Detailed Guide

Architectural projects involve various types of drawings and documentation. This guide explains what different drawing types are, why they're needed, and how they serve your project.

Whether you're planning a home renovation or commercial development, understanding architectural documentation helps you communicate effectively with architects, contractors, and building officials.

TYPES OF ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

MEASURED DRAWINGS (DOCUMENTATION)

Accurate documentation of existing buildings—the starting point for renovation planning

Measured drawings document existing conditions through comprehensive building surveys. Before designing renovations, you need to know what you're working with.

[Learn More About Measured Drawings →]

AS-BUILT DRAWINGS (DOCUMENTATION)

Accurate documentation of constructed buildings—when changes are made by the general contractor.

"A set of drawings and documents prepared by a contractor that depicts the final, installed condition of a project, documenting all deviations from the original design intent, including dimensions, geometry, and location of all elements."

[Learn More About As-built Drawings →]

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN DRAWINGS

Early-stage design exploring ideas and options

Concept drawings explore design possibilities—sketches, basic floor plans, and massing studies helping you visualize potential approaches before committing to detailed design.

Used for:

- Exploring renovation options

- Evaluating addition feasibility

- Comparing design alternatives

- Early budgeting and planning

- Securing preliminary approvals

Concept drawings are intentionally less detailed, focusing on big ideas rather than construction specifics.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS

Refined designs with more detail and decision-making

Design development drawings take approved concepts and add detail—specific dimensions, material selections, window and door types, preliminary structural considerations.

Used for:

- Finalizing design before construction documentation

- Contractor preliminary budgeting

- Material and finish decisions

- Engineering coordination

- Owner final approvals before permits

DD drawings are detailed enough for accurate cost estimating but not yet ready for permitting or construction.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS (PERMIT SETS)

Comprehensive drawings and specifications for permitting and construction

Construction documents are complete, detailed drawing sets that building departments review for permits and contractors use for construction.

[Learn More About Construction Documents →]

SHOP DRAWINGS

Contractor-prepared detailed drawings for fabrication

Shop drawings are produced by contractors and fabricators, showing how specific building components will be manufactured and installed—not typically prepared by architects.

Examples include:

- Steel fabrication drawings

- Millwork shop drawings

- Precast concrete details

- Curtain wall fabrication drawings

Architects review shop drawings for conformance with design intent but don't prepare them.

DRAWING SCALES & READING PLANS

Understanding Scale:

Architectural drawings are scaled representations—buildings are too large to draw at actual size, so drawings use scales like 1/4" = 1'-0" (common for floor plans) or 1" = 1'-0" (common for details).

Common Scales:

- Site plans: 1" = 20', 1" = 40', 1" = 100'

- Floor plans: 1/4" = 1'-0", 1/8" = 1'-0"

- Elevations and sections: 1/4" = 1'-0", 1/8" = 1'-0"

- Details: 3/4" = 1'-0", 1-1/2" = 1'-0", 3" = 1'-0"

Larger scale numbers mean more detail—a 3" = 1'-0" detail shows much more information than a 1/8" = 1'-0" floor plan.

Reading Dimensions:

- Building dimensions shown in feet and inches: 24'-6" means 24 feet, 6 inches

- Detail dimensions sometimes shown in inches only: 8-1/2" means 8.5 inches

Reading Plans:

Floor plans are typically drawn as if looking down from above with the roof removed, showing walls, doors, windows, and room layouts as if the building top portion has been removed at 4’ above ground level.

DRAWING SHEET ORGANIZATION

Construction drawing sets are organized systematically:

Cover Sheet (G-001 or A-000):

Project information, drawing index, general notes, location map

Site Plans (C-series or A-100s):

Property boundaries, building location, parking, utilities, grading

Architectural Plans (A-series):

- Floor plans (A-101, A-102, etc.)

- Reflected ceiling plans (A-201, A-202, etc.)

- Roof plans (A-300s)

Exterior Elevations (A-400s):

Building facades showing exterior appearance

Building Sections (A-500s):

Cut-through views showing vertical relationships

Details (A-600s, A-700s):

Enlarged drawings of specific construction assemblies

Schedules:

Door schedules, window schedules, finish schedules, equipment schedules

Consultant Drawings:

- Structural (S-series)

- Mechanical (M-series)

- Electrical (E-series)

- Plumbing (P-series)

Sheet numbering systems vary, but organization follows similar logic across most projects.

