Architectural Drafters :: Job Description

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Architectural Drafters

Careers / Architectural Drafters

Summary Description


	Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Architect

2.	Architect in Training

3.	Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician)

4.	Architectural Designer

5.	Architectural Drafter

6.	Architectural Draftsman

7.	Architectural Intern

8.	Architectural Technician

9.	Architectural Technologist

10.	Architecture Drafter

11.	Architecture Technician

12.	Assistant Drafter

13.	AutoCAD Designer

14.	CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman)

15.	CAD Technician (Computer-Aided Design Technician)

16.	CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter)

17.	CADD Operator (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Operator)

18.	Checker

19.	Commercial Drafter

20.	Computer Aided Drafter

21.	Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer)

22.	Computer-Aided Design Drafter (CAD Drafter)

23.	Designer

24.	Detailer

25.	Drafter

26.	Drafting Technician

27.	Draftsman

28.	Heating and Ventilating Drafter

29.	Intern Architect

30.	Landscape Drafter

31.	Marine Drafter

32.	Oil and Gas Drafter

33.	Plumbing Designer

34.	Plumbing Drafter

35.	Project Architect

36.	Project Manager

37.	Steel Detailer

38.	Structural Drafter

39.	Structural Draftsman

40.	Truss Designer

Job Tasks

	Operate computer-aided drafting (CAD) equipment or conventional drafting station to produce designs, working drawings, charts, forms, and records. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes. Operate computer systems.

	Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs. Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.

	Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary. Collect data about project sites.

	Supervise, coordinate, and inspect the work of draftspersons, technicians, and technologists on construction projects. Supervise engineering or other technical personnel. Direct design or development activities.

	Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials. Verify mathematical calculations.

	Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials. Determine operational methods.

	Analyze technical implications of architect's design concept, calculating weights, volumes, and stress factors. Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

	Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under architect's supervision. Monitor processes for compliance with standards. Provide technical guidance to other personnel. Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.

	Prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents, and technical reports for specific projects under an architect's supervision. Estimate operational costs. Prepare technical reports for internal use. Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.

	Reproduce drawings on copy machines or trace copies of plans and drawings, using transparent paper or cloth, ink, pencil, and standard drafting instruments. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to client. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures. Estimate operational costs.

	Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings. Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.

	Build landscape, architectural, and display models. Create physical models or prototypes.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Drafters
	Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Drafters
	Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers. Most drafters work full time.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

The first U.S. patent, issued in 1790 to Samuel Hopkins for a potassium compound, was signed by both President George Washington and then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.

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