A Draftsperson is a professional who plays a vital role in the field of design and architecture. They work closely with architects, engineers, and other professionals to create technical drawings and plans for construction projects. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Draftspersons.

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Main Responsibilities of a Draftsperson

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Draftsperson:

Adhere to

Adhere to project timelines and meet deadlines for deliverables.

Advise

Advise CDM / PM ahead of time if schedule will not be meet.

Analyze

Analyze and prepare estimates from drawings.

Assist in

• Assist bridge designers in determining the general arrangement of bridge structures.

• Assist in the coordination of permit applications and regulatory approvals.

• Assist in the preparation of bid packages and contract documents.

• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates and material take-offs.

• Assist in the preparation of design documentation for project documentation.

• Assist is the design of façade and glazing systems.

• Assist with the company's transition from using AutoCAD Mechanical to Inventor.

Attend

• Attend coordination meetings with the CDM / PM if necessary.

• Attend site visits to provide practical feedback to complement completed design work.

Calculate

• Calculate dimensions, quantities, and materials needed for construction projects.

• Calculate product weights and material requirements.

Check

• Check and verify design drawings to conform to specifications and design data.

• Check drawings prior to release.

• Check fabrication releases.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with architects and engineers to understand project requirements and specifications.

• Collaborate with drafting and design teams to maintain consistent drawing standards.

• Collaborate with other professionals to resolve design conflicts and ensure design integrity.

Communicate with

Communicate effectively with team members and project stakeholders.

Complete

• Complete documentation packages and drawing sets.

• Complete documentation packages and produce drawing sets.

• Complete site visits to take measurements and check drawn details to ensure accuracy when required.

Conduct

• Conduct quality control checks to ensure accuracy and consistency in drawings.

• Conduct site visits to gather measurements and verify existing conditions.

Coordinate with

• Coordinate with contractors and construction teams to address design-related issues.

• Coordinate with engineering team and other design disciplines.

• Coordinate with purchasing as required.

• Coordinate with the CDM / PM regarding the approved samples (color, finish, glass, spandrel glass).

• Coordinate with the PM regarding the approved samples (color, finish, glass, spandrel glass).

Create

• Create accurate and detailed technical drawings based on architectural and engineering designs.

• Create drawings and documentation of existing welding and robotic fixtures.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate and provide training on work methods, when required.

Develop

• Develop and prepare design sketches.

• Develop and prepare documents.

• Develop detailed plans for structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

• Develop engineering, manufacturing, and assembly drawings for office furniture components.

• Develop innovation partnerships.

Discuss

Discuss and inform PM at all times issues with the project.

Draw

Draw elevations, plans, and details in AutoCAD.

Empower

Empower our people to strive for creativity, uniqueness and distinction.

Engage

Engage with people who make a difference.

Ensure

• Ensure all CR's and NPR's are incorporated on the shop drawing.

• Ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and industry standards in the drafting process.

Estimate

Estimate costs and materials.

Examine

Examine drawings for conformity and errors.

Follow

Follow sustainable design practices and incorporate energy-efficient solutions.

Follow-up

Follow-up after a week for any outstanding RFI's.

Generate

Generate material take-off for glass, aluminum, flashing and frame.

Identify

Identify missing or unclear architectural drawing items and generate concise RFI's to resolve each.

Incorporate

• Incorporate changes and modifications into existing drawings as per project revisions.

• Incorporate safety in design.

Interpret

• Interpret and analyze architectural and engineering plans to develop precise drawings.

• Interpret drawings and sketches from customers, engineers and municipalities.

Lead

Lead special project tasks to help promote efficiencies of current design procedures.

Maintain

• Maintain an organized database of drawings and technical documents.

• Maintain coordination with designers and engineers within the disciplines.

Manage

Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks efficiently.

Measure

Measure performance and implement process improvements.

Meet

Meet with Supervisor to prepare drawing packages for construction tenders.

Obtain

Obtain field measurements and checks and prepare as-built electrical and instrumentation drawings.

Operate

• Operate 3-D computer-assisted design (Solid Works) and drafting workstations.

• Operate computer-assisted design (Solidworks) and drafting workstations.

Participate in

• Participate in coordination meetings with other trades.

• Participate in design review meetings and provide input on technical aspects.

• Participate in project meetings with project managers.

• Participate in Research and Development programs and Continuous Improvement teams.

Perform

• Perform a wide variety of drafting tasks in support of the engineering and operations organizations.

• Perform calculations as required, coordinate drawing production with others as necessary.

• Perform conceptual layout work under the supervision of the Lead Structural Engineer.

