South Coast Revit Users Group

I've made a commitment to facilitating dialog about AI in AECO and to rebuilding the culture of sharing among our local BIM community. There is already so much information and so many choices in the BIM+AI arena that agreement on the “best” solution is impossible. Fortunately, my search quickly guided me to Stjepan Mikulik, a former BIM leader at Bjark Ingels Group (BIG). Stjepan has taken the challenge of making sense of this phenomenon. He has created a free database of AI products for AEC. Sign up to gain access to free information about more than 1200 solutions for integrating AI in AEC https://www.aiinaec.com/ For a jump start, view Stjepan’s discussion with BIMPure blogger Nicolas Catellier on YouTube: The AI Revolution in AEC and BIM with Stjepan Mikulic | BIM Pure Live #072 Here are a few products and solutions identified: DESIGN CREATION Stable Diffusion – https://stability.ai/stable-image MidJourney – https://www.midjourney.com/ Corbu – https://corbu.a...

  My motivation for revitalizing SCRUG is simple: to foster a sense of community and connection among local professionals. I believe this is inherently valuable, especially within a profession that thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. SCRUG aims to provide a space for these connections to happen organically, not to solve all of BIM's challenges. We're starting with a realistic approach, aiming for semi-monthly or quarterly meetings. We recognize that attendance will be a key indicator of interest and value. While the timing of Revit previews may impact attendance for those specific meetings, we believe the core value of SCRUG lies in the fellowship and networking opportunities it provides. And yes, good food and drink can certainly enhance that experience! We're not trying to recreate the past, but rather to adapt the core values of SCRUG—community, knowledge sharing, and professional connection—to the present. We believe there's still a need for this kind...

Since I returned to social media, I have employed Artificial Intelligence in two ways. As a Google user I have access to Gemini, their implementation of ChatGPT. I use it to summarize research, and occasionally as a “ghost writer” to improve my drafted communication. I have not delved into Stable Diffusion or any other image generator for the purpose of design. However, for the graphics used to enhance my posts across social media, I have used very simple prompts on Bing Image Creator. “Create an abstract image depicting…” The reason to learn about AI is simple. And ominous. AI cannot be ignored because in a very short time from now, it will be part of everything we use. The Inevitable Shift To view a more light-hearted and humorous outcome, visit the new SCRUG Facebook page. If your location (data!) is within 25 miles of Irvine, CA, membership will be approved automatically. South Coast Revit Users Group (SCRUG)  on Facebook.

  I have just finished reviewing the membership rolls.                               Total Membership         594                               Global Members 44                               U.S. Members 550                               California 457                               L.A. Metro 408 We have more than four hundred members from around Southern California, most of those from...

Revit 2026 Preview with Scott Davis - Early Registration We already have commitments from Scott and Nick regarding this annual event.  Free tickets will be available as soon as the date is finalized.  Register now  on the new All Events site below to be notified. http://allevents.by/SCRUG

SCRUG is now online! This is the official LinkedIn site of the South Coast Revit Users Group, where Revit users and enthusiasts in Southern California and elsewhere may communicate and exchange information.  

The AECO industry is facing a new wave of technological advancements, particularly in BIM, GIS, and AI. To navigate these changes effectively, open communication and community are more crucial than ever. I recently returned to social media and was reminded of the power of connection, prompting me to reflect on the history of BIM user groups. Early Revit users connected in online forums and later in in-person gatherings, often supported by vendors. This collaborative spirit fueled the growth and success of BIM. But as the market matured and search engines became readily available, participation in these groups waned. Now, as we face the complexities of incorporating AI, this same spirit of collaboration is needed more than ever. How can we make informed decisions about AI without open dialogue? We need to hear from users, not just vendors. (No offense, vendors, you're doing a great job!) Whether your outlook is optimistic or cautious, sharing your experiences—successes  and  fa...

