CADD 103 - Revit Architecture Fundamentals
Course Description
Overview
Revit Architecture Fundamentals is the first course in the Revit Essentials Certificate of Completion and introduces you to the core concepts and digital modelling environment used across architecture and construction projects. In this SAIT Micro-credential course, you’ll learn how Autodesk Revit structures information, how different views support design work, and how the software enables you to develop coordinated building information from the early stages of a project.
You'll explore foundational tools for creating and modifying building elements in both 2D and 3D views. Through guided activities, you’ll learn how to develop plans, elevations, sections, and visualizations that support early design decisions. You’ll also work with basic site elements and annotation tools that help you communicate intent within a coordinated model.
As you progress, you’ll build competencies in essential modelling practices, including placing and adjusting building components, shaping roofs and ceilings, modelling structural and site features, and refining views for documentation. These experiences prepare you to contribute to introductory building information modeling (BIM) workflows and set the groundwork for intermediate and advanced Revit study.
You’ll complete the course fully online and at your own pace, following a recommended weekly structure. Although self-paced, you’ll be supported by an industry-experienced instructor who provides guidance, feedback, and assessment. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, discussion boards, and applied assignments, you’ll move from focused tasks to a complete architectural project. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to create a coordinated architectural model with supporting drawings and views, and be prepared for continued study within the program.
This course is ideal if you:
- want to learn the fundamentals of Revit for architectural or construction contexts
- need introductory BIM skills to support design or coordination tasks
- are looking to collaborate more effectively across disciplines using BIM standards and tools
- want project work that builds confidence with Revit’s core tools.
There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements for this course. We strongly recommend that you have at least 50% in Math 30-1 or an equivalent course completed through Academic Upgrading. Any prior education or work experience will be an asset, and a basic understanding of building construction and documentation can help you feel more prepared.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- navigate and explain the user interface, the Project Browser, terminology, and working in the views
- use the Revit workflow to create and modify a model
- apply basic drawing and editing tools in 2D views
- create a 3D-building model with walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and roofs
- use Revit to critically analyze, design, and illustrate architectural systems from a human-centred perspective
- create vertical circulation elements such as stairs, railings, ramps, and sloped floors
- apply the Annotation tools for adding notes, dimensions, and tags
- model site elements and topography
- construct camera views and create 3D-visualization renderings
- create drawing sheets and populate with several views
- assemble a portfolio piece that showcases the drafting process and highlights the knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ve gained throughout your learning journey.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Individuals with Revit training and industry experience can take exams through Autodesk to become Autodesk Certified User (ACU) or Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) in Revit. SAIT’s Revit Essentials certificate program will help you build relevant skills and experience that support preparation for these certifications. Learn more about Autodesk certification.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive:
- Access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L)
- Access to a free version of the Revit software for use during the course. Software download instructions will be provided in the D2L shell.
The following textbook is required and can be purchased from the SAIT Bookstore website:
- Design Integration Using Autodesk Revit 2025 by Daniel John Stine, 2024, SDC Publications
Note: Make sure the book you purchase matches the Revit version used in your course section. The SAIT Bookstore carries the current and most recent previous versions.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop that meets system requirements for Revit and with standard hardware/software requirements to use D2L
- Internet access.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Revit Essentials Certificate of Completion : Required courses
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh'kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.