DiMella Shaffer Saves Time with Ideate Explorer
DiMella Shaffer designs environments that build community. Recognizing that structures exist for generations while the world constantly changes, DiMella Shaffer formed an ideology called “The Art of Balance” through which it seeks the right balance among opposing interests on each project. To achieve this balance, they need to focus on high-level design instead of monotonous tasks, and this is where Ideate Software assists.
“We were looking for a developer of Revit applications that would take the time to listen to our challenges and help us identify, implement, and use solutions,” said Eric Viele, Director of Digital Technology, DiMella Shaffer. “Ideate Software was there at every step.”
Selecting Ideate Explorer
Eric knew that Ideate Explorer was a Revit model browser that would save time by enabling his team to get a full view of any Revit model, understand all elements in the model, and easily find and revise elements.
When deciding whether to subscribe to Ideate Explorer, he asked a question about the accuracy of the angle coordinate data in the software. Ideate Software’s Director of Software Development, Glynnis Patterson, responded with a written answer, as well as a personalized how-to video demonstration.
“Ideate’s quick, thorough, and customized response to my question made it clear that they are the type of company we wanted to do business with, so we placed an order,” said Eric.
Using Ideate Explorer
Sash Kazeminejad, Customer Success Manager, Ideate Software, stayed in contact with Eric during the implementation process to ensure that his team was set to get the most out of the software. After a short time, he heard from Eric: “All of our Revit users love the tools, and the common refrain was, ‘I wish we had this sooner.’ Well done making a simple yet powerful tool that really helps our efficiency.”
Contributing to Future Developments
The connection between DiMella Shaffer and Ideate Software continued after Eric and his team became avid users of Ideate Explorer. He has launched conversations with us about features and products he would like added to our collection of Revit applications, and he has joined our software beta program to test our beta software, give us feedback on the software, and continue to let us know about additional feature requests.
“We greatly appreciate our relationship with Eric and DiMella Shaffer,” said Glynnis Patterson. “It’s because of clients like this that we are able to continuously develop software tools that meet the needs of the Revit community.”
About Ideate Software
Ideate Software allows Revit users to have unprecedented control over their data and solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.
What is a Named User license?
A Named User license is assigned to one specific person rather than shared across a network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the Graitec Licensing Help Center - Named User.
Are Ideate Suites replacing Ideate Software Bundles?
Yes. Going forward, Ideate Suites replace Ideate Software Bundles.
What's the difference between the Ideate Software Bundle and the Ideate Suite?
Both include the same five tools: IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky and Ideate StyleManager.
- Bundle: Each tool is licensed separately, so different people can work in different tools at once. For example, with one Bundle, five people could each use a different tool at the same time.
- Suite: One license covers all five tools for one person at a time. That person can move freely between every tool. While they're using the Suite, it isn't available to anyone else on that license until they finish.
A Named User Suite is assigned to one specific person. A single Network Cloud Floating Suite can be shared across your team, one person at a time.
Will my team need more licenses?
If several people on your team use different Ideate tools at the same time, you may need more than one Suite license. Contact us and we'll review your team's usage and help you choose the right setup.
Can I still buy an Ideate Software Bundle?
No. Bundles are no longer available for purchase. New purchases are offered as follows:
- Ideate Suite: Named User or Network Cloud Floating
- Enterprise Suite: Network Cloud Floating
- Active Host: Network Cloud Floating
- Automation: Network Cloud Floating
- Individual products: Named User or Network Cloud Floating (IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, and Ideate StyleManager)
Can I still buy IdeateApps, BIMLink, Explorer, Sticky, or StyleManager individually?
Yes. Individual products are available as Named User or Cloud Floating licenses until the new product lineup launches with the next major release, expected mid-2027.
Will floating (network) licenses still be available?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
My organization has strict security requirements or no internet access. Can I still get a FlexLM license?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
I'm an existing customer. What happens to my current license/s?
Your existing Ideate Software subscription is moving to our new licensing system at no cost. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
- Standalone licenses become Named User licenses. Set up your Named Users in the Graitec Advantage Portal.
- Cloud Floating (network) licenses become Network Cloud Floating Suite licenses. Deploy the latest release as you have in the past, using the new license code in your migration email.
- Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes an Ideate Suite.
To keep using Ideate, update to the latest release and activate your new license by March 31, 2027. Older Ideate licenses will stop working in Q2 2027.
Using Ideate with Revit 2022 or earlier? Contact ideatesupport@graitec.com to review your options. For account questions, contact sales@ideatesoftware.com.
I have a Bundle today. What will I receive when I move to the new licensing?
Conversions are one for one. Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes one Ideate Suite, and each network Bundle becomes one Network Cloud Floating Suite. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
Where do I manage my licenses?
In the Graitec Advantage Portal. Based on customer requests, starting with the latest Ideate release, license management and license usage information are handled in Graitec Advantage, outside of Revit. We recommend bookmarking the portal.
- Named User licenses: Assign licenses to people on your team in Graitec Advantage.
- Cloud Floating Suite licenses: Deploy the latest release with your new license code as you have in the past, then manage licenses in Graitec Advantage.
Watch the Graitec Advantage walkthrough
Can I transfer a Named User license to another person?
Yes. There's no limit on the total number of transfers, but each license can be transferred up to two times within a 30-day period.
How are licenses issued?
Each product on your order is issued as its own license once your order is processed. To try a product before buying, contact us to request an evaluation license.
I want to try the Graitec AI Assistant now, but I don’t have my new license code yet. What should I do?
Existing customers: We’re delivering new license codes to existing subscribers on a rolling basis over the next few weeks. If you need access sooner, contact your Graitec sales representative.
New customers: The Graitec AI Assistant isn’t available in the Ideate trial. Contact your Graitec sales representative to request an evaluation license or purchase a 6-month subscription.
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