Every structure that you see is an outcome of a project that had been conceived and executed by a large team of architectural specialists, civil engineers and other personnel. An architectural drafter is a part of this team and is primarily responsible for drafting the blueprints of a structure.
As an architectural drafter, an individual is involved in the preliminary stages where the clients present their requirements to the architect project manager. These requirements are discussed with the architectural team. The architectural drafter is asked to go through the specifications derived by the architectural team and draw those specifications on paper.
The architectural drafter chalks out the structural design in detail. He has to prepare the drafts including the layout for electrical installations, ventilations, water and gas outlets, and all other features of the project. These drawings help the construction personnel to understand as to how the foundation has to be laid and the procedures to be followed for construction of the structure.
Depending upon the qualifications and expertise, an architectural drafter may also recommend the quality and quantity of materials required for construction. He can suggest corrections and additions to the design. The drafter is asked to present the design to the clients and the architectural team.
More information related to the architectural drafter responsibilities have been described below.
Identifying Project Needs
An architectural drafter is often involved in the preliminary discussions with the architectural team. He listens and speaks with the team and the architectural project manager to learn about the requirements of the client and the nature of the project.
Drawing Preliminary Designs
After getting a clear idea about the project requirements, the architectural drafter prepares rough architectural designs. He may not finalize these designs until the client and the architectural team's nod to go ahead with the layout.
Finalizing Architectural Layout
Once the architectural team and client accept the preliminary designs, the drafter prepares detailed layout including all the specifications and process of construction. He can recommend the materials and equipments to be used for construction for the ease of the construction personnel.
Training and Supervising Junior Drafters
A senior architectural drafter trains the newly recruited drafters. He supervises their work and guides them until they are fully aware of the organizational procedures and industry standards.
An architectural drafter is required to be:
An individual with a high school diploma, or a bachelor's degree and some training in designing is eligible to apply for the job of architectural drafter. If you are a freshman, you can join as a junior drafter and as you gain experience, you can move to senior positions provided that the management is impressed with your performance.
Salary range for this job is $35,000 to $75,000 and it varies due to the difference in job location, size of the organization and the overall qualifications of the candidate.
Architectural drafter responsibilities provide you a 360 degree perspective of this job. Based on the information given above, you can easily identify whether this profession can satisfy your quench for excellence in the career.