Architectural Drafter Job Description: Overview, Education & Training Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: An architectural drafter is the person who creates detailed scale drawings to be used in construction of private homes, office buildings, schools, factories, theaters and other structures. He/she works with engineers, architects and other designers to ensure that each detail on the drawings is followed accurately. Drafters can specialize in a type of structure, such as commercial buildings and residential houses, and the type of construction materials like steel or reinforced concrete.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: Since drafters’ work relies largely on drawings, they should be highly skilled in both traditional and computerized drawings. They must possess advanced skills in computer-aided design (CAD) systems to create 3D images of soon-to-be-built sites, and still be able to draw freehand. One can become an architectural drafter even with only a high school diploma plus additional training in drafting, which can be taken with a two-year program. Some employees require drafters to have certification, but smaller companies may not require this. Useful courses include computer graphics, drafting and design-related studies.
Skills & Abilities: Drafters must be detail-oriented, organized, creative and have hand-eye coordination, good eyesight and form perception. They should be highly knowledgeable with architectural terms, basic drafting concepts and recognized practices. Since they discuss plans with other professionals, they must also have effective written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, management skills and leadership skills.
Duties:
An architectural drafter is responsible for obtaining and assembling data to complete architectural designs; drawing rough and detailed scale plans for structures, buildings and foundations; laying out and planning interior room arrangements using CAD; supervising, coordinating and inspecting work of technicians, draftspersons and technologists; representing architects on construction sites; checking dimensions of materials needed; determining instructions and procedures to be followed based on number of materials required and other design specifications.
The job of an architectural drafter also includes preparing colored drawings of interior and landscape designs; preparing cost estimates, bidding documents, technical reports and contracts; building display, landscape and architectural models; analyzing building codes and site requirements then using these information as guidelines for drafting; operating conventional drafting stations to product charts, drawings, records, forms and designs; and coordinating mechanical, electrical and structural designs in creating building plans, among others.
Earnings & Job Outlook: The employment outlook in architectural drafting is fair. The demand for drafters depends largely on economic growth. In 2004, the median salary reported for drafters was $39,190 per year.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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Word Count: 425 Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 Time: 7:37 AM
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