Career Summary

Architectural drafters translate ideas into technical drawings, detailed plans, and models for construction of residential and commercial buildings, working with data outlined by architects and engineers. In addition, their drawings provide visual guidelines for numerous items and features that eventually go into the completed building, such as heating, ventilating, plumbing, and electrical systems. Architectural drafters detail building codes, dimensions, and materials to be used and procedures to be followed by building contractors. In fact, architectural drafters may specialize by the type of building structure or by the kind of material used, be it reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, or timber. In the course of their work, architectural drafters use technical manuals, tables, calculators, and computers - or rather different types of computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems to prepare drawings, make revisions, and modify designs efficiently. The demand for skilled drafters is anticipated to remain steady, although, employment of architectural drafters is contingent upon the needs of local industry and cyclical changes in the economy. The majority of architectural drafters works in engineering and architectural services firms that design construction projects. A good number of drafters are hired by manufacturing industries, government, personnel-stuffing services, etc. Typically, experienced drafters may advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor positions, and with appropriate college education drafters may go on to become architects or engineers.

Program Description

The GCC Architectural Drafting and Design curriculum prepares a student to obtain employment as an architectural draftsperson in the building construction field. The program offers extensive technical training in architectural drafting techniques and procedures for residential and commercial structures. The coursework provides comprehensive instruction regarding the use of the latest construction innovations and current building codes and specifications. The curriculum covers beam loading calculation, heating insulation, sound proofing, sanitary systems, soil problems, etc. Students are introduced to Computer-Aided Drafting and Design systems and fundamental operational applications of Computer Graphics. The coursework also includes an overview of Technical Mathematics, as required in the mechanical trade programs, and Fundamentals of Engineering Documentation for reporting technical information.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or other related fields should consult with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss university transfer requirements.

Key Skills and Characteristics

• Training and experience in design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology.
• Advanced drafting and mechanical-drawing skills.
• Expertise in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) system applications.
• Familiarity with construction documentation principles.
• Well-developed spatial perception.
• Ability to investigate and analyze data.
• Attention to detail and above average ability to read, understand and implement instructions.
• Artistic and creative orientation.

Related Career Titles

*Drafter  *Surveying and Mapping Technician  *AutoCAD Drafter *Engineering Technician  *Structural Drafter  *Civil Drafter  *Electrical Drafter  *Electronics Drafter  *Aeronautical Drafter  *Process Piping or Pipeline Drafters

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