You meet a lot of different people when you’re building your house or commercial property. There’s an architect, a building contractor, interior designer and maybe even a realtor. You probably know what an architect is and what they do. But one part of the building process may not be as familiar: architectural drafting.
While the architect imagines and creates the project, architectural drafting is the process of creating the plans that bring the architect’s vision to life. It’s where the technical specifications are drawn out and completed to bring the design phase into the building phase
Most architects have a specialty, such as landscape design, urban design, commercial property design or housing. The architect creates and designs the plans for a project, including the function and appearance of buildings, houses, landscapes, and even urban areas. Once the ideas are created, the drafter draws up the plans and specifications to begin building.
Many people use the term “architect” and “draftsman” (or the more gender-neutral term “drafter”) interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. There are significant differences between the two.
The Process Of Architectural Drafting
Architectural drafters create the blueprints and drawings needed for construction projects. They use the architect’s specifications to create detailed drawings for different structures. An architectural drafter receives information from engineers and architects, then takes the information and merges it into the required technical drawings.
This work is often accomplished with Computer-Aided Design or CAD software, so it’s important that a drafter understands and uses these programs.
Drafters will incorporate elements into the design based on their knowledge and experience of the subject and project. They also work closely with the engineers and architects throughout the process to verify specifications, materials, and other relevant information.
With this information, the drafter then studies the local building codes and regulations and determines how they will affect the final product. When the drafts are complete, the engineers and architects will review them and decide on any needed changes. The drafter then revises the drawings as needed.
Educationally, architectural drafters typically earn an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree from a community college or technical school. Others go through a certificate program. Both programs include instruction in design fundamentals, sketching and CAD software. This of course is less than an architect which requires a Bachelor of Architecture and in some cases, a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.). A drafter should have excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Problem-solving skills are also an important part of a drafter’s skill set.
Call Pro Draft For All Your Architectural Design Needs
Pro Draft serves architects, contractors, realtors, interior designers as well as homeowner/new home builders. For example, Pro Draft provides custom drafting services for interior designers and interior decorators. Pro Draft is ready to help with architectural drafting, blueprints, permits, and to answer all of your questions We’re happy to help in whatever capacity and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland
