What Architectural Drafting Involves
Architectural drafting is the process of turning a design into a clear and accurate set of plans.
Those plans need to do more than show what the building looks like.
They need to explain the layout, dimensions, levels, construction relationships and other information required by Council, certifiers, consultants, builders and trades.
As the project develops, the plans become progressively more detailed, moving from concept design through approval and into construction.
Why 30+ Years of Experience Matters
More than 30 years of residential design experience brings an understanding of what needs to be shown on the plans, what should be resolved early and where problems can arise during approvals and construction.
Every property is different.
Slope, bushfire requirements, heritage controls, easements, neighbouring properties, vegetation, existing buildings and Council controls can all influence the design.
Recognising these issues early allows the plans to be developed around them from the beginning rather than trying to fix problems later.
The Plans We Prepare
Most residential projects move through several different sets of plans as the design develops from an idea into an approved and buildable project.
Concept Design Plans
Concept plans establish the overall direction of the project. They show the proposed layout, room sizes and relationships, building form, levels and how the design responds to the property. At this stage, the focus is on getting the design right before moving into detailed approval plans.
DA or CDC Plans
Once the design is developed, we prepare the plans required for the relevant approval pathway.
These may include:
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Site plans
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Floor plans
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Elevations
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Building sections
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Roof plans
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Demolition plans
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Shadow diagrams
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Building heights and levels
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Setbacks
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Area calculations
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Window and door information
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Other plans required for approval
Supporting documents may also be required, including BASIX, NatHERS, a Statement of Environmental Effects, Waste Management Plans and specialist consultant reports.
The exact requirements depend on the project and approval pathway.
Construction and CC Plans
Once the project is approved, the plans are developed further for certification, coordination, pricing and construction.
Depending on the project, these may include:
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Detailed floor plans
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Detailed building sections
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Construction details
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Internal and external dimensions
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Floor and ceiling levels
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Window and door details
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Roof and framing information
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Structural coordination
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Frame and truss coordination
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Material and construction information
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Consultant and engineering coordination
These plans need to be clear and precise because builders, trades, engineers and suppliers rely on them to understand, coordinate, price and construct the work.
The exact level of detail depends on the project and the agreed scope of services.
How We Develop Your Plans
Understand the Site
We review the property, survey information, planning controls, existing buildings, levels, orientation and other site constraints that may affect the design.
Resolve the Design
The design is developed around your brief, the property and the relevant approval requirements. Major design issues are addressed before detailed plans are prepared.
Prepare the Plans
The drawings progress from concept plans through DA or CDC plans and into the more detailed plans required for certification and construction.
Coordinate Consultants
Where engineers or specialist consultants are required, their information is coordinated with the architectural plans.
Prepare for Approval and Construction
Each set of plans is prepared for its intended purpose, whether that is design development, Council assessment, certification, consultant coordination or construction.
Architectural Drafting FAQs
What is the difference between building design and architectural drafting?
Building design is the broader process of developing the home itself, including the layout, form, site response, planning requirements and how the spaces work together. Architectural drafting is the preparation of the plans that communicate and develop that design through concept, approval and construction. Our Building Design service brings both together, taking your project from the initial design through to the detailed plans required for approval and construction.
What is the difference between concept plans and construction plans?
Concept plans establish the overall design, layout and building form. Construction plans develop the approved design into more detailed technical drawings used for certification, consultant coordination, pricing and construction.
Can you prepare the plans for DA or CDC approval?
Yes. We prepare residential plans for Development Applications and Complying Development where the project is suitable for the relevant approval pathway. We can also coordinate the supporting documents and consultant information required for the application.
Do you prepare detailed plans for builders and trades?
Yes. Where included within our scope, we prepare detailed construction and Construction Certificate plans and coordinate relevant engineering and consultant information. The level of detail required will depend on the project and the services agreed.
Good plans start with understanding the property, resolving the design brief
and preparing the right level of detail at each stage.