Claude Code for Revit W Michael Kilkelly | BIM Pure Live 110

Why It Matters

Claude’s cloud code reduces development time for Revit extensions, enabling BIM teams to deliver AI‑enhanced designs faster and stay competitive in a rapidly automating AEC market.

Key Takeaways

• Claude’s cloud code accelerates Revit plugin development dramatically
• AI now handles most coding, developers focus on workflow management
• Claude’s text‑centric model outperforms other LLMs for code
• Three‑phase workflow: platform selection, rapid prototyping, cloud production
• New courses leverage real‑world Revit models for MEP training

Summary

The BIMure Live episode spotlights Claude’s cloud code platform as a game‑changer for Revit developers. Host Nicolola Catalier introduces the tool, previews a D5 Render sponsor demo, and then welcomes veteran BIM programmer Michael Kilkelly to discuss how AI‑driven coding has evolved from early C‑based plug‑ins to today’s agentic, text‑only workflows.

Kilkelly explains that modern LLMs, especially Anthropic’s Claude, excel at generating and debugging Revit C# scripts because code is pure text, unlike graphical drawings. He outlines his "three‑P" methodology—Platform, Prototyping, Production—showing how developers pick a development environment, iterate quickly with Claude’s editor, then scale the solution via cloud code’s web and desktop interfaces.

Key examples include using Claude to auto‑create texture maps in D5 Render, generate bump and normal maps, and produce seamless AI‑enhanced materials. Kilkelly also shares a downloadable bundle (Launchpad Light + Claude skill) and notes that 42% of the live audience have already tried cloud code, indicating rapid adoption among BIM professionals.

The discussion underscores that AI now writes most of the code, freeing BIM specialists to orchestrate processes, integrate tools, and focus on higher‑level design challenges. As cloud code matures, it promises faster deployment of custom Revit extensions, tighter integration with AI‑enhanced rendering, and broader training opportunities through upcoming RevX courses.

Original Description

Michael Kilkelly is an architect and software developer who focuses on Revit add-ins. He is also the founder of Archsmarter.

In this episode, Michael does a deep dive on Claude Code to help develop Revit plugins.

Thanks to D5 for sponsoring this episode of BIM Pure Live.

🎵 Music by: Ile Flottante

Timestamps:

0:00 - Pre-show music

0:35 - D5 Render

3:24 - Announcements

5:38 - Chatting with Michael

8:47 - Who’s Michael?

12:34 - Topic of the episode

14:53 - Why Claude?

19:47 - Demo

25:17 - Process developing tools in Revit

27:05 - Launchpad tool

31:30 - Skills in Claude

33:50 - Demo

35:19 - Projects vs Skills in Claude

38:17 - Demo

42:52 - Claude desktop vs cloud

45:21 - Cloud environment

46:33 - Demo

50:41 - Claude plans

51:44 - Demo

54:56 - Q&A

1:03:13 - Demo

1:06:48 - Q&A

1:08:59 - Demo

1:11:36 - Q&A

1:19:12 - Michael’s cohorts

1:20:44 - Announcements & closure

1:21:26 - Post-show music