Revit: Parametric Furniture Modeling

Learn how to create custom furniture for your BIM models using Revit families and templates.

Parametric models are built on values. They allow you to design an object by modifying its parameters—such as those defined within a Revit family. This course teaches the basics concepts of parametric modeling for furniture in Revit: working with families, creating furniture elements from templates, and adding custom parameters. Instructor Chanté Bright explains the difference between host-based families and standalone families and shows how to select the best templates, how to adjust parameters to fit your design, how to edit existing families, and how to add furniture to an existing model. The exercise files feature examples such as cabinets, coat racks, and pendant lights, but the techniques can help you build custom furniture to fit any unique design. The end result is more professional, realistic, and engaging models to share with clients and colleagues.

Introduction

• What to expect when you are modeling
• What you should know

1. Understanding Families

• Understanding family hosting
• Proper template selection

2. Floor Hosted Families

• Selecting a floor-based template
• Useful parameters
• Building the base cabinet
• Adding doors to the cabinet
• Cabinet cleanup
• Material matters
• Challenge: Adding premade door hardware
• Solution: Adding premade door hardware

3. Inserting Families

• Family prep
• Existing family editing
• Adding parameters
• Modifying graphics
• Challenge: Making the shelf optional
• Solution: Making the shelf optional

4. Wall Hosted Families

• Selecting a wall-based template
• Extruding from a wall
• Using sweeps
• Challenge: Creating multiple instances
• Solution: Creating multiple instances
• Deciding placement

5. Ceiling Hosted Families

• Selecting a ceiling-based template
• Setting the light source
• Creating the cord
• Creating the pendant
• Finishing the fixture
• Adding the fixture to the model

Conclusion

• Next steps