Would you be surprised to learn that most architects aren't taught how to assemble a set of construction drawings in architecture school? I certainly was. Most graduate architects learn this from their first employer during their mandatory internship. And so, what’s passed on in practice is highly dependent on the focus of the studio where an architect completes their training.

Technical drawing and delineation led me to choose architecture as a career but I've come to appreciate drafting as much more than representation. Crafting a set of drawings has become an integral part of my design process. In part, that's because I believe quality drawings directly influence the quality of the finished work. They also naturally select for a team of skilled craftspeople that align with the standards of care our clients expect in a finished home.

I was fortunate to work with and learn from other professionals who shared my love of drawing. We spent time on line weight, hierarchy and composition. We designed our drawings and worked to make them as beautiful as they were functional. In this video, I'm sharing my process and paying it forward. I hope it inspires you to leverage the 'language of construction' and to treat your drawing practice as an art form too.

Tools Used:

• Sketching (iPad Pro + Procreate)

• Digital Drafting: AutoCAD LT 2020

• Custom AutoCAD Template + Title Block

Timestamps:

00:00 Design Sketch

00:51 Template and Title Block I Use

01:30 First Principles ( h/t Semper )

01:50 Grid and Walls (Enclosure)

03:45 Doors and Windows

05:29 Line weight and Layers

08:08 Hatches, fills and color

10:02 The "Mound"

11:19 The "Hearth" aka "Adding Life"

12:43 Inspiration (a recommendation)

13:18 Download my title block and drawing templates