MightyRecruiterArchitectural drafters prepare detailed drawings of architectural plans and designs for structures and buildings according to specifications from architects. They use software to transform complex plans into organized technical depictions and representations.
In the skills section of your architectural drafter job description, you need to emphasize that the perfect candidate is detail-oriented and tech-savvy, able to work alone creating drawings on a computer. Sometimes architectural drafters visit construction sites, so a strong contender is comfortable leaving the office to go out into the field.
Architectural drafters should be professional and courteous. They must be able to focus for prolonged periods of time. They need to be able to work with a variety of personality types to get the job done. Use the example below to better understand what to include in your own architectural drafter job description.
Architectural Drafter Job Summary
Do you love puzzles? Do you like to take lots of related information and assemble it in an organized way that others can understand? Are you detail-oriented and good with computers and software programs? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then we need you on our team as an architectural drafter. We need you to bring your knowledge of design principles, mathematics and practical applications of technology and engineering science to our projects. We need clear, accurate depictions of architects’ conceptual plans so that those visions can be built into reality. If you want the chance to grow with us in the exciting field of architecture, then this job is right for you.
Job Responsibilities
- Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software programs and equipment or a conventional drafting station to create and modify architectural documents, designs, working drawings, forms, charts and records
- Analyze current building codes, by-laws and requirements to establish how they affect architectural drawings, and stay up-to-date on all required and relevant codes
- Bring together structural, mechanical and electrical designs and create a way or a method of accurately arranging them to produce building designs that are understandable and feasible
- Draw detailed and rough scale plans for structures, foundations and buildings based upon preliminary concepts, sketches, specification sheets, engineering calculations and other provided data
- Design interior room arrangements for commercial buildings using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software
- Acquire and assemble information needed to finish architectural drawings, visiting job sites when necessary to gather measurements
- Oversee, organize and inspect the work of draftspersons, technologists, technicians and other relevant team members working on construction projects
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Associate’s degree
- 1.5 + years’ experience with computer-assisted drawing (CAD) software
- 1.5 + years’ experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Project
- Minimum 1 year experience with Photoshop and InDesign
- Outstanding communication skills
Preferred:
- Train and teach others
- Make accurate assessments of things, people and services
- Develop and build teams
Architectural Drafter Job Responsibilities
Although you’re likely to present architectural drafter job responsibilities as bulleted points, that doesn’t mean you should rush through writing them. Really, this substantial section of your architectural drafter job description tells jobseekers what to expect in a typical work day.
While coming up with content for your architectural drafter job description, you may feel the temptation to include a number of secondary responsibilities. If those responsible for hiring insist on listing occasional duties, put them under a completely separate subheading.
Many of today’s jobseekers search for more than a paycheck. They look for satisfying careers where the projects they work on contribute to something greater. People with architectural modeling skills, for example, may have an interest in green building. If your firm regularly produces environmentally-friendly designs, be sure to plant terms and phrases within the job description to make that point clear.
Here are a few ideas for duties you can include in your post:
- Create 3D models and photorealistic renderings using BIM software
- Produce construction-ready documents for contractors and permitting agencies
- Work closely with architects to follow building codes
- Use clash-detection programs to identify and resolve issues with mechanical and plumbing systems
- Contribute to object libraries, follow CAD standards and suggest changes to workflows
Architectural Drafter Job Specifications
Building a strong specifications list ensures you attract candidates cut out for the job for which you’re hiring. Specific computer software is often included in an architectural drafter job description. Because of the complexity of such programs, your team may or may not be willing to hire someone with only basic skills in the application your group uses.
While you study what a candidate really needs for a job, you may come up with a lengthy list that includes a combination of essential qualities along with several nice-to-haves. If you decide to list non-essential traits in your architectural drafter job description, be sure to keep them separate from the non-negotiable requirements. Always order items by importance.
You’re wise not to overlook soft skills as well. If a candidate is able to produce masterful work but is pessimistic, doesn’t listen well or displays a stubborn attitude, the jobseeker probably wouldn’t be a good fit. Therefore, consider including desirable interpersonal qualities in your architectural drafter job specifications.
The following qualifications and skills are commonly seen in architectural drafter postings:
Associate’s or technical degree in drafting or engineering technology Proficient in Autodesk Revit Architecture Valid state driver’s license Able to perform measurements and calculations in the metric and U.S. Imperial unit systems Team-oriented to collaborate effectively with peers on large projects Methodical and detail-oriented