• Perform other duties as assigned, which are unplanned or transient in nature.

Prepare

• Prepare and review the activities such as, calculations, design models, etc..

• Prepare and revise Electrical Stations drawings and bills of material using manual or CADD systems.

• Prepare architectural designs and drawings.

• Prepare as-built shop drawing at the end of the project.

• Prepare assembly drawings for customers and design engineers.

• Prepare construction and assembly drawings for various components of a project.

• Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates.

• Prepare engineering designs and drawings.

• Prepare files, as requested, and submit for permit submission.

• Prepare PDF set for engineer's review.

• Prepare shop drawings using AutoCAD and other design software.

• Prepare the PDF set for engineer's review.

• Prepare the preliminary installation plans.

• Prepare visualizations and renderings to aid in project communication.

Produce

Produce shop drawings and fabrication sheets.

Provide

• Provide supervision, guidance, and mentoring to drafters and engineers.

• Provide support in the development of design presentations and client proposals.

Read

Read and interpret blueprints.

Release

Release breakdown parts as required.

Reproduce

Reproduce and draw sketches, drawings, and plans.

Resolve

Resolve outstanding drawing issues and pursue contract clarifications as required.

Review

• Review and analyze technical documents, such as blueprints and specifications.

• Review shop drawings per internal review and responsible to keep track of revisions.

• Review site instructions with the CDM / PM to determine the cost implications.

• Review site instructions with the PM to determine the cost implications.

Revise

• Revise shop drawing from GC and responsible for all SI / revisions received thereafter.

• Revise shop drawings per internal review and responsible to keep track of the revisions.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with the latest drafting techniques, software, and industry trends.

Submit

• Submit drawings to management team for approval.

• Submit drawings to the Design Team Leader for approval.

• Submit files for architectural control approval and process completed applications.

Supervise

• Supervise and train other drafting personnel.

• Supervise and train other technologists, technicians and drafters, as required.

Support

Support the design and engineering team in producing drawings for permit and construction.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to drafting software and tools.

Understand

Understand scope of work for the preparation of detailed drawings and bills of material.

Update

Update plant layout drawings as production requirements change.

Use

Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to generate 2D and 3D models and drawings.

Verify

• Verify drawings in accordance with the established procedure.

• Verify files for accuracy and completeness at all stages of the pre-construction process.

Work with

• Work closely with Breakdown Detailers for the development of fabrication package.

• Work through construction support issues with design team and contractors.

• Work with the engineering to resolve manufacturing related issues as necessary.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Draftsperson:

1. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as AutoCAD or Revit.

2. Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and terminology.

3. Understanding of building codes, regulations, and industry standards.

4. Ability to interpret and analyze architectural and engineering drawings.

5. Familiarity with 2D and 3D modeling techniques and software.

6. Knowledge of construction methods and materials.

7. Competency in reading and understanding technical specifications and blueprints.

8. Proficiency in dimensioning, scaling, and measuring techniques.

9. Understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems.

10. Knowledge of drafting standards and practices.

11. Familiarity with building information modeling (BIM) concepts.

12. Ability to perform calculations and quantify materials.

13. Proficiency in computer literacy and technological tools.

14. Understanding of geometric and trigonometric principles.

15. Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

16. Competency in file management and organization.

17. Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information System) software.

18. Understanding of rendering and visualization tools.

19. Knowledge of construction documentation and project workflows.

20. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Draftsperson:

1. Attention to Detail: A Draftsperson needs to pay close attention to detail to ensure accuracy in drawings and technical documentation.

2. Time Management: Effective time management skills are crucial to meet project deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

3. Problem Solving: Draftspersons often encounter design challenges and conflicts that require creative problem-solving skills to find suitable solutions.

4. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to collaborate with team members, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.

5. Teamwork: Draftspersons work as part of a team, requiring the ability to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to the overall project goals.

6. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changes and work in a fast-paced environment is vital in the dynamic field of design and construction.

7. Analytical Thinking: Draftspersons need to think analytically to interpret complex architectural and engineering plans and translate them into technical drawings.

8. Organizational Skills: Effective organization skills help Draftspersons manage files, documents, and project-related information efficiently.

9. Attention to Codes and Regulations: Draftspersons must have a strong awareness of building codes and regulations to ensure compliance in their drawings.

10. Continuous Learning: Staying updated with industry trends, software advancements, and new design techniques through continuous learning is crucial for professional growth as a Draftsperson.

Conclusion

By possessing a combination of these hard and soft skills, Draftspersons can excel in their role and contribute to the successful execution of architectural and engineering projects. Their technical expertise, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams make them invaluable in the design and construction industry.