Revit is Autodesk’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) platform — the industry-standard tool for architectural, structural, and MEP design in Australian construction. Unlike AutoCAD which produces flat 2D drawings, Revit creates an intelligent 3D model where every element (wall, beam, duct, pipe) carries data: material, dimension, specification, cost. Changes to the model automatically propagate through all drawings, schedules, and views.
As tier-1 contractors now mandate BIM on most major Australian projects, and state governments increasingly require BIM on public infrastructure, demand for Revit drafting services has grown significantly. This guide covers what Revit drafting includes, when you need it, and how Optimal Drafting’s CAD services deliver Revit across Australia.
What Is Revit Drafting?
Revit drafting covers the production of BIM deliverables using Autodesk Revit. Depending on the project scope and discipline, this includes:
| Deliverable | Description | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Revit model (architectural) | Full 3D building model — walls, floors, roofs, doors, windows, stairs, rooms | Architecture |
| Revit model (structural) | Structural framing — beams, columns, slabs, foundations with analytical model | Structural engineering |
| Revit MEP model | Mechanical (HVAC ducts), electrical (lighting, power, data), plumbing systems | Building services |
| Revit families | Custom parametric components — equipment, fixtures, fittings not in standard library | All disciplines |
| Sheet set (A-series) | Drawing sheets generated from the model — plans, elevations, sections, details | All disciplines |
| Clash detection | Navisworks clash report showing coordination conflicts between disciplines | Multi-discipline |
| Scan to BIM | Point cloud (3D laser scan) converted to Revit model for as-built documentation | All disciplines |
| IFC export | Open BIM format for sharing with non-Revit stakeholders | All disciplines |
Revit vs AutoCAD: Which Does Your Project Need?
Revit is the right choice for BIM-mandated projects, multi-discipline coordination, and automated quantity takeoffs. For fabrication drawings, electrical schematics, or structural shop drawings, AutoCAD is faster and more cost-effective. Our structural drafting team uses Tekla Structures for steel shop drawings, while Revit Structure is used for BIM coordination models on commercial projects.
| Project requirement | Use Revit | Use AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 contractor BIM requirement | ✅ | ❌ |
| Government infrastructure (BIM mandated) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Multi-discipline coordination (MEP + structural + arch) | ✅ (clash detection in Navisworks) | Limited (overlay only) |
| Automated quantity takeoffs and schedules | ✅ (model-driven) | Manual |
| Simple fabrication drawings | ❌ (overkill) | ✅ |
| Electrical schematics and panel layouts | ❌ | ✅ (AutoCAD Electrical) |
| Structural steel shop drawings | ❌ | ✅ (AutoCAD or Tekla) |
| Client presentation model / walkthroughs | ✅ | Limited |
BIM Levels and Australian Requirements
Australian construction commonly references BIM levels from the UK BIM Framework (adopted in Australia via buildingSMART):
- BIM Level 1 — 2D CAD drawings with some 3D visualisation. Most Australian projects still at this level or transitioning.
- BIM Level 2 — Each discipline produces their own federated 3D model; models are coordinated and clash-detected. Now standard on major Australian commercial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.
- BIM Level 3 (ISO 19650) — Common Data Environment (CDE), full lifecycle asset data. Required on some Commonwealth and state government projects.
Most Revit drafting services deliver BIM Level 2 — separate architectural, structural, and MEP Revit models that are federated in Navisworks for clash detection and coordination.
Revit Family Creation
Revit families are parametric components — every piece of equipment, fitting, fixture, or structural element in a Revit model is a family. The Autodesk library covers common items (standard doors, windows, structural sections), but most projects require custom families for:
- Mechanical equipment (AHUs, chillers, boilers, pumps) from specific manufacturers
- Electrical switchboards, DBs, and containment systems
- Plumbing fixtures and sanitaryware
- Structural connections and bespoke steel sections
- Architectural elements (custom joinery, façade panels, specialist glazing)
- Site-specific civil infrastructure
MEP Coordination and Clash Detection
The most valuable use of BIM on a construction project is finding clashes — conflicts between structural elements and building services — before they hit the site. A duct that runs through a beam costs $50 to fix in the model; it costs $5,000+ to fix on site. The workflow:
- Architectural, structural, and MEP teams each model their disciplines in Revit
- Models are federated in Autodesk Navisworks or BIM Collaborate
- Clash detection runs — hard clashes (physical intersections) and soft clashes (clearance violations) are identified
- A clash report is issued with screenshots, locations, and severity ratings
- Each discipline resolves their clashes and reissues the model
- Process repeats until the clash count reaches zero (or an agreed threshold)
Optimal Drafting Revit Services
Optimal Drafting’s Revit team provides BIM Level 2 modelling and coordination services for Australian construction and engineering projects:
- Architectural Revit modelling — existing building survey to Revit model, new design development, DA and construction documentation sheet sets
- Structural Revit modelling — concrete and steel framing models, analytical model setup. See also our structural drafting services for Tekla shop drawings and reinforcement details.
- MEP Revit modelling — HVAC duct routing, electrical containment layout, hydraulic pipework, coordination-ready models. See our electrical drafting services for AutoCAD Electrical SLDs and schematics.
- Revit family creation — manufacturer-specific equipment families, custom architectural components, parametric structural sections
- Scan to BIM — point cloud (ReCap .rcs) registration and Revit as-built model creation
- IFC export and validation — IFC 2×3 and IFC 4 exports, model validation against project BIM requirements
We work with clients in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and nationally. Remote delivery is standard for most Revit projects.
Contact Optimal Drafting for a free quote on Revit drafting and BIM services for your project.