2026-01-21 - Digital Documentation for Architects

DDA Week 1 - 22-01-2026

Module Introduction, Software Setup, and Early Revit Workflows

1. Welcome & Attendance Expectations

The session opens with an overview of the Digital Documentation for Architects 2026 module, including a frank discussion about attendance challenges and scheduling conflicts.

Key points covered:

• Why live attendance matters, especially for interactive exercises and weekly deliverables

• Assurance that sessions are recorded for students who cannot attend live

• The importance of turning on cameras to improve engagement and feedback

• Early housekeeping while waiting for late arrivals

Students were also reminded to:

• Register on the class website

• Access the shared Miro board used for collaborative planning and scheduling

2. Course Structure & Assessment Breakdown

Sean outlines how the module will run over the semester and what students are expected to deliver.

Topics include:

• Weekly structure of lectures and practical sessions

• Assessment criteria:

  • Class participation

  • Weekly tasks

  • Final assessment

• Academic integrity and expectations around individual work

• The importance of staying on top of weekly submissions

This section sets the tone for the module as process-driven and cumulative, rather than exam-only.

3. Autodesk Software Access & Setup

A significant portion of the session focuses on ensuring everyone can access the required tools.

Covered in detail:

• Registering for Autodesk using UTEC email addresses

• Downloading:

  • Revit

  • AutoCAD

  • Autodesk Desktop Connector

• How licenses will be assigned via Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)

• What students need to complete before being added to the ACC project

Students are encouraged to use break time to begin downloads and flag any technical issues early.

4. Introduction to the Advanced Computing 2 Module

Sean also introduces the Advanced Computing 2 module, which runs virtually alongside other coursework.

Highlights:

• Class size (14 students) and delivery format

• Grading based on:

  • Weekly tasks

  • Participation

• Registration requirements via the course website

• Addressing timetable clashes, particularly mid-week sessions

• Using the Miro board to indicate preferred class times

5. Online Scheduling Challenges & Flexible Delivery

The conversation returns to scheduling constraints across multiple modules.

Key decisions:

• Acknowledgement of overlapping class times with other instructors

• Agreement to pre-record some lectures to improve accessibility

• Polling students to identify the most workable live session slots

Potential time windows discussed:

• Wednesday late morning

• Thursday afternoons

6. Revit: Interface, Basics, and Course Focus

The session transitions into an introductory walkthrough of Revit, aimed at students with varying experience levels.

Core concepts introduced:

• Revit interface and navigation

• Working with existing models rather than creating geometry from scratch

• The role of Revit in documentation, not just modelling

• Setting up Autodesk accounts (to be revisited in future sessions)

7. Revit Tagging, Dimensions & Annotation

Sean demonstrates key documentation tools that students will rely on throughout the module.

Topics include:

• Tagging walls, doors, and windows

• Editing tag parameters and fonts

• Creating and managing dimensions

• Importance of consistency in annotation styles

This section reinforces that clarity and standards matter as much as geometry.

8. File Management, Cloud Workflows & 3D Views

Students are introduced to best practices for managing Revit files.

Covered topics:

• Proper file naming conventions

• Saving and syncing models to the cloud

• Creating and managing 3D views

• Brief introduction to rendering and analytical tools

This acts as a bridge into more advanced workflows in later weeks.

9. Working with Views, Sheets & Drawing Sets

Sean demonstrates how Revit views translate into real drawing outputs.

Key demonstrations:

• Cropping and adjusting views

• Creating sections and elevations

• Placing views on sheets

• Using snapping and alignment tools for clean layouts

Students are reminded that Revit is fundamentally about communicating design intent through drawings.

10. Drawing Organisation, Standards & Output

The session moves into professional documentation standards.

Key takeaways:

• Importance of metric standards in architectural drawings

• Setting up and saving PDF export templates

• Workflow for publishing drawings

• Introduction of a new shared model sourced from a previous project

• Emphasis on reading and understanding drawings, not just producing them

11. UK vs Jamaican Technical Drawing Conventions

Sean closes with a comparative discussion on regional drawing standards.

Topics include:

• Differences between UK and Jamaican technical documentation

• Varying expectations for:

  • Linework

  • Annotation

  • Presentation vs construction drawings

• Discussion on north orientation in site plans

• When and why north arrows differ between drawing types

12. Advanced Examples & Future Direction

The session concludes with examples of advanced workflows and what’s coming next.

Highlights:

• Demonstration of a Revit model featuring:

  • Steelwork

  • IFC SIPS construction

• Explanation that the model will be used for the first 2–3 weeks of teaching

• Examples of QR codes linking to 360° VR renders used in client presentations

This sets expectations for how the module will evolve from fundamentals into real-world professional workflows.