How to become an Architectural Draftsperson

Architectural draftspeople complete architects' and other designers' concepts by preparing documents (drawings or plans) and liaising with builders and contractors.

Personal requirements for an Architectural Draftsperson

Able to visualise ideas in three-dimensional form
Enjoy technical drawing and working with technology
Able to draw neatly and accurately
Good concentration and attention to detail
Some artistic talent in freehand drawing

Education & Training for an Architectural Draftsperson

To become an architectural draftsperson you usually have to complete a VET qualification in building design or residential drafting. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Additional information

Graduates of certificate and diploma courses are eligible for membership of Building Designers Australia. Students are eligible for student membership. Visit their website for more information.Building designers who act as sole traders in Queensland,Tasmania and Victoria, including architectural draftspeople, must be registered with the appropriate body in their state. Relevant qualifications and sufficient practical experience must be gained in order to be eligible for registration.

Duties & Tasks of an Architectural Draftsperson

Architectural draftspeople:

Prepare architectural drawings for development and construction applications
Analyse architects' and building designers' concepts, and prepare preliminary sketches and detailed drawings
Produce designs, detailed drawings and documentation
Prepare drawings showing site layouts, proposed site layouts, site analysis, floor plans, elevations, sections, three-dimensional images, materials and finishes
Select quality of materials needed
Prepare building specifications for building documentation to suit individual clients and tendering purposes
Represent or assist architects or building designers on building sites to ensure plans and specifications are followed
Liaise with relevant public sector organisations and specialist consultants (such as engineers, town planners and building surveyors)
Examine relevant Acts, regulations, codes, standards and bylaws in the course of undertaking project documentation.

Tasks

Prepares, edits and revises plans, maps, charts and drawings.
Assists construction managers, architects and surveyors in planning and organisation.
Interprets plans, regulations and codes of practice.
Co-ordinates works programs.
Prepares preliminary sketches, working drawings and specifications.

Working conditions for an Architectural Draftsperson

Architectural draftspeople spend some time outdoors inspecting sites. Other than that, they work indoors within teams or occasionally individually.

Employment Opportunities for an Architectural Draftsperson

Most architectural draftspeople are employed by licenced architects, building designers and planners in private practice or in various departments of state, territory and federal governments. Firms of consulting engineers, building companies and manufacturers of building materials and components also offer opportunities. Demand for architectural draftspeople is dependent on the level of activity in the building and construction industry and may vary over short periods. There are opportunities for self-employment as a contractor.

Specializations

Building Designer

A building designer an independent architectural draftsperson who designs and prepares plans for buildings on behalf of a client. They manage the building design process from design brief to completion. This includes liaising with other designers and specialists throughout the building process, such as structural and civil engineers; electrical, mechanical and hydraulic consultants; builders; surveyors; and landscapers.

Architectural Draftsperson

Architectural draftspeople complete architects' and other designers' concepts by preparing documents (drawings or plans) and liaising with builders and contractors.

Building Designer

Average age
40
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
30% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
75%
Employment Size
14,000
Employment by state
ACT: 1.2%
NSW: 28.9%
NT: 0.7%
QLD: 18.3%
SA: 5.2%
TAS: 2.1%
VIC: 31.3%
WA: 12.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.6%
20-24: 8.5%
25-34: 29.4%
35-44: 26.1%
45-54: 18.5%
55-59: 6.6%
60-64: 5.8%
65 and Over: 4.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 38.5%
Bachelor degree: 27.5%
Certificate III/IV: 11.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 10%
Year 10 and below: 1.3%
Year 11: 1.4%
Year 12: 9.2%