What is the difference between Revit Phasing and Design Options?

Phasing manages elements that exist at different points in time within the construction sequence — existing conditions, demolished elements, and new construction. It answers 'what was here, what is being removed, and what is being built.' Design Options manage design alternatives that exist at the same point in time — two different facade materials, two different unit layouts evaluated simultaneously. Phasing is for renovation and multi-phase construction; Design Options are for design alternatives awaiting a client or team decision.

How do I create a demolition plan in Revit?

Create a floor plan view and set its Phase to the construction phase during which demolition occurs (e.g., Phase 1 New Construction) and its Phase Filter to 'Show Previous + Demo'. Then select any element that will be removed and set its Phase Demolished parameter to that phase. The element immediately renders with the demolished graphic override (typically dashed lines or gray halftone) in that view. Never delete existing elements to show demolition — always use Phase Demolished so the element remains in the model for the demo plan and historical record.

Can I show multiple design options on the same sheet in Revit?

Yes. Create separate floor plan (or other) views for each design option — in each view's Properties, set the Design Option field to the specific option you want that view to display. Then place each view on a sheet as separate viewports. This allows you to show Option A and Option B side-by-side on the same presentation sheet. Each viewport independently shows its assigned design option, while shared model elements (structure, exterior walls) appear identically in all views.

What happens to unused design options when I accept a primary option?

When you use Manage > Design Options > Accept Primary, Revit merges the primary option's elements into the main model and permanently deletes all other options in that option set, along with all elements that were assigned exclusively to those secondary options. This is irreversible — the deleted option geometry cannot be recovered without restoring a backup. Always save a backup copy of the model before accepting a primary option, and confirm the decision is final with the client and project team.

How do phase filters work in Revit?

Phase Filters are view-level settings that control how elements in different phase states (New, Existing, Demolished, Temporary) are displayed. Each filter defines whether each phase state is shown by category (normal display), overridden with custom graphics, or not displayed at all. You apply a Phase Filter in the view's Properties panel alongside the Phase setting. Common configurations: 'Show Previous + Demo' for demolition plans, 'Show New Only' for new construction plans, and 'Show Complete' to see the finished state of a phase. Custom filters can be created in Manage > Phases > Phase Filters.

Should I use separate Revit models for different project phases or one model with phasing?

For most renovation and multi-phase projects, a single model with Revit Phasing is strongly preferred. It eliminates the need to coordinate changes across multiple files, automatically generates demo plans from the same model data as new construction plans, and allows side-by-side phase comparison views. Separate models are appropriate when phases involve truly distinct building footprints modeled by different teams (e.g., separate buildings in a campus expansion), or when file size management requires splitting. Always document the approach in the BIM Execution Plan so all team members follow the same workflow.

Design·8 min read·June 19, 2026

🔄 Revit Phasing and Design Options: Managing Existing, Demo, and New Construction in One Model

Learn how to use Revit Phasing and Design Options to manage existing conditions, demolition, and new construction sequences in a single model — covering phase filters, element phase properties, demolition workflows, design option sets, and best practices for renovation and multi-phase projects.

📖Structural Engineering Drawing Set — Illustrated Reader (Full Access)

View →

Why Phasing and Design Options Matter

On renovation projects, campus expansions, and multi-phase developments, one of the most common mistakes is creating separate Revit models for each phase or design alternative. This approach multiplies file management effort, creates coordination errors when changes must be propagated across multiple files, and loses the ability to compare phases or alternatives side-by-side in a single view.

Revit solves these problems with two distinct but complementary tools: Phasing for managing the timeline of construction (existing, demolished, and new elements coexisting in a single model) and Design Options for managing design alternatives that must be evaluated and presented before a decision is made.<

Topics covered

Revit phasingRevit design optionsRevit existing demo newRevit phase filterRevit demolition workflowRevit renovation BIMRevit phase created demolishedRevit multi-phase projectBIM phasingRevit design alternativesRevit phase vs design options