Architectural Drafters

Description :

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

Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings for new construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial, or in a kind of material used, such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or timber.

Sample of reported job titles:

Intern Architect, Drafter, Architect, Draftsman, Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Intern, Project Manager, Architectural Draftsman, CAD Technician (Computer-Aided Design Technician)

Fast Facts :

• Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training in drafting.
• Overall employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, but growth will vary by specialty.
• Demand for various types of drafters depends on the needs of local industry.

Nature of the Work :

Drafters’ drawings provide visual guidelines and show how to construct a product or structure. Drawings include technical details and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists. For example, many drafters use their knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw in the details of structures. Some use their understanding of engineering and manufacturing theory and standards to draw the parts of a machine; they determine design elements, such as the numbers and kinds of fasteners needed to assemble the machine. Drafters use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers to complete their work.

Most drafters use Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems to prepare drawings. Consequently, some drafters may be referred to as CADD operators. With CADD systems, drafters can create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. CADD systems also permit drafters to quickly prepare variations of a design. Although drafters use CADD extensively, they still need knowledge of traditional drafting techniques in order to fully understand and explain concept.