AU notes: CADalyst

While at Autodesk University 2009, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join the CADalyst writer's breakfast.

I had a lovely time meeting and chatting with the CADalyst/Longitude Media staff (Seth, Nancy and Cyrena), as well as a couple of experienced authors and tech gurus, Bill Fane and Paul Aubin.
I don't want to sound like too much of a fan-girl, but, I was pretty much beside myself getting to talk with these guys in this circumstance (fun fact: Bill has been writing for CADalyst since I was in kindergarten, wow!).
While I resisted the urge to do anything lame like ask for autographs, I did have to ask for a photo.

Look at me!!! Hangin with Bill & Paul!!! :-D

The big news from the discussion was that CADalyst can now be bought in print. The sample issue I saw is slightly larger than a traditional magazine, and with a much higher quality paper.


For more writing/editing geeks, here's my report from AU2007 on all of the great folks I have worked with.

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Current Work

As I mentioned last June, I have doubled my course load at Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies. My summer semester really kicked my tail with some hard classes, and I certainly stayed busy in the fall, but, I had every intention of making some quality blog posts while I was on winter break.

Of course, I didn't know that I'd be extended the wonderful opportunity to work as the Technical Editor on the next edition of AutoCAD: No Experience Required. The author updating the text is fellow under-30 blogger, Donnie Gladfelter (better known as The CAD Geek).
I first had the pleasure of meeting Donnie at the AutoCAD 2010 launch (my tweets), and also caught up with him at AU2009. You can check out some of his videos and Ask the Expert archive from the AutoCAD Exchange (we recorded our videos in the same studio and I still crack up when I remember how many times he had to start over to prevent himself from saying 'paramedic' constraints hehehe).
So, obviously, there are a lot of deadlines associated with working with Donnie, and the fine folks at Wiley, so I've been neglecting my blog even further. I apologize, especially to those kind readers who emailed me to make sure I hadn't actually fallen off the face of the planet.

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Now, with regard to my day job, I'm currently managing one of the largest projects I've ever been assigned (Project Management ups and downs = Upside: I don't have to do the work myself. Downside = Tons and tons of paperwork.), so that is fairly exciting.

Obviously we're also still in our slow ramp up to BIM adoption in my facility, trying to make sure the lines of communication are clearly open with everyone staying in the loop and driving toward the same goals. It's extremely interesting and a great learning experience.

Also, we've essentially completed our long review of CMMS systems and should be making our final decision soon, then we move onto the adoption/migration itself. It's... long overdue.

In addition to our normal construction and troubleshooting, our office is as busy as always.

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School continues to be a challenge. The courses are run on compressed eight-week schedules, so that makes for some long nights and a lot of homework, it's extremely intense. However, my Professors are all really great teachers, I've felt engaged in all of my courses, and I sure don't remember that from my previous forays into the world of academia.

My current class is Programming Logic and Design, in a few weeks, I'll begin Organizational Studies and Principles of Event-driven Programming. Really good courses.

I'm also a student blogger (I know, I'm SORRY!) and am looking forward to volunteering at an upcoming Blood Drive with the ASL.

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Remember, if you want to chat with some of the local St. Louis CAD geeks, pop into the Gateway AUG's google group forum.

You can find me on micro-blog site Twitter:
MelaniePerry <- General CAD/Technology/OT/family tweets
MistresDorkness <- postings and highlights from CAD & BIM events I attend

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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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