Alexa, how far is it from O.C. to the Long Beach Promenade? "It is twenty-four miles from Irvine to the Long Beach Promenade." Alexa, why should I attend SCRUG in L.A. ? "Because it's summer and you deserve a break." It's possible that your spouse or significant other has no idea what you do, and may not have seen the cool technology involved in BIM and VDC. Please bring them along for this special meeting. There are plans for an after-party at 111, and that's just one block from the Long Beach Promenade. This Thursday will be an excellent opportunity for you to network with colleagues from across the profession. That is SCRUG's primary purpose. If you attended any of our recent meeting you know what to expect. We apologize for the short notice. There will be a limit on the number of attendees. Thursday, June 21, 2018 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please RSVP at SCRUG.Anyvite.com . No “maybes”. Thanks to our sponsors Kelar Pacific, Mic...

Colleagues, In another first for the South Coast Revit Users Group, this Thursday, June 21st, we are escaping from Orange County to hold our first L.A. meeting at Studio One Eleven in Long Beach. (Just one block from the Long Beach Promenade.) Studio One Eleven is an innovative multidisciplinary design firm founded in 1999. Practice areas include Mixed-Use Development, Affordable and Market Rate Housing, Adaptive Re-use, Transit Oriented Development and Urban Retail. The office was transformed from a vacant retail store into vibrant, creative office space while achieving LEED Platinum and WELL Gold ratings. Scan2BIM Scan2BIM is a process which utilizes high definition laser scanning to create high accuracy 3D BIM models for retrofit, refurbishment and renovation projects. LIDAR Scanning is becoming more widely used, less expensive, and easier to work with. If you want a Revit as-built model, accurate topo surface, verify site grading, or verify construction installation, ...

Colleagues, On Thursday, May 31st the SCRUG will meet at Taylor Design in Irvine. Taylor Design is a strategy-based design firm with practices in Architectural Design, Interior Design and Design Strategy. Their markets include healthcare design, education, science & technology, and senior living. Taylor was an early advocate of 3D modeling for architecture, and continues to be a technology leader. Long-time SCRUG member  Steve Bennett  will take a quick dive into the Kaiser Permanente Ventura Medical Office project to review a few key benefits of producing the project using Revit - including a plugin they’ve been using to produce Furniture Specification Reports. This will be followed by a quick glimpse into VR 101, how easy it is to get going with VR, and why your teams should be using it to inform their design process. Taylor will have their HTC Vive set up for viewing a design model in VR. In addition, U.S. CAD Technology Consultant  Troy Gates  will ...

We had an historic turnout at last night's meeting of the South Coast Revit Users Group. The event was held at and hosted by Architects Orange. Autodesk Technical Specialist Scott Davis presented the new features to be found in Revit 2019, including support for multiple monitors and un-cropped 3D views. The presentation also touched on the transformation of the BIM 360 Platform.   Thanks to all who attended, and to our sponsors Kelar Pacific, Microdesk, and U.S. CAD.

RSVP for this event at  SCRUG.Anyvite.com The news is already out regarding the new features in Revit 2019. Read all about it on the Autodesk Revit Blog. What's New in Revit 2019? Highlights: Greater control over view graphics with “or” in filters Tabbed views & multi-monitor support Immersive design experience Work in uncropped 3D views Levels in 3D views! Complex fill patterns and more life-like renderings More new features: Split railings Create more complex piping networks More streamlined design-to-fabrication workflows Dimensions for curved objects in section views Enhanced 3D modeling and communication of fabrication instructions Possibly more significant for some users is the announcement of the BIM 360 Platform transformation. “BIM 360 Design is a cloud worksharing, design collaboration, and data management product made for distributed and multidisciplinary teams.” On Thursday, April 26th, Autode...

Colleagues, Welcome to a new year of innovation and change! Our next regular meeting will be February 15th. Those who can't wait are invited to another SCRUG Happy Hour at the Streamliner Lounge in Orange. We will be gathering for professional networking and for setting goals and objectives for the year, including creating more value for our members. All those who are interested in presenting should definitely attend. (This is not a hosted event so be prepared to BYO.) To RSVP go to:  SCRUG.Anyvite.com ~Allen Jay Holland Note: Happy Hour ends at 6 p.m. Southbound trains depart at 7:47 and 10:23. Northbound trains depart at 6:22 and 9:17.

