Difference Between Design and Drafting

Design and drafting are the most common terms used in engineering, mostly in architecture. Any architectural or engineering project starts with the design and drafting phase and this is where the ideas take shape. This phase involves the creation of drawings and models to address everything the clients require for their building project. While some clients would simply need the interior design, some would require full architectural drafting that addresses everything within the building including architectural drawings and blueprints. Design and draft engineers guide you through every step of designing your remodeling your architectural project. Whether it’s building a new project or renovating an existing one, design and drafting follow a systematic approach to every project.

The design process is the initial phase which has many elements to it which must be followed systematically to get the design which is not only practical to use but must please the client. Engineers use computer-aided programs or mechanical drawings to create the first draft of the architectural drawings. The engineers will then meet the clients to review the initial plans and make revisions as they seem necessary. Once the client approved the design after any requested modifications or revisions, the details of the design are finalized before moving on to the next phase. It then goes to drafting which involves creating accurate representations of building or objects comprising of main view, top view, and side view of the project. They are used as blueprints for the final draft of architectural drawings.

What is Design and Drafting?

Design and drafting provides a step-by-step approach to architectural and engineering projects based one everything the client requires for the building project. Design is the act of composing drawings to clearly define the requirements for concepts or products so that to be in accordance with the expected outcome. The responsibility of a drafter is to convert those designs and ideas into formal drawings. The idea is to present those preliminary designs in a manner that’s compliant with the actual architectural office practices and client’s requirements.

The role of drafters is to create accurate representation of objects for engineering needs. Drafting can be done either by hand or by using computer-aided program (CAD) in two (2D) or three dimensions (3D). It allows drafter to create technical drawings precisely and quickly. These technical drawings are then used as blueprints to prepare engineering plans for the engineering projects such as houses, buildings, appliances, machinery, pipelines, and more. Simply put, drafting is the tail end of design which simplifies the details in the design process for the ease ofinterpretation.

Difference between Design and Drafting

1. Basics of  Design and Drafting

Design process is the initial phase of an architectural or engineering project which involves breaking down the project into manageable chunks. Design takes many shapes based on the project and client’s requirements. Architecture or engineer produces drawings of the building or object which will be more or less the right size and shape. Drafting is next phase of the design process which is usually done by hand or using computer-aided programs to create drawings that will provide the technical specifications of the building project. The technical drawings are used as blueprints for the architectural project.

2. Approach in Design and Drafting

Design is the creation of a plan for an architectural project which includes blueprints, circuit drawings, engineering drawings, and business processes. It’s a means of translating a non-physical design into a live architectural project. Design process is one of the most tangible aspects of an architect’s work which may involve both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design process. Drafting is a more detailed technical drawing that may involve one segment of the structure or all of it. It’s basically the graphical representation of the building or object used as a part of the design process to determine how the project should proceed.

3. Job involved in Design and Drafting

It’s the job of architectural engineers to work in collaboration with architects and engineers until the completion of the project. Both architectural engineers and architects are responsible for the design and construction of the structures such as buildings, bridges, etc. Designers are the idea people who transform your ideas into life. Draft engineers or drafters might use the architect’s drawings to create accurate representation of buildings for technical purposes to make sure that buildings are made to exact specifications. Drafting is one of the fundamental concepts of architecture and engineering which involves creating templates, blueprints, and 3D drawings for the construction of the building or object.

Design vs. Drafting: Comparison Chart

Summary of Design verses Drafting

While the responsibilities of drafters and design engineers often overlap in the field of architecture and engineering and they work towards the same goal, they have a different role to achieve the same objective that is to complete the architectural project successfully according to the client’s requirements in the less time possible. While drafting is the graphical representation of building projects used for technical purposes, design may refer to the finished product of drafting in accordance with the expected result. Drafting is more like representation of design that provides the technical specifications of the project. Drafting is either done by hand or by using computer-aided programs and mechanical drawings.

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