There are two fundamental parts to architectural drawings. ‘Planning’ and ‘Detailed design’. The concept, appearance and layout design is undertaken en-route to producing ‘Planning’ drawings. The technical side of construction information is tackled in the ‘Detailed Design’ stage.
The planning drawings are the principle output from the briefing, sketching, designing and developing stages. These drawings are primarily used to present the proposal to the local Planning Authority to seek permission.
On some small or simple projects the work is straightforward enough not to need any further detailed construction information. A quality + experienced builder can work from ‘Planning’ drawings, with some site questions answered by the clients directly. They will use their knowledge and experience to build the building to the planning drawings. It can be a sensible approach to avoid paying for unnecessary drawings or delay. The builder can appoint a structural engineer to provide sizes and calculations for enlarged openings, and can liaise with Building Control directly.
Sample Planning Drawing Extracts
If the building is more complicated, the materials unusual or the work of very high standard, then detailed construction drawings will be necessary. These will detail out how the building is to be built. They will include information on weather-proofing, insulation levels, critical junctions, electrical socket positions, kitchen units etc. They take a fair amount of time, knowledge and organisation to produce. Care has to be taken to ensure that work on-site will be possible, safe and to the correct standard. Compatibility of materials and products will be considered. A structural engineer will need to provide calculations and sizes of any beams etc that can be incorporated into the drawn information. These drawings can be used to compare accurate prices from builders, and on-site to construct.
Sample Detailed Design Drawing Extracts
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