One Revit Model vs Two

[brandijhinson697244]

I am new to my firm and we have Architects and MEP Engineers in the same office. I am trying to decide which option is better for the project. Option 1 - Use one Revit model for all architecture and mep design. Option 2 - Use two separate models so each are created within their specific template. Any thought?

[CADastrophe]

Hello, and welcome to AUGI!

I don't have any specific advice regarding this issue, but I think you should provide a little more information about your situation:

- How large are your typical projects? (effect on file size and operational speed)
- How many people will be working on the project at once? (Worksharing concerns)

[Brian Myers]

Our firm is in a similar situation with architects and engineers all in the same office. We have tried it virtually every way possible, and while it depends on the project size, we typically have a separate model for each discipline unless the amount of work on the project is quite small. This helps due to a variety of reasons, but it does require a bit more model management in terms of standards, but this is offset by the extra layer of control each department has on its standards and a lack of two departments battling over the same objects.

[david_peterson]

There's 2 questions that need asking.
How big are the models and how many people are going to be working in it.
If you going to have more than say 8 people working in the file, then I'd split it
If it's one for MEP and one for Arch, then I'd say no reason.
If you're files are going to breaking your workstation then I'd split them.
If you've got plenty of horsepower to run it as one, then do it.
It's always easier to only have to control one model vs two or three.
In my experience (mostly larger projects) we've always split all trades. A, S, M, E, P, FP, T, PE, Q....
I've also had to go with multiple arch models. I've got one building that's made up of about 90 models. But it's really big.

[Kimberly Fuhrman]

We typically use separate models for each discipline, but we also employ the use of Copy/Monitor as well as a Shared Project Basepoint to make it easier to collaborate. We spell everything out in our BIM Execution plan, especially *who* is responsible for what part of the model. The ongoing discussion we're having is over ceiling grids...architecture or electrical (lighting).

[david_peterson]

Arch should own ceiling Grids. They are your design element. The problem (IMHO) is when they change or the ceiling element gets deleted or split.
The other part of that discussion is what is the Electrical/Lighting/HVAC design team getting paid for?
Are they only obligated to provide design intent or actual design. Those are the other things that need to be spelled out in your BXP.