CONCEPT DRAWINGS - Sometimes called “Sketches”, these are the set of drawings prepared by the Architect aligned with the Client’s brief. These are basic plans, which indicate the layout of the building, approximate sizes of living spaces and the positioning of the building within the site. These drawings give a client an idea of the design, the circulation spaces, the positioning of the rooms with reference to each other, and the approximate sizes.
Based on client’s initial feedback, the Architect may do the necessary changes to the drawings.
Architect may explain the concept and the design based on the drawings, if the client cannot grasp the ideas in the first place. If budget allows, Architect may produce scaled models to express the design ideas further.
PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS - Once the Concept Drawings are approved, first step of the process is completed. Then the Architect prepares Preliminary Drawings based on the approved concept drawings. These are Plans, Elevations and sometimes Sections with exact room dimensions, wall thickness, window and door positions.
This set of drawings may also include Interior and Furniture Layout drawing which gives an idea of how the interior styling would be and also different ways of placing the furniture in each room and the space of the room.
It may also include an external view or site drawing to show the number of cars that can be parked, space for backyard activity and the landscape and play areas etc.
At this stage, the Architect may also consider providing a perspective or walkthrough (if budget allows) to give the Client a 3-D view of the building and surrounding landscape.
SANCTION DRAWINGS - These are the set of official documents, which include Site Plan, Plans, Elevations and Sections etc, in the required format and to the required scale for getting approval from the relevant local authorities. On the paper, either side or bottom of the sheet, information such as the Owner’s details, the site details, adjacent properties’ survey numbers, the Architect’s name, address and Council of Architecture-Registration Number are mentioned.
TENDER DRAWINGS - These drawings convey bulk of the information about the project to enabling Contractors, who are quoting for the Job, to understand the project comprehensively. They are essentially detailed drawings with exact dimensions, specifications, wall thicknesses, column beam sizes and positions, schedules of doors & windows, levels and heights etc.
Any unusual design elements, which cannot be fully explained by specifications only, can be explained with the help of tender drawings.
The Tender Drawings are also useful for preparing the BOQ (bill of quantities) and specifications for the Tender.
WORKING DRAWINGS - These are the drawings of the whole or part of a structure or building, made to a scale, and intended to be understood by the Contractor and then followed by the workmen at site. These drawings are generally issued to the site for Construction purposes, since they convey the bulk of the technical information about the building project.
Working Drawings may include the following drawings and should always read in conjunction with the Consultants’ Drawings;
Centre line Drawings, Excavation Drawings, Foundation detail drawings, Column layout Drawings with steel details, Beam layout Drawings with steel details, Centering Drawings, Lintel Drawings, Slab Drawings with details, Lift wall and room details, Staircase structural details, stc
Electrical consultantElectrical Drawing showing all the light, fan switch points in the building, Wiring and Circuit drawings, panel board, meter board locations and specifications, generator room, UPS room and circuit etc.
Plumbing ConsultantPlumbing Drawings showing all the taps, W.C., Wash Basin positions, traps, manholes, Sump, Septic tank locations etc, Pipeline Drawings indicating the sanitary and water lines, the thickness of the pipes, the good brands, pump location and brand, water tanks location and number in case of more than two different sources of water etc.
H.V.A.C ConsultantAir Conditioning Drawings indicating location of Air conditioners etc.
Landscape ConsultantAll the landscape layout plans, details of landscape elements, water bodies details, plants and tree names etc.
These are drawings of the completed building exactly as it is built. They are usually required by the Authorities before they issue the occupation certificate. The owner of the building can occupy the building only after getting the occupation.