For Adam, now a Drafting Manager at Summit Homes, those games sparked his interest in drafting and helped him turn digital ideas into real homes.
A drafter is born
Adam was drawn to the creative side of building design from a young age, without knowing he could make a living from it.
“Growing up as a kid, I played The Sims and I really just found myself drawn to the housing and the design aspect of those homes,” he says.
Getting into drafting
He didn’t realise his hobby could become a real job as a draftsperson until a casual conversation later on.
“It wasn’t until a family friend mentioned drafting – it was the first time I’d heard of it - that I thought that could actually be a career for me,” Adam says.
“So, I went and found myself at TAFE and studied the Diploma of Building Design and Drafting.”
The drafting skills that bring buildings to life
Being a drafter combines digital design skills, technical know-how and an interest in how homes are built.
Drafters make the plans, technical drawings and documents that builders need to turn designs into real buildings.
“The drafting department is responsible for producing working drawings, which is a full set of contract plans including a floor plan, elevation, sections, details, internal layouts, electrical plan, site plans etc.,” Adam says. “The builder relies on them to build the home.”
Adam says success in drafting comes from a mix of passion and an eye for detail.
“Firstly, you’ve got to enjoy time on the computer, it is a large part of the day being in an office role. Secondly, an eye for detail is very important.
“Thirdly, passion for design is super important. You have to enjoy being creative and problem-solving.”
For many draftsmen and draftswomen, this mix of software work and creative design is what makes the job both enjoyable and challenging.
Bringing dreams to life
Just like those who build the homes he helps design, Adam finds fulfilment in seeing his models go from the computer screen and turned into a real home.
“I’m sure it’s no different for a tradie on site who’s putting the frame together or laying the bricks, seeing it come to life - the finished product - and seeing something that the client would be pretty proud of is super fulfilling.
“As your experience grows and your knowledge comes with it, you move on to the bigger, more complex sites, and eventually you can find yourself in a luxury builder designing real extreme custom homes, really, really nice finishes.”
The course that opens doors
Adam encourages anyone interested in this career to undertake a draftsperson course. “I’d recommend the Cert II in Building and Construction (Technical Support). It gives you a foot in the door so you can go and find what career path is best for you.”
How CTF can help you If you’re interested in becoming a Drafter, contact CTF to learn about ways into the industry. There are a number of pathways and school-based traineeships, as well as other routes and financial support, through CTF.
