Importing Revit models into Chief Architect can be a great way to streamline the design process when working with both tools. While Revit is a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software primarily used for detailed architectural, engineering, and construction drawings, Chief Architect is widely used for residential design, offering user-friendly features with a focus on 3D visualization and interior design.
In many cases, designers and architects may find it necessary to transfer models from Revit into Chief Architect for further detailing, rendering, or presentation. This guide will walk you through the steps for importing Revit models into Chief Architect, ensuring that you can continue working on your design seamlessly.
Step 1: Export the Revit Model to a Compatible Format
Revit and Chief Architect don’t natively communicate with each other, meaning you can’t directly open a Revit file in Chief Architect. Instead, you’ll need to export your Revit model into a format that Chief Architect can read. The most commonly used format for this task is FBX (Filmbox), which is compatible with many 3D modeling software programs, including Chief Architect.
To export from Revit:
- Open your Revit project that you wish to import into Chief Architect.
- In the File menu, select Export > FBX.
- Make sure you choose FBX as your export format, as this will retain most of the 3D data while reducing file complexity.
- In the Export Setup dialog box, adjust the settings for your export. Depending on your needs, you can include or exclude certain parts of the model (like furniture, lighting, or other elements).
- After selecting the desired settings, click OK to begin the export process.
- Save the exported FBX file in a location where you can easily access it.
This FBX file will serve as your bridge between Revit and Chief Architect.
Step 2: Import the FBX File into Chief Architect
Now that you’ve exported your Revit model to an FBX file, the next step is importing it into Chief Architect. Chief Architect allows you to import 3D models in the FBX format, and while some adjustments may be required after the import, this process will transfer the bulk of the geometry into your Chief Architect workspace.
To import the FBX file into Chief Architect:
- Open Chief Architect and create a new project or open an existing project where you want to import the Revit model.
- Go to the File menu and select Import > Import FBX.
- Navigate to the location where you saved the FBX file that you exported from Revit and select it.
- The FBX Import Options dialog box will appear, allowing you to adjust how the model will be imported into Chief Architect. For most cases, the default settings will work fine, but you can tweak things like scale, rotation, or positioning if needed.
- Scale: Adjust the scale if the model is too large or too small after import.
- Rotation: If the imported model appears to be rotated incorrectly, adjust the rotation angles to align it with your project.
- Units: Ensure that the units in the FBX file match those in your Chief Architect project (e.g., feet and inches).
- Once you’ve made any necessary adjustments, click OK to begin the import process. The model will appear in your Chief Architect workspace.
Step 3: Adjust the Model in Chief Architect
After importing the Revit model into Chief Architect, you may notice that some elements may need further refinement. While the FBX import preserves much of the model’s 3D geometry, certain details—such as textures, materials, and complex elements—may not transfer perfectly. Here’s what you can do next:
1. Check for Missing or Incomplete Elements
Sometimes, elements like windows, doors, or specific finishes may not import correctly. You may need to manually adjust or replace these items using Chief Architect’s library of objects.
2. Fix Materials and Textures
Revit and Chief Architect handle materials differently, so textures may appear distorted or missing. Use Chief Architect’s material editor to reapply or adjust textures. You can either use Chief Architect’s existing materials or import new textures to achieve the desired look.
3. Adjust for Scale and Positioning
Ensure that the imported model is aligned correctly within your Chief Architect project. You may need to adjust the position of walls, floors, or other major components to fit with the existing elements of your design.
4. Use Chief Architect’s Tools to Enhance the Model
Chief Architect is equipped with powerful tools for creating detailed floor plans, interior design elements, and 3D visualizations. Take advantage of these tools to add finishing touches to the imported Revit model, such as interior detailing, custom cabinetry, lighting, and furnishings.
Step 4: Optimize and Finalize the Model
Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments and additions, you can now optimize the model for rendering and presentation:
- Render the Model: Use Chief Architect’s rendering tools to create high-quality visualizations. The program provides several rendering options, including photorealistic, artistic, and blueprint views.
- Check for Errors: Before finalizing your project, make sure to run a diagnostic check to ensure there are no errors or discrepancies between the imported model and the rest of your design.
- Save and Export: Once you’re satisfied with the result, save your project. You can also export the model to other formats (like DWG or 3DS) if needed for further use in other programs or to share with collaborators.
Conclusion
Importing Revit models into Chief Architect allows you to combine the detailed, data-rich capabilities of Revit with the user-friendly, visually-oriented design tools that Chief Architect offers. While the process requires some intermediate steps—especially the export from Revit to the FBX format and potential adjustments after import—it’s a valuable method for users who want to leverage both programs’ strengths.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to import your Revit models into Chief Architect, enhance them with detailed interior elements, and create stunning presentations for your clients or projects. If you’re working on a collaborative project that uses both Revit and Chief Architect, this workflow ensures that you can transition seamlessly between the two platforms and make the most of the features each offers.