Introduction

In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), speed and accuracy are not everything, but they are pretty close to everything. Architects and engineers constantly look for ways to automate repetitive Revit tasks and focus on what really matters, design and coordination.

To learn how automation and AI are changing that reality, we spoke with Marko Radojević, Lead Developer of DIBS42 HIVE. DIBS42 HIVE is a free, all-in-one Revit plugin designed to make BIM workflows faster, smarter, and more consistent.

Interview with Marko

Q: Marko, how did the idea for HIVE begin?

Marko: We started by identifying real pain points our engineers were facing. Most of those tasks are repetitive modeling, inconsistent parameters, and time lost on manual cleanup. Instead of waiting for a third-party plugin to fix it, we decided to be proactive and build a tool ourselves. The first version of HIVE had a very simple UI, because it was meant for internal use only. It covered just the “happy path”, the most common tasks and some project-specific cases. But once we saw the value and the positive feedback from our engineers, we decided to release it publicly. That’s when it really started to grow.

Q: What makes HIVE different from other Revit plugins?

Marko: The key difference is that HIVE was built by BIM engineers who use Revit every day, not just software developers. Every tool we create solves a real problem from a real project. It’s also not a single-purpose plugin. HIVE is a full Revit ribbon with multiple modules like electrical, mechanical, data management, BIM standards, and all in one place. It’s designed to save time, reduce mistakes, and enforce company-wide standards automatically.

Q: Can you describe some of the main tools inside HIVE?

Marko: Sure. HIVE is made up of several modules, each focusing on a different part of the BIM process:

• 42-Elektra: Automates symbol numbering and generates electrical schematics directly inside Revit.

• 42-BIM Base IDS Gateway: Helps maintain data consistency and BIM compliance and it automatically checks elements against ISO and IDS rules.

• 42-Mechanical: Makes MEP modeling faster by automating pipe and duct connections, jumps, and slope checks.

• 42-Data: Gives engineers control over data so, now, you can filter elements by parameters, export schedules to Excel, edit them, and import them back in seconds.

We always test new tools internally with our engineers, on our own projects before release, because that’s where the real feedback comes from.

Q: How do you handle bugs or issues reported by users?

Marko: Whenever a bug is reported, we reproduce it across several different projects to understand the exact conditions where it happens. Then we fix it and retest it with the same users who reported it. We maintain constant communication with our users. It’s important to us because every project environment is different, and we want to make sure HIVE performs reliably no matter the Revit setup or template. There’s also a feedback button in almost every interface window. Users can send suggestions directly from the plugin, and that input goes straight into our development backlog.

Q: You mentioned AI integration. How exactly does AI fit into HIVE?

Marko: This is the most exciting part of HIVE right now. We have developed an AI assistant that allows you to interact with your Revit model in natural language. It is now live, and it is basically a chat with your model.

For example, you can ask:

• “How many pipes are in the model?”

• “How many pipes have diameter 150mm?”

• “Which walls don’t have materials assigned?”

The assistant reads data directly from the Revit model and responds instantly. It’s powered by large language models (LLMs), trained specifically on Revit terminology and DIBS42’s BIM expertise. The goal is to make AI in BIM practical, not a buzzword. Imagine being able to query, analyze, or even modify your model without opening filters or writing scripts. That’s where we’re heading.

Q: How do you ensure HIVE follows BIM standards and remains consistent across projects?

Marko: We built HIVE around BIM Base IDS compliance, and that means that every tool reinforces standardization. But we also made it flexible enough to adapt to different markets and client requirements. Every new feature is validated with our engineers and BIM managers before release. It’s a constant collaboration between developers and users. We always say: “HIVE isn’t just a plugin, it’s our way of working.”

Q: What’s your approach to user experience and UI design?

Marko: We’re currently working on a completely new UI/UX design. Our goal is to make HIVE even more intuitive and visually clear. We want to achieve fewer clicks, cleaner layouts, and better navigation. When you design for engineers, simplicity wins. The interface should never slow you down; it should guide you through the workflow naturally.

Q: HIVE is completely free. Why did you decide to make it open to everyone?

Marko:  Because we believe in sharing what works. HIVE was created to solve our internal challenges, and when we saw how much time it saved, it felt wrong to keep it private. We want to help the BIM community grow. By making HIVE free, we get more feedback, more collaboration, and more innovation. It’s our way of contributing to a better, more standardized BIM ecosystem.

Q: Where do you see HIVE in the next five years?

Marko:  I believe HIVE will become one of the most downloaded Revit ribbons, especially once it’s listed in the official Revit Store. The next big step is full AI integration and deeper automation. That means automatic project setup, smart defaults, and contextual assistance. We want HIVE to not only automate work but also predict what users need. Ultimately, I see HIVE as more than a plugin. It’s a bridge between engineering expertise and intelligent automation and, I am positive about it, the future of BIM.

Q: What’s your message to engineers who haven’t tried HIVE yet?

Marko:  If you’re spending hours doing repetitive tasks in Revit, stop. Download HIVE, try it on one project, and see the difference. It’s completely free, easy to install, and built by people who actually work in BIM. Our mission is simple: to build a smarter, faster, and more connected BIM world.

Closing Thoughts

HIVE stands out as one of the best Revit plugins available today and it is not just because it has the most features, but because it solves real problems. It merges BIM automation with human insight and AI intelligence, setting a new standard for Revit productivity.

👉 Download HIVE for free at DIBS42 Hive – Revit BIM Plugins  and experience the future of BIM automation.

‍