Residential drafters work with building designers and architects to create concepts, plans, drawings and elevations to bring housing and renovation projects to life. They specify what materials, procedures, dimensions, and all other details that the architects and designers might need for a project. They also assist by preparing estimates based on the materials required to build a client’s home and liaise closely with builders and their contractors. Most residential drafters use computer aided design and drafting systems like Achicad or Revit to prepare drawings, however manual drafting may still be used in certain applications.
Qualification
Certificate IV in Residential Drafting
Sector
Residential / Commercial / Civil
What does a typical day look like?
Every day is different and varies depending on the job, but you may be involved in:
- Liaise and collaborate with individual clients, sales consultants, designers and architects
- Interpret client briefs, prepare and develop sketch plans for client approval and help prepare building specifications for building plans
- Analyse architectural designs to and create preliminary sketches and detailed instructions
- Prepare working drawings manually or use computer software to show plans, elevations, sections, materials and finishes, as well as other aspects such as layouts, plumbing, drainage and landscaping
- Represent or assist architects on building sites to make sure that plans and specifications are followed
Skills and personal qualities
- Be able to analyse and critically assess problems
- Good time / organisation management skillswith attention to detail
- Good interpersonal and communications skills
- Have an accurate, neat, and methodical approach to drawing work
- Enjoy using creative and artistic skills
- Be able to visualise ideas in a three-dimensional form
- Strong technical skills and enjoy technical drawing and computers
How to get started
Complete a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Para Professional) for an introduction to drafting. To become a fully qualified residential drafter you will need to complete a minimum Certificate IV in Residential Drafting.
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Work with architects, building designers and planners in a private practice
- Supervision/Management roles
- Urban planning
- Project management
- Architectural / Environmental Designer (further studies required)