
http://www.augi.com/publications/hotnews.asp?page=1922
http://www.augi.com/publications/hotnews.asp?page=1905
http://www.augi.com/publications/default.asp?page=63

Also, the AutoCAD Insider, Heidi Hewett... she's posted great videos as well:

http://heidihewett.blogs.com/files/autocad2010videos-1.htm

(she has links on her blog to videos on new features from AutoCAD 2006-2010, so check out some of the older ones as well if you haven't used them yet)

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