Gillian Tolentino | Robotech CAD Solutions

Revit Tutorial: Creating a Simple Parametric Window Family in Revit

by Gillian Tolentino | Jun 9, 2025 | BIM, Revit

Parametric families are essential for architects who want flexibility and precision in their Revit projects. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through creating a basic, yet fully parametric, window family in Revit—perfect for both beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. By building a window family with adjustable height and width, you can quickly adapt your designs to meet different project requirements and client preferences.

Step 1: Start a New Window Family

Open Revit and go to the File menu. Select New > Family. In the template selection dialog, choose Window.rft. This template is specifically set up for window families and includes the necessary wall host and reference planes.

Step 2: Set Up Reference Planes

Once inside the Family Editor, you’ll see default reference planes for the center (Left/Right and Front/Back). To define the window’s size, add two additional vertical reference planes for the left and right edges, and two horizontal reference planes for the top and bottom edges. Use the Reference Plane tool from the Create tab. Name your new planes “Left,” “Right,” “Top,” and “Bottom” for clarity.

Step 3: Add and Label Dimensions

Use the Aligned Dimension tool to add dimensions between the “Left” and “Right” planes (width), and between the “Top” and “Bottom” planes (height). Select each dimension, click Label, and choose <Add parameter…>. Name these parameters “Window Width” and “Window Height.” Set them as Type parameters so you can create multiple window sizes later.

Step 4: Create the Window Opening

Select the Create tab and choose Void Form > Void Extrusion. Draw a rectangle that snaps to your “Left,” “Right,” “Top,” and “Bottom” reference planes. Lock each side of the rectangle to the corresponding reference plane by clicking the padlock icon. Set the extrusion depth to match the wall thickness or as desired (typically 6″ or 150mm).

Step 5: Add Window Frame Geometry

Next, create the window frame. Use the Solid Extrusion tool to draw a rectangle slightly larger than the void opening, then use another rectangle inside to create the frame’s thickness (for example, 2″ or 50mm). Lock the outer rectangle to the “Left,” “Right,” “Top,” and “Bottom” planes, and set the frame thickness using an Offset or by locking to additional reference planes if you want the frame thickness to be parametric as well.

Step 6: Add Glass Panel

Create another Solid Extrusion for the glass panel. Draw a rectangle inside the frame, locking it to the inner edges of the frame reference planes. Assign a glass material by selecting the extrusion, going to the Properties palette, clicking the small box next to Material, and creating a new parameter called “Glass Material.”

Step 7: Flex Your Family

Before finishing, always “flex” your family to ensure the parameters work. Open the Family Types dialog, change the “Window Width” and “Window Height” values, and click Apply. Confirm that the geometry resizes correctly and remains properly constrained. Adjust any constraints or locks as needed.

Step 8: Add Family Types and Save

In the Family Types dialog, create a few different window sizes by clicking New Type and entering different values for width and height. Save your family, then click Load into Project to use your new window in any Revit model.

Notice visible dome pendant lights in section. Using View Range, you can control their visibility in plan view.

Default View Range settings of the Mezzanine Level of this project. The Cut Plane is set at 4'0".

Edited View Range settings of the Mezzanine Level of this project. The Cut Plane is set at 8'0".

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Learn More About Parametric Design with Robotech CAD Solutions

Robotech CAD Solutions offers expert-led classes to help you master parametric family creation in Revit, including windows, doors, and other essential architectural components. Their hands-on training covers everything from basic family setup to advanced parametric controls and best practices. Whether you’re new to Revit or seeking to refine your skills, Robotech’s courses provide the guidance and support you need to create powerful, flexible families that enhance your architectural workflow. Explore Robotech’s training programs to unlock the full potential of parametric design in your projects.

Happy modeling!

If you have any questions about Revit or Revit Family Creation, feel free to leave a comment down below and one of our instructors can reach out.

The Future of Space Optimization: Managing Unused Seats and Resources

by Gillian Tolentino | Jun 4, 2025 | ARCHIBUS, Facilities Management

Space optimization is one of the most pressing challenges for today’s facilities managers, especially in an era where remote and hybrid work have revolutionized traditional office models. Archibus provides a comprehensive toolkit to monitor, analyze, and optimize workspace utilization, turning underused seats and resources into strategic assets.

Understanding actual space usage patterns begins with accurate data collection. Modern offices can leverage occupancy sensors, badge data, and booking systems, all of which can feed into the Archibus platform. By blending these data streams, facility managers gain a detailed, factual snapshot of space utilization in real time.

The ongoing shift toward hybrid work means that many organizations now contend with fluctuating daily attendance. Unused desks, conference rooms, and shared amenities not only waste resources but also inflate operational costs unnecessarily. Through Archibus’s analytics and reporting tools, managers can precisely identify these inefficiencies.