Colleagues, Thanks to all who attended the October SCRUG. It was a pleasure to welcome Chris France of Advance2000 to learn about the latest developments AEC Cloud Computing Technology and Virtual Desktop Integration. Thanks to KTGY for hosting the event. We have held six very successful meetings this year, and we intend to wrap up with SCRUG Holiday Event in mid-December. Visit our blog and SCRUG on LinkedIn to stay informed. ~Allen Jay Holland - SCRUG Chairman ~~~ Thanks to our sponsors: Kelar Pacific - Microdesk - U.S. CAD

Colleagues, Working in Revit can be a challenge between different offices of the same firm. It is a nightmare trying to collaborate between 10-30 consulting firms scattered across North America (or the world). We will look at the “state of technology” and the pros/cons of various strategies for AEC design and construction collaboration. Technologies such as Panzura, Nasuni, Citix, Vmware, C4R, A360, non-Revit design tools, and hybrid/project clouds are just a few that we will discuss. ~ Chris France , Regional President Advance2000, has specialized in Information Technology for over three decades. He started his career as a software and systems engineer and progressed to program manager of major DOD systems. He worked for IBM, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, and then was CIO at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, a Charlotte-based design firm.   Chris leads the charge for “private cloud computing” services At Advance2000, and is a published author and s...

Colleagues, Please join me in welcoming Sam Keville as co-organizer of the South Coast Revit Users Group. Originally from Massachusetts, he has been a Californian for ten years, and holds a Bachelor's Degree from Sci-Arc in Los Angeles.  As an example to all, Sam is presenting his own thoughts on a topic, as a basis for further discussion and enlightenment. ~ Making Money with Revit - Delivering the Promise of BIM This is a conversation about the current state of BIM: What does it take to deliver a successful project file in 2017? This talk breaks down medium to large Revit projects as an overview of the team, process, and product.   We dive into some of the most important workflows to deliver a file which is usable by the client, contractor, and firm for future projects. There will also be a bonus gift share included, so please join us in the discussion. RSVP at SCRUG.Anyvite.com

Colleagues, Please join me in welcoming Sam Keville as co-organizer of the South Coast Revit Users Group. Originally from Massachusetts, he has been a Californian for ten years, and holds a Bachelor's Degree from Sci-Arc in Los Angeles. His early career focus in work has been as a designer, 3D modeler, team leader, and visualizer, experienced in competition-style deadlines and producing large amounts of iterative design assets in a limited time. His goal is to connect architecture and technology while using the most cutting-edge modes of representation in meaningful and progressive design processes. His practical skills include computational design, 3D modeling, content creation, rendering, and digital fabrication. Sam is currently working on campus style projects at AO, using Revit to improve communication and coordination between design and production teams. Sam promises to utilize his BIM expertise as well as his irreverent attitude to assist the revitaliz...

Colleagues, Everyone knows that BIM is all about information. We have also learned that populating a Building Information Model with that information does not happen automatically. The ideal that has been envisioned by BIM developers and academics is that the model can eventually evolve into a tool that can be used to manage its real-world counterpart, and even that they remain connected in some way. It's difficult to learn (and then to advocate) that the process of populating the model is not additional work. This change from "the way we are doing it now" is very disruptive. People must learn new skills. Is it that or be replaced? Room Data Sheets are summary views containing both graphics and data for specific rooms  or room types  and may be required by some clients. Among their uses is to facilitate program validation. Does the design satisfy the program? Architectural Programming is an aspect of design in which few people now can participate. It i...

Colleagues, When commuting via Metrolink to Orange County, the Streamliner Lounge in Orange became a favorite stop-over (when trains were delayed). Located 3 blocks west of Orange Plaza at the Orange Metrolink Train Station, it shares the renovated historic Santa Fe Depot with Ruby's Diner. In the early days of rail transport in the United States, railroads tended to be built out of coastal cities into the hinterland, and systems did not connect. Each builder was free to choose its own gauge. When American railroads' track extended to the point that they began to interconnect, it became clear that a single nationwide gauge would be a good idea. The US has a National BIM Standard , developed under the auspices of the National Institute for Building Sciences, and sponsored by the Building SMART Alliance. Large owner/operators may have their own BIM standards (i.e. Kaiser Health, University of California). Other markets such as housing are less demanding when it comes to...