Technical Drawing and Drafting - Producing Detailed Architectural Drawings for a Small Commercial Building

Categories
Interior design
Skills
construction management architectural drawing project scoping innovation building codes site analysis interior design
Project scope

What is the main goal for this project?

The main goal of this project is to produce detailed architectural drawings for a small commercial building. This includes creating accurate and comprehensive plans, elevations, sections, and construction details that adhere to industry standards and client requirements.


What tasks will learners need to complete to achieve the project goal?

Site Analysis and Planning

  • Conduct a site analysis, including zoning requirements and site constraints.
  • Develop a site plan showing the building location, landscape features, and site amenities.
  • Create a site layout that includes access points, parking, and circulation paths.


Preliminary Design and Concept Development

  • Develop initial design concepts and sketches.
  • Create schematic floor plans that illustrate the basic layout and space utilization.
  • Refine design concepts based on feedback and initial evaluations.


Architectural Floor Plans

  • Draft detailed floor plans showing all walls, doors, windows, and interior elements.
  • Include dimensions, annotations, and room labels.
  • Ensure compliance with building codes and accessibility standards.


Elevations and Sections

  • Create exterior elevations showing the building's appearance from all sides.
  • Draft building sections that illustrate vertical relationships between spaces.
  • Include material indications, heights, and critical dimensions.


Construction Details

  • Develop detailed drawings for key construction elements (e.g. wall sections, stair details, window and door details).
  • Ensure details are clear, accurate, and conform to construction practices.
  • Coordinate with structural and MEP systems to integrate their requirements.


Interior Details and Finishes

  • Draft interior elevations for critical areas (e.g. restrooms, lobbies).
  • Specify interior finishes, fixtures, and fittings.
  • Create detailed drawings for custom elements (e.g. cabinetry, built-ins).


Documentation and Presentation

  • Compile all drawings into a comprehensive set of construction documents.
  • Include a cover sheet, index, general notes, and legends.
  • Prepare presentation drawings and renderings to communicate the design effectively.


Quality Control and Review

  • Conduct a thorough review of all drawings for accuracy and completeness.
  • Ensure all drawings meet industry standards and client specifications.
  • Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and finalize the drawings.

How will you support learners in completing the project?

Educational Resources

  • Access to tutorials, online courses, and drafting manuals.
  • Examples of completed architectural drawing sets and case studies.


Mentorship and Guidance

  • Experienced architects or drafters as mentors.
  • Organize regular check-ins and progress review meetings.


Collaboration and Feedback

  • Encourage teamwork and collaboration among interns.
  • Regular employer feedback 


Technical Support

  • Provide access to technical support for troubleshooting software issues.
  • Ensure availability of necessary hardware and software resources.


Project Management Tools

  • Introduce project management tools to track progress (e.g. Trello, Asana).
  • Set clear milestones and deadlines for each phase of the project.


By completing this project, learners will gain hands-on experience in technical drawing and drafting, develop a strong understanding of architectural documentation, and enhance their skills in producing detailed and accurate architectural drawings.