So my current situation is that I use revit to model my architectural projects. I have a basic knowledge of 3ds max (I would be using vray), however recently I started to learn blender and I have picked the program up so much faster than 3ds max. I am able to create scenes efficiently and to a relatively high standard even before photoshop. I'm currently about to go into my 3rd year of architecture at university.

I have free time during this summer to practice and try to expand my current knowledge of revit and a rendering program to go with it (I know revit can produce pretty nice renders, but I'm looking for the more photo realistic and atmospheric type of renders). Since revit and max have a great connection with each other in terms of importing and exporting I think this would be a highly beneficial feature since max can understand the layers of revit and you can select multiple objects under the same category. Or the other option would be to model in revit and use it for drawings and sections which can be taken into photoshop to give them some life. Then using the plans and sections make a fast model on blender. So the question I would like to know is should I spend some time trying to use and improve my skills on max since it is used in the office more too.

Or stick with blender for the efficiency of texturing. Thanks for your time. I'd start by first suggesting (seriously) that you step away from your desk and use your free time (less) wisely. Get out, see the world, travel, relax, commune, dine, eat, sleep. Beyond that, honestly, you touch on so many points we need to break down a few things - which can be readily posed with two questions: Q1. You understand Revit's not 'just' about 'modelling' don't you? As in, you appreciate the distinction to be drawn between it and Max/Blender right?

For MODO for Rhino for SketchUp for Revit for Cinema 4D Next for 3ds Max Next for Katana Next for Maya Next for Unreal for NUKE. Export a ready-to-render scene from Revit to V-Ray Standalone. Latest V-Ray 3.7 for Revit Webinar from Novedge. NOVEDGE LLC 2288 Fulton Street.

Do you see yourself practicing architecture after architectural school, or architectural visualisation? To pre-empt your answers to those questions, some answers/observations to your own.

Blender hasn't a large presence in commercial (architectural*) practices - 3DS remains king there, if that's where you want to remain strong, don't let that slip. Houses might employ it - but again, I believe it too largely remain a Max world - even Maya.

Don't over-estimate Revit-Max interoperability - you will still have to learn how to work with translating formats, segmented-part-model exports, etc. 'Life' in architectural drawings is a concept (mostly) fostered by school. Come the working day, you will discover very quickly fidelity and accuracy in drawings wins over 'pretty stuff' (fluff) no end. Thanks for the reply. To answer your first suggestion I didn't mean that I would spend the whole summer doing this, what I meant is that I now have 'free time' compared to when I'm in school.

So don't worry. A: Yes this is also why I need to explore so much more about revit, there is so much I still need to learn in that field. A: I would be doing architecture as a practice, I am just highly interested in architectural visualisation.

A: Yes that's one problem, that learning max would be more profitable for my future. A: Thanks for the advice.

A: That's why I want to make the most of it, enjoying adding character to drawings will only last for so long, and I understand after that most offices will produce the type of work you mentioned. Again thanks for the advice. Don't get so caught up on the 'tools'. It doesn't matter. Use what you are comfortable or you like to use and master it. Any one of the render engines or software packages you mentioned can yield the results you may be looking for. My politically correct advice would be to use the tool you feel most comfortable with and want to learn the most and become a GURU.