An architectural drawing refers to the technical plans of a building, falling within the scope of architecture. These drawings play a vital role throughout the project lifecycle, from transforming designs into clear plans to communicating design intentions and securing necessary approvals. Architectural drafting services are essential to the successful construction of any building.
Architectural drafting can be divided into three key stages: Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documentation (CD). Each phase holds its own significance and must be executed efficiently to ensure the timely completion of the project.
In this article, we will explore the three main phases of architectural drafting.
1. Schematic Design:
The schematic design phase is the initial step in the architectural drafting process. During this stage, a visual outline or graphical shape of the building structure is created. It highlights the building’s scale, form, spatial relationships, and 3D views, laying the foundation for the entire project. At this stage, the architect must also consider the necessary governmental permits. Common deliverables include floor plans, schematic site plans, building sections, and exterior elevations. The client must approve this phase before progressing to the next.
2. Design Development:
After the schematic design is approved by the client, the design development phase begins. This stage involves selecting materials, finalizing dimensions, and determining the placement of architectural components like doors and windows. Additionally, structural systems are planned, and code compliance is ensured. Key deliverables include dimension-rich floor plans, comprehensive building sections, and detailed elevations. At this stage, cost estimations can also be made in collaboration with cost consultants.
3. Construction Documentation:
The final stage of the architectural drafting process is the creation of construction documentation, which is essential for bidding, permit applications, and the construction process itself. These documents provide detailed information for the actual construction of the building, with accuracy being crucial to avoid costly errors onsite. Precise construction documentation ensures that project managers and contractors have no confusion during the build. A full set of construction documents includes architectural drawings as well as structural, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), landscape, and other relevant plans, necessitating close collaboration between the architect, civil engineers, MEP technicians, and other stakeholders.
These three stages of architectural drafting provide a clear roadmap for architects to complete building projects effectively and on time.