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Architectural drafter skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Paul Strother,

Kristen DeWolf

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical architectural drafter skills. We ranked the top skills for architectural drafters based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 28.3% of architectural drafter resumes contained revit as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an architectural drafter needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 architectural drafter skills for your resume and career

1. Revit

Revit, also known as Autodesk Revit, is computer software used by architects, structural engineers, and designers to perform building modeling tasks. Revit was designed to facilitate users, draw building modeling structures in a 2D and 3D format. Creating such models allows architects and engineers to pre-planning, scheduling, estimating the life of the structure and the entire cost of construction.

Here's how architectural drafters use revit:

Launched new architectural discipline with Revit computer drafting system.
Created original Revit families to use interchangeably between drawings.

2. Construction Drawings

Here's how architectural drafters use construction drawings:

Design development and production of construction drawings for hotel resort renovations, civil, commercial and residential construction drawings.
Conferred with architects, engineers, and consultants concerning design coordination and development of architectural construction drawing sets.

3. Architectural Drawings

Here's how architectural drafters use architectural drawings:

Work consisted of drafting architectural drawings required for new constructions, or remodels and additions to existing residential or commercial properties.
Helped company employees obtain field measurements for the production of as-built architectural drawings to aid in future architectural developments.

4. Shop Drawings

Here's how architectural drafters use shop drawings:

Created schematic design drawings and reviewed shop drawings in construction administration.
Reviewed/approved shop drawings and sample submissions.

5. Sketch

Here's how architectural drafters use sketch:

Worked with exterior and interior 3D views of the police facility using Sketch UP.
Translated the client's briefs into sketch plans for client approval.

6. Building Codes

A building code is a requirement or standard for construction purposes. These codes will serve as the model and set of rules to obtain and approve before starting a project. The goal of this standard is to ensure the safety and protection of both the clients and workers. it is usually related to structures and buildings.

Here's how architectural drafters use building codes:

Collaborate in addressing project requirements and building codes.
Analyzed building codes, subdivision guidelines, and spatial and site requirements, to determine their effect on architectural designs.

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7. Schematic Design

Schematic design is the initial stage of the five stages of an architectural project. The schematic design aims at producing a rough drawing of the site plan, floor plan, etc.

Here's how architectural drafters use schematic design:

Developed program of requirements, schematic designs and planning documents for several lease negotiations and tenant fit-outs.
Generated schematic designs and construction documents for both residential and commercial buildings.

8. Design Development

Design development is used to refer to a number of positions and skills in a number of different industries. In the architectural world, Design Development is used to refer to an architectural plan that is already halfway or more done but needs further development, alteration, and testing. In the automotive industry, it refers to the skills necessary to create and develop new car, engine, and other designs, as well as to ensure that all designs are safe and effective.

Here's how architectural drafters use design development:

Assisted in the development of design development drawings, construction documents, and construction details for hospitality and educational projects.
Created design development, construction and as-built documents for residential and commercial projects.

9. SketchUp

Here's how architectural drafters use sketchup:

Trained in the program SKETCHUP for Architectural Drafting.
Used a combination of Auto CAD, and Google Sketchup to generate construction documents and 3D models.

10. Aided Design

Here's how architectural drafters use aided design:

Drafted sub-components components of industrial buildings using drafting a computer aided design (CAD).
Design preliminary blueprints using computer-aided design (CAD) software for estimating and customer review.

11. Adobe Photoshop

Here's how architectural drafters use adobe photoshop:

Utilized experience drafting in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop to help Mr. John Drake remodel his entire house (~2,100 sq.
Power Point, Excel, Windows 8, and Safari, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Indesign, Lumion.

12. Red Lines

Here's how architectural drafters use red lines:

Pick up red lines, Plotting, updated window and door schedule.
Red line's corrections for Structural Design

13. Commercial Buildings

Here's how architectural drafters use commercial buildings:

Prepared construction documents for residential and commercial buildings.
Drafted/designed commercial buildings using AutoCAD/free hand.

14. MEP

MEP is generally a term used in construction, and it stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. MEP engineering refers to the process of developing, planning, and managing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system of a building or architecture.

Here's how architectural drafters use mep:

Consulted with engineers to develop MEP plans & schedules for the completion of commercial projects.
Collaborated with project manager, Structural and MEP engineers for coordination of discipline drawings.

15. Autodesk Revit

Here's how architectural drafters use autodesk revit:

Advanced Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit user.

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What skills help Architectural Drafters find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What type of skills will young architectural drafters need?

Paul Strother

Architect, Associate Professor, Dunwoody College of Technology

For students earning their A.A.S. in Architectural Drafting & Design, the skills they are currently learning will be critical to their future success. Not only should students master Revit, but they also need the ability to quickly learn other software. They need an understanding of the principles of construction and building systems, and they need to know the role of the architect and its companion players, such as contractors, consultants and owners. Understanding regulatory elements will also continue to be key skill sets. At the core, when they leave Dunwoody, they must be ready to continue learning new systems, software and regulations, and possess the fundamental skill of good communication. This past year has also taught students to be flexible, and exposed them to new ways of communicating and doing business, which are critical skills as they enter today's workforce.

What technical skills for an architectural drafter stand out to employers?

Kristen DeWolf

Director, Career Services, Syracuse University

This is certainly highly dependent upon the industry the employer is in/type of work being done; however, MSExcel is one of the key skills that I hear over and over again from employers across many industries. Researching the employer/industry and understanding the technologies most used (and learning those programs if you don't already) is a great way for a candidate to stand out. There are plenty of opportunities to learn technical skills on sites such as LinkedIn Learning. When a candidate can show they're paying attention and have learned the skills to hit the ground running, the more valuable they will be as a candidate.

Do you want to know more?

List of architectural drafter skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an architectural drafter resume and required skills for an architectural drafter to have include:

Revit
Construction Drawings
Architectural Drawings
Shop Drawings
Sketch
Building Codes
Schematic Design
Design Development
SketchUp
Aided Design
Adobe Photoshop
Red Lines
Commercial Buildings
MEP
Autodesk Revit
BIM

RFI
As-Built Drawings
Design Process
Construction Administration
Project Architects
Construction Projects
Residential Projects
Design Drawings
Design Concepts
Office Buildings
HVAC
Space Planning
Engineering Calculations
Technical Drawings
Design Software
Autodesk Autocad

Cadd
Construction Sites
Cost Estimates
Design Specifications
Exterior Elevations
Residential Buildings
Residential Homes
Custom Homes
PowerPoint
Rough Drafts
Building Sections
PDF
Electrical Drawings
Mechanical Design
Presentation Drawings
Construction Phase

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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