I am a custom residential home designer and have been using Autocad Architectural.  I am now doing more 3D and would like opinions on the other available programs, Revit...

3ds max?Maybe model in AutoCAD and then render (materials/lights) in max?

vectorworks, archicad, and microstation  the first 2, are more 3d based.but, a new interfaced would have to be learned.  arch  autocad  should do the job.  unless  you mean  outside  the arch  and civil  platform.  3d max as stated above  or just metal-ray  and some photoshop  would be  enough.  there are add ons.  for better 3d in arch. autocad as well. good luck,johnnycad

What do you think of using Revit?  I am not looking for photo realism as much as a way to design and model at the same time.