As a Facility Manager or someone who works in furniture procurement, why should you care if your interior designer uses computer-aided design (CAD) software like Revit?

When it comes to aged care or retirement living furniture projects, CAD software like Revit represents a big win for those responsible for replacing or procuring furniture because they can explore a project’s end result a long time before the furniture manufacturing process even begins. This helps ensure furniture projects are delivered on time and on budget. It also improves the experience of aged care and retirement living residents by ensuring that the furniture meets their individual needs.

But what is CAD software or Revit and why are Revit files useful for aged care furniture projects?

Interior designers use CAD software like Revit to create plans and mockups of room layouts including furniture placement. CAD software has revolutionized the interior design industry and the days of interior designers painstakingly hand-drawing each design are long gone.

Today, interior designers use the likes of Revit to import 3D Revit files for tables, dining chairs, armchairs sofas, buffets, and entertainment units into 3D rooms and buildings.

Let me share with you 3 reasons why your interior designer would be using CAD software like Revit for your aged care furniture project:

1. Get a realistic idea of how your furniture will look, feel and perform when placed in your aged care facility.

You’ve chosen upholstery fabrics for the lounge furniture to go within your aged care lounge space. These fabrics are fit-for-purpose; they’re waterproof and easy to clean and the picture on the fabric website looks amazing. But how do you know whether the fabric will complement the chair design, the carpet, the wall paint or the occasional furniture?

Also, how do you know whether the furniture will perform well within a given space to ensure that your aged care facility is meeting the Australian Aged Care Quality Standards for service environments?

The answer is 3D rendering.

CAD programs like Revit create realistic 3D models, allowing the interior designer to make drawings and virtual models of your aged care facility. This includes all of your new furniture in place, from the armchairs, sofas, and coffee tables in the lounge rooms to the dining tables, chairs, and buffet units in the dining rooms, right through to the bedroom armchairs and side tables in the resident’s bedrooms.

Revit allows the interior designer to define every aspect of the furniture, including timber polish colour, upholstery fabric colour and pattern, laminate choice and furniture design.

Your aged care furniture project will be brought to life before your eyes. You can be confident that the furniture selections you have made look good and perform well within the space you have available.

2. Greater coordination and collaboration between interior designers and manufacturers, ensuring that the needs of aged care residents are met and that furniture projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Designing spaces for aged care facilities often involves custom furniture design, with some furniture being designed specifically for the needs of individual aged care residents. Using Revit files or other similar CAD software for furniture design allows interior designers and furniture manufacturers to work together to craft custom furniture. This ensures that all project stakeholders are on the same page for every aspect of every single custom furniture design. This includes everything from the upholstery fabric selection to the furniture dimensions.

As well as ensuring that the needs of the aged care residents and staff are met by the furniture, this also has implications for your furniture project budget. CAD software assists furniture manufacturers to systematically measure and allocate production resources. This means that the quotes you have been given are more likely to be accurate. For ultimate control over your furniture project budget, it’s also worthwhile checking that your furniture manufacturer offers fixed price quotes (we do!).

3. Many of our FHG aged care furniture designs are already available as Revit files.

We have engaged a designer to convert our furniture designs into Revit files on the understanding that Revit is an industry-standard tool for many interior design firms around Australia.

This means that your interior designer can go to our website, search for an aged care furniture design and request the Revit file to use in their furniture project 3D model.

This accelerates their workflow by allowing them to quickly create a mockup of any physical space. It also gives you an excellent idea of how your new furniture will look and perform when placed within your aged care facility during the design phase.

FAQs About Using Revit for Aged Care Furniture Projects

Why should interior designers choose Revit for aged care furniture projects?

Revit is a comprehensive 3D modeling software that allows interior designers to create realistic virtual models of aged care facilities. It helps visualize and plan the placement of furniture, ensuring a detailed and accurate representation of the final design.

How does Revit contribute to the efficiency of aged care furniture projects?

Revit improves project efficiency by providing a centralized platform for creating, editing, and collaborating on 3D models. This streamlines the design process, enhances communication among stakeholders, and facilitates a more efficient workflow.

Can Revit help interior designers in selecting and visualizing furniture options for aged care facilities?

Yes, Revit allows interior designers to select and visualize furniture options in a 3D environment. This helps in making informed decisions about the placement, aesthetics, and functionality of furniture within the aged care space.

How does Revit enhance collaboration among project stakeholders for aged care designs?

Revit fosters collaboration by providing a common platform where all project stakeholders can access and contribute to the 3D models. This ensures that everyone involved, including designers, architects, and clients, is on the same page throughout the design process.

Can Revit assist interior designers in customizing furniture designs for aged care facilities?

Yes, Revit allows interior designers to customize furniture designs by adjusting dimensions, materials, and other specifications. This flexibility ensures that the furniture meets the specific needs and preferences of aged care residents.

How does Revit contribute to accurate measurements and resource allocation in furniture manufacturing for aged care projects?

Revit facilitates accurate measurements and resource allocation by providing precise 3D models. Furniture manufacturers can use this data to systematically measure and allocate production resources, leading to more accurate quotes and streamlined manufacturing processes.

Does Revit help in presenting realistic visualizations of aged care spaces to clients and stakeholders?

Yes, Revit enables interior designers to present realistic visualizations of aged care spaces to clients and stakeholders. This aids in conveying design concepts effectively, gaining approvals, and ensuring that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the final design.

How can Revit contribute to the accuracy of quotes in aged care furniture projects?

Revit contributes to quote accuracy by providing detailed 3D models that help in precisely estimating the materials, labor, and production resources required. This reduces the likelihood of discrepancies and ensures more reliable project cost estimates.

Is Revit suitable for interior designers working on large-scale aged care projects?

Yes, Revit is suitable for interior designers working on large-scale aged care projects. Its scalability allows for the efficient handling of complex designs and facilitates collaboration among multiple design professionals involved in the project.

Can Revit assist interior designers in adhering to project timelines for aged care furniture projects?

Yes, Revit contributes to adhering to project timelines by providing a centralized and collaborative platform. This helps in avoiding delays, ensuring efficient communication, and allowing designers to make real-time adjustments to meet project deadlines.