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Architectural draftsman skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Michael Brazley Ph.D.,

Paul Strother

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical architectural draftsman skills. We ranked the top skills for architectural draftsmen based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.6% of architectural draftsman resumes contained revit as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an architectural draftsman needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 architectural draftsman 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 draftsmen use revit:

Provided BIM support using Revit Architecture 2008 in the most exciting and challenging project of my career.
Evaluated residential drawings and fixed them in Revit 2012..

2. Shop Drawings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use shop drawings:

Analyzed, revised & updated shop drawing using Auto CAD, which is corresponds to comments of consultant & head architect.
Verified and reviewed shop drawings and specifications for USMS standards.

3. Construction Drawings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use construction drawings:

Job Responsibility: Responsible for complete Architectural construction drawing sets for Electrical Power Plants.
Coordinate construction drawings with surveyors and structural engineers.

4. Architectural Drawings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use architectural drawings:

Prepared architectural drawings for new construction, renovations on Commercial and Residential projects.
Create architectural drawings based on building specifications, calculations and sketches.

5. Sketch

Here's how architectural draftsmen use sketch:

Review AUTOCAD 2007 file and construct Sketch Up model.
Create Preliminary and/or Final Sketch Of Proposed Drawing, Using Computer-Assisted Design Modify Drawings As Directed By Architect.

6. Commercial Buildings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use commercial buildings:

Prepare building drawings for clients to include residential and all types of commercial buildings.
Produced working AutoCAD drawings of commercial buildings.

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7. Design Drawings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use design drawings:

Developed detailed design drawings using AutoCAD.
Verify and audit all design drawings, project specifications and responsible of all design projects drafted.

8. Construction Projects

A construction project is an organized process of constructing, redeveloping, renovating, or otherwise improving a building, or structure. The project phase begins usually as a broad criterion that is then made with the help of a brief, feasibility analysis, funding, and planning. The majority of construction projects are one-time jobs.

Here's how architectural draftsmen use construction projects:

Provided architectural designs and working drawings for various Capital Hill construction projects.
Inspected and monitored construction projects.

9. As-Built Drawings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use as-built drawings:

Drafted presentation drawings, working drawings for small projects, as-built drawings.
Measure existing structures and create as-built drawings for future use.

10. Design Concepts

Here's how architectural draftsmen use design concepts:

Orchestrated the coordination of drawing sets, conducted code and regulations research, and supported Architects with development of design concepts.
Surveyed existing conditions of project buildings to later be developed for new design concepts.

11. Exterior Elevations

Here's how architectural draftsmen use exterior elevations:

Produce architectural construction documents including floor plans, interior/exterior elevations, construction details, sections, reflected ceiling plans etc.
Designed exterior elevations for builders and individual clients and conducted client meetings.

12. Aided Design

Here's how architectural draftsmen use aided design:

Analyze architectural plans and drawings, highlighting any possible risks or problems and making amendments using computer-aided design applications.
Introduced Computer Aided Design system and greatly improved drawing accuracy and design time.

13. Residential Buildings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use residential buildings:

Drafted original blueprints & revised existing blueprints for commercial and residential buildings & executive office furniture.
Designed architectural plans for residential buildings.

14. 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 draftsmen use design development:

Design development to determine plant upgrade feasibility and construction programs for manufacturing.
Prepared design development and schematic drawings.

15. Office Buildings

Here's how architectural draftsmen use office buildings:

Focus facilities included general hospitals, specialty hospitals, and medical office buildings.
Worked on Architectural plans, coordinated schedules and notes, designed wood frame office buildings.

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What skills help Architectural Draftsmen find jobs?

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

What architectural draftsman skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Michael Brazley Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Architecture, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Architectural Graduates will have to have very strong computer skills; not just in drawing but in writing also. Graduates will need to know the latest software, and in many cases, help to introduce the latest software to their new companies. Students are learning to make 3D digital videos and virtual reality models.

What type of skills will young Architectural Draftsmen 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 draftsman 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 draftsman skills to add to your resume

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

Revit
Shop Drawings
Construction Drawings
Architectural Drawings
Sketch
Commercial Buildings
Design Drawings
Construction Projects
As-Built Drawings
Design Concepts
Exterior Elevations
Aided Design
Residential Buildings

Design Development
Office Buildings
Adobe Photoshop
Space Planning
Building Codes
Construction Administration
General Contractors
HVAC
Mechanical Design
Construction Process
Structural Drawings
MEP
Cadd

Design Specifications
Residential Homes
Cost Estimates
BIM
Engineering Drawings
Residential Construction
Production Drawings
Architectural Project
Code Research
RFI
Building Permits
Condominiums
Presentation Drawings

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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