Architectural and Civil Drafters
Architectural and civil drafters prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. They use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Architectural and civil drafters' job descriptions entail the use of design software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings, which are then used by construction and production workers to design and build everything from skyscrapers to microchips.
Drafters use Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems for their drawings with other tools like tables, calculators, computers and technical handbooks.
A post-secondary school training from a technical school is needed to apply for an architectural cad drafter job description. Candidates who possess mechanical drawing and drafting skills, and have knowledge in science, math, engineering technology and drafting standards get preference. Knowledge or experience with graphics/photo imaging software, map creation software and project management can be useful.
Most architectural drafters work for architects or as a part of building construction companies. An architect is behind the imagination of the functional design of a home or any construction. Under their supervision, architectural drafters translate that image into technical blueprints that a construction company follows.
Architectural drafting requires visual aptitude and mechanical ability to avail five-six digits civil drafter salary. In order to succeed in a career as an architectural drafter, knowledge of manufacturing and construction methods, being artistic, the ability to draw, perform detailed work, and interpersonal skills are required.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Diploma Architectural Draughtsman
- Training and Certificate Architectural Draughtsman
Tasks
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
- Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
- Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
- Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.