About
Who:
My name is Christopher Schwalbe, founder of mōtus and the developer of the tools for Revit. I enjoy working on architecture, but also enjoy my weekends and getting away from my desk. I began developing shortcuts and add-ins (almost) out of laziness. When I first started my career, the firm I was working for gave me the most boring jobs that I could have never imagined doing. I thought “there has to be a better way” and sure enough there was, it just required that I develop new tools where there (at the time) were none. After successfully building the first tool, I managed to save my weekend that would have otherwise been spent in the office doing a tediously boing task. Now, after building more tools, I want to share them with as many other people as I can, and so mōtus was born. I am constantly looking for new tools to create and love to hear feedback! Hopefully by sharing I can save other’s weekends as well!
What are Add-ins:
Add-ins are applications that leverage a software’s API or Application Programming Interface to expand the functionality of the software. Whether you are using Rhino, Revit, or Sketchup, most likely you have had some exposure to an add-in.
The popular Grasshopper for Rhino, and Dynamo for Revit are add-ins that are now packaged into the software. From automating repetitive tasks to linking different software together, add-ins can perform a multitude of functions that change and improve the way software is used.
Whether a seasoned veteran, or just starting out, most software users have encountered a task that leaves the thought; there has to be a better way. The API is the answer to that thought, and add-ins are the solution to finding a better way of doing things.
Why:
Because life is too short to spend hours doing what a computer can do in seconds.
Save Time
Timed saved on redundant, or repetitive tasks means that there is more time available for the important things, like making a better building. Whether this means more time spent during the design process, or answering emails, a few extra hours each week can go a long way. Saving time also creates room for things like a break, time to think, or even getting the weekend back.
Less Errors
The broader strokes rarely get missed, but it is usually the smaller, repetitive tasks that fall through the cracks. By automating these things it changes the process from a series of smaller tasks to a single one. This makes it less likely to be missed, and less likely to contain mistakes.
Less Fatigue
Nothing is ever mindless. It takes some energy to complete a task, no matter how small. Repetitive work can become exhausting in its own way. Automating these tasks frees up that energy to be better spent. After all, isn’t that the whole point of technology?
Mōtus tools for Revit
Motus tools for Revit were created to better complete the task at hand. The tools are a series of applications that solve specific tasks that are regularly encountered while working in Revit. The tools were developed in a working environment to solve real problems.
Motus has overcome some of the cons associated with add-ins by packaging the tools into an easy to use installer that can be easily deployed to project teams, or entire offices. Further, each tool comes with a built-in help interface so that learning to use the tools is as easy as possible.
Visit the tools page on the mōtus website for a full list of custom tools that have been published by mōtus. New tools are constantly being added, but if you don’t find what you are looking for, Motus also offers custom tool development. You can reach them through their contact page on their website for a free consultancy.
If you are interested in downloading mōtus tools you can purchase the tools through the downloads page.