What Is an Architectural and Civil Drafter?
Architectural and civil drafters assist architects by creating detailed drawings of buildings and structures used by engineers and construction workers. Specifically, it’s the duty of architectural drafters to facilitate the building or enhancement of commercial and privately owned buildings, while civil drafters aim to expand and improve our nation’s infrastructure. Both ensure that each drawing depicts a structure that’s safe, built to code and ultimately carries out its desired function.
No details are spared as they also provide the structure’s dimensions and how it should be constructed. The drafting process is aided by technology, namely Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software, which serves to streamline the design process. Familiarity with additional software may be required along with the ability to learn new programs in a timely manner and use them as needed.
Of course, the reliance on technology doesn’t mean older drafting methods should be neglected. Architectural and civil drafters should be able to complete an accurate drawing by hand using supplies such as a T-square and protractor.
How to Become an Architectural or Civil Drafter
Two to four years of postsecondary training is required by employers of architectural and civil drafters. Many who wish to enter the professions choose to attain a two-year associate degree in drafting from a technical school, while others graduate from a four-year school, majoring in disciplines such as architecture, engineering, math or computer science.
Regardless of the path, aspiring architectural and civil drafters must become familiar with CADD, the most important software used by both professions. Additionally, they should understand math, computers and the basic rules of drafting. The classes in a drafting degree program include Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, mechanical design, architectural design, fundamentals of design in three dimensions, and core disciplines such as calculus and physics.
Aspiring architectural and civil drafters should have an interest in drawing, and possess technical and communication skills, as they work in teams consisting of surveyors, engineers and architects.
Architectural and Civil Drafter Career Outlook & Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects overall employment for architectural and civil drafters to grow as fast as the national average for all occupations. This is faster than other drafting professions, which are experiencing slower-than-average growth overall. The relative good fortune of architectural and civil drafters can be attributed to the expanding US population and the need to improve the national’s failing infrastructure.
Those with at least two years of technical training and experience with CADD see more opportunities for employment. Although the construction and manufacturing industries tend to be the most affected by economic downturns, drafters can find work on a temporary basis in between long-term jobs.
When they do work long-term, architectural and civil drafters average a median annual income of $45,600. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing and other fabricated metal product manufacturing are among the highest paying industries for the profession.
