Chapter 1

Professional Architectural Careers, Office Practices, and

Opportunities

Introduction• Architectural drafting and design

satisfies many interests– Theoretical problem solving– Artistic creations– Creating something practical while working

with your hands

Introduction (cont’d.)• Architectural drafting classes can lead

to various careers – Drafter– CAD technician– Designer– Interior decorator or designer– Architect– Engineer

Drafter• Creates drawings and details for

another person’s creations– Responsible for proper line and lettering

quality and properly laying out required drawings

• Requires attention to detail

– Drafters draw using pens and pencils• CAD technicians create them using a computer

Drafter (cont’d.)• Beginning drafter

– Job consists of correcting drawings created by others

• Responsibilities expand as quality improves

– U.S. National CAD Standards (NCS)• Aimed at bringing uniformity between

consulting firms to ensure quality plans

Drafter (cont’d.)• Experienced drafter

– Makes construction design decisions (e.g., structural sizes, connection methods, drawing renderings, etc.)

• Becomes more complex with experience

– May work with city and state building departments

• Requires familiarity with codes and vendors’ catalogs

Drafter (cont’d.)• Educational requirements

– Solid education, computer-aided drafting (CAD) skills, basic computer skills, and ability to sell yourself

• Personal requirements– Function well in group settings– Reliability– Promote success among teammates

Drafter (cont’d.)• Workplace ethics

– Rules and principles that define right and wrong conduct

– Copyright protection

• Employment opportunities– Range (e.g., suppliers, manufacturing

companies, government agencies)

Designer• States restrict title use

– Formal training and a competency test

• Responsibilities– Based on education and experience

• Coordinates team of drafters• May work under an architect or engineer

– Generally work in an office setting

Interior Decorator• Decorates building interiors

– Specific job requirements:• Meet with clients to determine project scope• Review and measure spaces• Prepare proposed room layouts and estimates• Provide samples• Arrange and oversee painting, wallpapering, and

flooring• Select and purchase furnishings and items

Kitchen and Bath Designer• Area of specialization

– National Kitchen & Bath Association training program

• Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer• Certified Kitchen Designer• Certified Master Kitchen & Bathroom Designer

Interior Designer• Works with structural designer to

optimize and harmonize interiors– Plans space features

• Licensing depends on state requirements– National Council for Interior Design

Qualification examination

Architect• Licensed professional

– Designs commercial and residential structures

• Performs the tasks of many (e.g., designer, artist, project manager, and construction supervisor)

– Education• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate• Fine arts classes help in preparation• Specialization in third year

Architect (cont’d.)• Positions in architectural firms include:

– Technical staff– Intern– Architect I, II, and III– Manager– Associate– Principal

Engineer• Licensed professional

– Applies math and science principles to structure design and construction

• Electrical engineers• Mechanical engineers• Civil engineers

Related Fields• Many related careers require an

understanding of drafting principles– Model maker– Illustrator– Specification writer– Plan examiner– Inspector– Construction jobs

Design Basics• Financial considerations

– Influences design methods– Designer makes cost and size decisions– Financial source can also affect design

process

• The client– House plans are often built in subdivisions

• Stock plans allow for personalization

Design Basics (cont’d.)• Design process stages:

– Initial contact– Preliminary design studies– Room planning– Initial working drawings– Final design considerations

Design Basics (cont’d.)• Design process stages (cont’d.):

– Completion of working drawings– Permit procedures– Job supervision