Difference between Architect and Draftsman?
Drafting Quotes
from local draftsmen
Varying Academic Background:
Architects are required to have at least a Bachelor's degree under their belt prior to any employment. In most cases, a bachelor's program in architecture takes four to five full-fledge years to complete. Intensive coursework and relevant hands-on practical exercises in structures, architectural history, materials, computer aided design and construction technology are frequently undertaken by students specializing in architecture. In addition, an extensive internship program (six months to eight months). On top of this, it is compulsory for architects to be licensed by local and global professional associations. The license is acquired after extensive examination and, in some cases, achieving certain level of work experience.
The educational requirement for draftsmen is not that rigourous. The contents of the training is designed and frequently updated by a dedicated council or board, in collaboration with a panel of industrial experts. Degrees, certificates and diplomas in drafting can be acquired from technical institutes; the average duration being two years.
Relevant Skill Set:
Architects are adept in conceptualizing, designing and building the core structures for people to work and dwell in. In addition to unsurpassed aesthetics, architects also take pride in being well-versed with building codes, safety regulations and zone laws. Architects are also well educated with building information modelling and computer-aided-design (CAD) tools.
Draftsmen posses a related skill set - with core expertise in CAD tools. Draftsmen create CAD drawings with surgical precision covering technical details such as material usage, dimensioning style and procedural dynamics. Sifting through tables and technical handbooks is a piece of cake for draftsmen.
Core Responsibilities:
An architect unmistakably is the backbone of a Project. From being responsible for formulating a lasting structural design to carving out an utterly aesthetic look, an architect does it all. Rendering the building conformable to safety standards and other location-specific stringent regulations is also something an architect is expected to undertake.
Drafstmen work in conjunction with architects, and are the (uncrowned) kings of drafting - a meticulous procedure that involves preparing CAD drawings for architecture and construction. Draftsmen are also adequately skilled in chalking out electric circuitry and mechanical plans (piping and HVAC in particular) for buildings. Civil drafters prepare drawings to be used in crucial civil engineering projects, likes of bridges, runways and motorways.
The Final Verdict:
So, whose services should you stick with when you're up for renovating or building your house, an architect or draftsman? Well, you need to understand that the services offered by an architect are expensive. After all, an architect is more educated and experienced than a draftsman. Having that said, it still is not necessary to have an architect look into work of a small nature – like a small renovation and minor from-scratch builds up can be handled seamlessly by a skilled draftsman.
Eventually, its all comes down to the available budget. If you are comfortable with spending some extra money, go for the services of an architect. And if you happen to be on a strict budget then perhaps go with the services of a draftsman.
Drafting Quotes
from local draftsmen
