The Art of Drafting

Not many people understand all the work that goes into the design of a building, product, or even a heating system.  Long before the finished product can be observed, the draftsman knows the implications of every decision made in the design process.  Draftsman work in many fields such as architecture, mechanics, industrial design, and heating and cooling.

It used to be that a drafting process included a flat surface, a comfortable chair, bright lighting, and all the tools of the trade, t-squares, trash paper, vellum, a wide assortment of pencils and pens, a bottle of ink, and you were ready to draft the idea in your mind into a recognizable drawing.  It took many sessions at the drafting board for one drawing to be completed.

Draftsman  still have to be able to draft by hand in order to get their degrees,  but  the  vast majority of work is done on computer using CAD (computer aided design) programs.  Each of the CAD programs have different commands and shortcuts.   All that is needed for a successful drafting session is a quiet place, good lighting, a powerful computer system, and an internet connection.  A draftsman needs mastery of the software suite and the standards and practices of their field.  Until mastery is achieved, CAD can be frustrating.  

Many draftsmen would tell you that drafting by hand is but a far memory and to an extent that is true.   As draftsmen get more projects with tighter deadlines, the art of drafting sometimes gets lost in the mechanics of drafting.  Some people applaud the efficiency of the system but many recognize the lost art of drafting.