Needing an Architect to design your building but noticed that a Draftsman is cheaper? What’s the difference?

We explain why it is a better idea to employ an Architect for your design.

Architects vs Draftsmen. . . What’s The Difference?

Architects and Draftsmen both work on construction projects and are often known to work together. However, there are clear differences between the two. In fact, they are not as similar as you think. The two positions have completely different responsibilities within the process of designing a structure and require different skills and study backgrounds to work in their field.

What An Architect Does. . . 

Architects are directly responsible for overseeing an architectural project from beginning to completion (including the construction phase) and will specialize in the specifics of each step depending on the firm.

Because they are more involved in the process they will require a higher level of training.

Architects use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) tools and software, as well as building information modeling (BIM), to create construction drawings that are designed safely as well as aesthetically impressive.

Architects must follow council ordinances such as zoning laws, building codes and fire regulations. Architects must also make sure these structures are handicapped-accessible.

What A Draftsmen Does. . .

Draftsmen, also called drafters, do many of the same jobs an architect and often will work with them. Draftsmen, like architects, prepare CADD drawings but will not oversee the whole process of the design and construction like an architect will.

The work of a draftsmen is also not limited to architecture. Draftsmen can also be used to create drawings of circuitry or mechanical designs.

Ultimately, in an architectural office the type of work a draftsman does depends on his or her area of expertise. For example, architectural drafters produce drawings for new construction projects. They may specialize in residential or commercial buildings or in the type of material used, such as steel, timber or reinforced concrete.

Civil drafters prepare drawings for use in major civil engineering projects, such as highway and bridge construction, sewage systems and flood-control projects. Common drafting fields include aeronautics, electronics and architecture.

Architects will often have a draftsmen working in their business as they oversee the completion of the project.

If you would like more information on the way Insight Architecture manage your project, contact us.