With actionable insights in hand, teams can reconfigure spaces to better match work patterns—converting surplus offices into collaborative zones, or scaling back leased footprint to reduce rent. Interactive dashboards in Archibus allow instant modeling of hypothetical scenarios, making it easier to evaluate the impact of proposed changes.

Another powerful feature is the ability to implement flexible seating strategies, such as hoteling or hot desking, using Archibus’s transparent reservation and asset tracking modules. This ensures spaces are allocated equitably and efficiently, maximizing occupancy without sacrificing comfort or productivity.

Effective change management remains vital. Employees should be kept in the loop about space changes, and feedback mechanisms built into Archibus can help gather responses to guide ongoing improvements.

Optimization efforts also extend to shared resources such as printers, AV equipment, and storage rooms. Through asset management and digital reservation systems, Archibus helps minimize redundancies and ensures resources are available where and when they’re needed.

Environmental impact is another benefit—downsizing or right-sizing spaces translates into energy savings and reduced emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Tangible reductions in costs and resource consumption can be tracked in custom reports, useful for decision makers and sustainability stakeholders.

Interested in a personalized assessment of your space utilization? Robotech CAD Solutions assists organizations in leveraging Archibus for smart workplace planning, from analytics setup to space redesign and staff training, ensuring every square foot supports your business goals.

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Cloud-Based Collaboration: The New Era of Architectural Teams

by Gillian Tolentino | Jun 2, 2025 | Architecture, Autodesk, BIM, Cloud Services, Collaboration

In an era where architectural teams are increasingly distributed and project timelines are tightening, the adoption of cloud-based collaboration tools has become essential. Cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming the way architects, engineers, and other stakeholders interact with project data, offering unprecedented flexibility, efficiency, and transparency. By moving design workflows to the cloud, firms can break free from the constraints of traditional file-sharing methods and embrace a future where real-time collaboration is the norm.

At the heart of this transformation is the ability for multiple stakeholders to access, edit, and review the same digital model simultaneously—regardless of their location. This real-time interaction eliminates the delays and errors associated with outdated file versions and manual updates. Cloud-based BIM platforms, such as Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro, enable teams to co-author models, track progress, and resolve issues in a unified environment. The result is a streamlined workflow that keeps everyone on the same page and reduces the risk of costly rework.

One of the most significant advantages of cloud-based collaboration is improved data accessibility. Team members can log in from any device with an internet connection, whether they are in the office, on-site, or working remotely. This flexibility is particularly valuable in today’s globalized work environment, where project teams often span multiple time zones and locations. Cloud storage solutions also provide robust data management features, including automatic backups, version control, and enhanced security measures, ensuring that project information is always up-to-date and protected.

Scalability is another key benefit of cloud-based BIM. As projects grow in complexity and size, cloud infrastructure can easily accommodate increased data and user demand. This scalability is cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for significant upfront investments in physical servers and IT infrastructure. Moreover, cloud solutions offer flexibility in terms of software updates and integrations, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features and improvements. This adaptability makes cloud-based BIM an attractive option for firms of all sizes.

Project transparency is greatly enhanced through cloud-based collaboration. All team members have visibility into issues, status updates, and communications, which fosters inclusion and problem-solving. Cloud platforms also provide a comprehensive issue trail, allowing teams to track feedback, evaluate processes, and maintain legal documentation. This level of transparency not only streamlines project management but also builds trust among stakeholders, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.

The integration of advanced analytical tools within cloud-based BIM platforms further empowers architectural teams. These tools can process large datasets quickly and efficiently, generating insights that optimize design, construction, and maintenance activities. For example, cloud-based BIM can facilitate energy performance simulations, structural analysis, and cost estimation, providing valuable information for decision-making. This analytical capability helps architects deliver more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective designs.

Cloud-based collaboration also democratizes access to project information, enabling junior team members, consultants, and even clients to participate more actively in the design process. With intuitive feedback tools and easy-to-use interfaces, cloud platforms lower the barrier to entry for non-technical users, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative project culture. This shift not only accelerates timelines but also improves the quality of design outcomes by incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise.

As the architectural industry continues to evolve, cloud-based collaboration is poised to become the standard for project delivery. The ability to work together in real time, access data from anywhere, and leverage powerful analytical tools is reshaping the way architects approach their work. By embracing cloud-based BIM, firms can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, delivering better projects faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Getting Started with Cloud-Based Solutions: How Robotech CAD Solutions Can Help

For firms new to cloud-based collaboration, Robotech CAD Solutions offers comprehensive support to ensure a smooth transition. As an Autodesk Gold Partner and authorized training center, Robotech provides expert guidance on software selection, implementation, and best practices for cloud-based workflows. Their team delivers tailored training sessions, covering everything from basic setup to advanced coordination and issue management. With Robotech’s support, new users can quickly become proficient in platforms like Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro, unlocking the full potential of cloud-based collaboration for their architectural projects.

If you would like to see a Demo or Learn More about how to incorporate Cloud-Based Solutions to your company, reach out to us over phone or email us at [email protected]

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