What does an architectural drafter do?
Architectural drafters are skilled professionals who work alongside architects and engineers to craft technical drawings of construction projects. They use computer software to render technical models of designs made by architects. They create these designs in great detail to ensure that everything is captured perfectly. Architectural drafters may specialize in different design areas, such as building or infrastructure type and materials used for construction. Architectural drafters need to visit the site for a better appreciation of the project. They may also use this time to coordinate with engineers and architects.
Architectural drafter responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real architectural drafter resumes:
- Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
- Prepare plumbing schematics and as-built.
- Utilize AutoCAD 2005 and MicroStation V8.
- Operate Microstation SE and Microstation V8.
- Demonstrate expertise in building code, lighting, MEP.
- Translate the client's briefs into sketch plans for client approval.
- Draft new and repair subsurface sewage disposal plans and as-built plans.
- Work with consultants and project managers to organize requests for information (RFI).
- Consult with engineers to develop MEP plans & schedules for the completion of commercial projects.
- Work with multiple consulting engineers regarding tower design and location, RFI s, deadlines and fees.
- Develop concrete foundation drawings from equipment vendor drawings, calculate concrete volume, BOM from lead engineers and designers specifications.
- Create a CNC program that are sent to the machine shop to be burn into steel and various grades of metal.
- Create fabrication drawings in Solidworks and AutoCad.
- Launch new architectural discipline with Revit computer drafting system.
- Experience with Revit work-sharing environment including linking multiple models across various disciplines.
Architectural drafter skills and personality traits
We calculated that 28% of Architectural Drafters are proficient in Revit, Construction Drawings, and Architectural Drawings. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Architectural Drafters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Revit, 28%
Launched new architectural discipline with Revit computer drafting system.
- Construction Drawings, 11%
Design development and production of construction drawings for hotel resort renovations, civil, commercial and residential construction drawings.
- Architectural Drawings, 7%
Work consisted of drafting architectural drawings required for new constructions, or remodels and additions to existing residential or commercial properties.
- Shop Drawings, 6%
Created schematic design drawings and reviewed shop drawings in construction administration.
- Sketch, 6%
Worked with exterior and interior 3D views of the police facility using Sketch UP.
- Building Codes, 6%
Collaborate in addressing project requirements and building codes.
Most architectural drafters use their skills in "revit," "construction drawings," and "architectural drawings" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential architectural drafter responsibilities here:
Creativity. The most essential soft skill for an architectural drafter to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "drafters must be able to turn plans and ideas into technical drawings of buildings, tools, and systems." Additionally, an architectural drafter resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "established inventory list and provided project management for furniture installation and inventory parts control. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling architectural drafter duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "drafters must take care that the plans they convert are technically accurate according to the outlined specifications." According to an architectural drafter resume, here's how architectural drafters can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "develop construction drawings for new construction including floor plans and design details. "
Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of architectural drafters is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday architectural drafter duties, as "drafters work on technical drawings." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "computed geometry for layouts and details for engineering drawings. "
Technical skills. A big part of what architectural drafters do relies on "technical skills." You can see how essential it is to architectural drafter responsibilities because "drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as cad, and work with database tools, such as building information modeling (bim)." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical architectural drafter tasks: "prepare technical drawings and details for projects, as well as assist on all production activities from kick-off through close-out. "
Time-management skills. Another common skill required for architectural drafter responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of architectural drafters all the time, as "drafters often work under deadline." An excerpt from a real architectural drafter resume shows how this skill is central to what an architectural drafter does: "created construction drawings of educational and commercial projects worked as a team to complete projects on time"
The three companies that hire the most architectural drafters are:
- David Weekley Homes7 architectural drafters jobs
- Deeplocal
2 architectural drafters jobs
- HR Knowledge2 architectural drafters jobs
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Compare different architectural drafters
Architectural drafter vs. Computer aided design designer
A computer-aided design (CAD) designer is responsible for creating plan outlines and project designs for a specific business need. A CAD designer utilizes various technologies and software applications to generate graphic illustrations. CAD designers must have strong knowledge of the technology designs, software management, engineering standards, and the construction industry fundamentals. CAD designers label their works with appropriate dimensions and specifications, performing necessary adjustments to meet the clients' needs. A CAD designer requires excellent critical-thinking and analytical skills to manage design structures and creative solutions.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, architectural drafter responsibilities require skills like "building codes," "schematic design," "sketchup," and "red lines." Meanwhile a typical computer aided design designer has skills in areas such as "auto cad," "engineering drawings," "assembly drawings," and "product development." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Computer aided design designers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $79,713. Comparatively, architectural drafters tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $53,917.On average, computer aided design designers reach similar levels of education than architectural drafters. Computer aided design designers are 0.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Architectural drafter vs. Cadd operator
A truss designer's major responsibility is to design layouts for floors and roofs. They work with architects and engineers to ensure the feasibility of new designs. They also develop schematics through computer-aided design (CAD) software. They are required to work on layouts for roofs and flooring for both residential and commercial buildings.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real architectural drafter resumes. While architectural drafter responsibilities can utilize skills like "sketch," "building codes," "schematic design," and "design development," cadd operators use skills like "civil engineering," "plumbing," "survey data," and "auto cadd."
Cadd operators earn similar levels of education than architectural drafters in general. They're 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Architectural drafter vs. Autocad operator
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, architectural drafters are more likely to have skills like "building codes," "schematic design," "design development," and "sketchup." But a autocad operator is more likely to have skills like "plumbing," "auto cad," "cnc," and "stairs."
When it comes to education, autocad operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to architectural drafters. In fact, they're 1.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Architectural drafter vs. Truss designer
Types of architectural drafter
Updated January 8, 2025
