Architectural & Civil Drafters

What They Do

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. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

Typical Tasks

• Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
• Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
• Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
• Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
• Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems