2 answers
Tyra
Student
Laurinburg, North Carolina
10
Questions
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What type of skills do drafters have?
My career is the be a drafter #drafting #engineer #architect
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Diane Jarrett
20
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Diane’s Answer
I was a drafter for over ten years. Surprisingly, drafters do not necessarily need to have an artistic eye.
A mechanical or engineering drafter should have the ability to visualize 2 dimensional drawings and imagine the third dimension based on dimensions, section cuts and details. A drafter should have the ability to look at a drawing and visualize floor plans without inverting the drawing. They should be able to look at a contour map and visualize the lay of the land. Drafters should be good with basic math including adding feet and inches, computing angles, and adjusting scales. CAD makes this easy, but a person with this ability will be much more successful if they can do these things in their head.
Depending on the specialty, a drafter should know or have the aptitude to learn about topography, foundation plans, floor plans, sections, details, electrical, plumbing, and welding. This may seem overwhelming, but I learned the basics at a community college and gained most of my practical knowledge on the job. As with any career, it takes time and persistence. Best wishes if you choose this career.
A mechanical or engineering drafter should have the ability to visualize 2 dimensional drawings and imagine the third dimension based on dimensions, section cuts and details. A drafter should have the ability to look at a drawing and visualize floor plans without inverting the drawing. They should be able to look at a contour map and visualize the lay of the land. Drafters should be good with basic math including adding feet and inches, computing angles, and adjusting scales. CAD makes this easy, but a person with this ability will be much more successful if they can do these things in their head.
Depending on the specialty, a drafter should know or have the aptitude to learn about topography, foundation plans, floor plans, sections, details, electrical, plumbing, and welding. This may seem overwhelming, but I learned the basics at a community college and gained most of my practical knowledge on the job. As with any career, it takes time and persistence. Best wishes if you choose this career.
William VanBuskirk
Operations Consulting
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Tyra! From my drafting classes in college, I'd recommend having experience in multiple CAD packages as well as other drafting packages specific to architecture. You can even download some for free like Google Sketchup!
In terms of soft skills, I would recommend understanding how to communicate drawings to potential clients. Drawings tell a story; make sure it is clear. What views are necessary to communicate the design.
In terms of soft skills, I would recommend understanding how to communicate drawings to potential clients. Drawings tell a story; make sure it is clear. What views are necessary to communicate the design.