Peterson Mechanical, a leading plumbing and mechanical contractor based in Sonoma, CA, shared his story of how Peterson Mechanical successfully transitioned from AutoCAD to Revit while integrating EVOLVE into their workflow is a testament to the power of tools designed with industry expertise in mind. 

The Challenge: Transitioning from AutoCAD to Revit 

For years, Peterson Mechanical had relied on AutoCAD for its BIM (Building Information Modeling) design work. While AutoCAD was once the standard, it began to show significant limitations as the complexity of their projects grew. 

AutoCAD struggled to manage data-heavy, complex models, and this caused frustration among the design team. They spent unnecessary hours waiting for models to load, slowing down the design process and delaying project timelines. On top of that, AutoCAD’s collaboration tools were limited, making it harder for teams to share and coordinate projects efficiently. 

Recognizing these challenges, Peterson Mechanical decided to transition to Revit, a more robust BIM solution that supports intelligent modeling, data extraction, and better collaboration. However, Revit presented its own set of challenges, particularly in the realm of MEP-specific features. The software didn’t support key mechanical and plumbing tasks, such as spooling, hanger placement, and other workflows critical to the success of Peterson’s projects. 

That’s where EVOLVE stepped in. 

The Solution: Industry-Specific Tools to Streamline the Transition 

The key reason Peterson Mechanical chose EVOLVE was simple: we understand the MEP industry because we’re part of it. Our platform was built by MEP experts for MEP professionals, with tools designed to fill the gaps in Revit for tasks that matter most to plumbers, mechanical contractors, and design engineers. 

“We transitioned to Revit and EVOLVE at the same time, which was a significant change for us,” said Larry Williams, Director of Technical Services at Peterson Mechanical. 

“One key reason we chose EVOLVE is that we could bring our own database of ITM files over from AutoCAD to Revit. We’re using a lot of custom parts, which made the transition easier. The other programs we looked at required us to use their materials, but with EVOLVE, we could continue using our existing database.” 

This ability to carry over their custom parts and assets was crucial for Peterson Mechanical, as it meant they could continue their work without disrupting ongoing projects. The EVOLVE platform also streamlined their transition by offering automated workflows, enhanced content libraries, and key features designed specifically for MEP professionals, making the changeover from AutoCAD to Revit as smooth as possible. 

The Results: Saving Time, Improving Coordination, and Enhancing Efficiency 

Once EVOLVE was fully integrated into Peterson Mechanical’s workflow, the results were immediate. The design team saved hours on repetitive tasks thanks to EVOLVE’s automated spooling and hanger placement features. Instead of manually adjusting hangers and spooling, much of the work was automated—allowing the team to focus on more critical aspects of the design process. 

“Spooling is a critical feature we use every day,” said Larry. “It’s largely automated in EVOLVE, which saves us a lot of time. We also use automated hanger placement. It allows us to input our spacing and types of hangers, which is very helpful.” 

Beyond just tools and automation, EVOLVE also provided Peterson Mechanical with resources that helped their teams make the most out of the platform. The EVOLVE University training portal and office hour webinars gave them access to real-time demonstrations and knowledge sharing, helping them close knowledge gaps and continuously improve their workflows. 

“EVOLVE University and the office hour webinars have been incredibly helpful,” said Larry. “It’s great to see features demonstrated in real-time instead of figuring it out on your own.” 

Why MEP Professionals Choose EVOLVE

The success of Peterson Mechanical's transition highlights the critical value of industry-specific software—and why MEP professionals trust EVOLVE to support their workflows. We don’t just provide software; we provide solutions built for the MEP industry, by MEP industry professionals who understand the nuances of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design and construction. 

“EVOLVE plays a critical role in every project,” said Larry. “We’re using it for everything and continually working with EVOLVE to make it work for us.” 

Whether you’re transitioning to Revit, streamlining your workflows, or tackling more complex mechanical and plumbing tasks, EVOLVE is designed to meet the unique challenges of the MEP industry. 

The Future of MEP Industry Solutions 

The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the needs of MEP professionals. With the integration of advanced technologies and new tools, it’s more important than ever to have a software solution that not only meets current demands but also anticipates future needs. 

At EVOLVE, we continue to listen to our clients—like Peterson Mechanical—and evolve our platform based on real-world feedback and insights. We’re not just here to provide software; we’re here to be a true partner in your MEP operations, helping you optimize your processes, improve project efficiency, and ultimately drive better results. 

If you're an MEP professional looking for a solution built with your needs in mind, EVOLVE is here to help. Get in touch today to schedule a demo or learn more about how our platform can enhance your MEP workflows.