COMMON ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS

Walls:

- Thick lines = existing or new walls

- Dashed lines = walls above or below

- Different patterns = different materials (brick, concrete, wood frame)

Doors:

- Quarter-circle swing showing door swing direction

- Different symbols for sliding, pocket, bi-fold doors

Windows:

- Lines showing window frames and glass

- Dashed lines sometimes showing window sills

Stairs:

- Arrow showing up or down direction

- Lines showing individual treads

Fixtures:

- Standardized symbols for toilets, sinks, bathtubs

- Kitchen symbols for ranges, refrigerators, sinks

Equipment:

- Symbols representing HVAC units, water heaters, etc.

Dimensions:

- Lines with arrows showing measured distances

- Dimension strings showing multiple measurements

Every drawing set includes a symbol legend explaining symbols used.

WHAT'S REQUIRED FOR PERMITS?

Building departments have specific documentation requirements:

Minimum Requirements (typically):

- Site plan showing building placement

- Floor plans with dimensions

- Exterior elevations

- Foundation plan (for new construction or additions)

- Structural notes and details

- Energy code compliance documentation

- Accessibility compliance documentation (commercial)

Additional Requirements (often):

- Building sections

- Roof framing plan

- Electrical plan

- Mechanical plan

- Plumbing plan

- Construction details

- Door and window schedules

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and project type—commercial projects require more extensive documentation than residential projects, and some jurisdictions have stricter requirements than others.

Your architect knows local requirements and prepares documentation meeting jurisdiction-specific standards.

DRAWING DELIVERY FORMATS

PDF Sets:

Most common format for distribution—can be viewed, printed, and shared electronically. Used for contractor bidding, permit submission, and project coordination.

Plotted Sets:

Physical printed drawings on large-format paper (24" x 36" typical). Some jurisdictions still require plotted sets for permit submission.

Web-Based Formats:

Some jurisdictions accept permit submissions through electronic plan review systems with special formatting requirements.

Most projects involve PDF sets as the primary deliverable, with plotted sets.

DRAWING REVISIONS & VERSIONS

Construction drawings evolve through multiple revisions:

Preliminary / Schematic Design:

Early concepts, not for permitting or construction

Design Development:

Refined design with more detail, used for budgeting

Construction Documents - Draft:

Initial permit documentation, subject to revision

Construction Documents - For Permit:

Final version submitted to building department

Revised for Permit Resubmission:

Addressing building department comments

Issued for Construction (IFC):

Final approved drawings used for building

Addenda / Bulletins:

Changes issued during construction

Revision clouds and triangles mark changed areas on revised drawings, with revision tables tracking what changed and when.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU NEED

Planning a Renovation?

Start with measured drawings if you don't have existing plans, then move to design development and construction documents.

Have Existing Plans?

Plans might need updates or modifications—verify they're current and accurate before using them for renovation planning.

Need Permit Drawings?

Construction documents (permit sets) are required. Concept drawings and sketches aren't sufficient for permitting.

Hiring Contractors?

Detailed construction documents lead to more accurate bids and fewer construction surprises than minimal documentation.

Working on Commercial Projects?

Commercial projects require more extensive documentation than residential work—plan accordingly.

COMMON QUESTIONS

"Why are architectural drawings so expensive?"

Architectural documentation requires significant time for measuring (as-builts), designing (concepts), coordinating (across trades), detailing (construction specifics), and ensuring code compliance. The level of detail and precision required for successful permitting and construction takes professional expertise and time.

"Can I use rough sketches for permits?"

No. Building departments require specific documentation standards—dimensioned plans, scaled drawings, code compliance documentation, and technical detail level that sketches don't provide.

"Do I need an architect?"

Depends on your jurisdiction and project scope. Many jurisdictions require architects for commercial projects and larger residential work. Even when not legally required, professional documentation reduces construction problems and often saves money overall.

"Can contractors draw their own plans?"

Some contractors can prepare documentation for simple projects. Complex renovations, commercial work, and projects requiring professional design benefit from architectural services.

"How long does documentation take?"

- Measured drawings: 1-3 weeks depending on building size

- Construction documents: 4-12 weeks depending on project complexity

- Simple modifications: 1-2 weeks

- Complex multi-sheet updates: 4-6 weeks

WORKING WITH DESIGNERS

What to Provide Your Designer:

- Clear description of project goals and needs

- Budget expectations and timeline requirements

- Any existing drawings or property information

- Photos of existing conditions

- Information about specific requirements or constraints

What to Expect:

- Initial consultation discussing project scope

- Proposal outlining services, timeline, and fees

- Phased work typically: measure, design, document, permit

- Regular communication and review opportunities

- Professional drawings and specifications as deliverables

Communication:

Good projects involve regular communication—architects need your input on design decisions, material selections, and priorities. The more clearly you communicate needs and constraints, the better the final result.

READY TO START YOUR PROJECT?

Understanding architectural documentation helps you navigate the design and permitting process more effectively. If you have questions about what documentation your project needs, we're happy to discuss your specific situation.

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