Drafters make detailed drawings of objects that will be manufactured or built.
Perhaps the most famous architect to ever live was Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 - 1959). He was especially known for his artistry, so much so that people buy lamps, picture frames, and furniture that feature his designs. Some even say that his artistic talent was better than his engineering skills! (Some might argue against that.) But even Frank Lloyd Wright couldn't do it all alone. Most architects, whether they are designing skyscrapers or unique homes, such as Wright's Fallingwater, work with drafters, as well as designers and other architects.
Drafters prepare technical drawings. Production and construction workers follow these drawings to build everything from radios to office buildings. These drawings show the technical details of the products and structures from all sides. They also include exact dimensions, specific materials to be used, and procedures to be followed.
Drafters meet with engineers, architects, and other people who need the technical drawings. From these meetings, drafters learn details about the project or item that will be built. Drafters may receive calculations and rough drawings from clients at these meetings. They often visit job sites to collect data and take measurements. Drafters take the rough information and turn it into sketches or scale drawings. They use their own knowledge of the field to fill in some of the details on drawings. For example, they use their knowledge of building techniques to draw in the details of a structure. They also refer to technical handbooks and tables for this information. Drafters may create several different versions of a drawing. Each version reflects a different manufacturing or construction approach.
Several drafters may work on drawings for the same project. Thus, some drafters may coordinate the work of other drafters.
In the past, drafters sat at drawing boards. They used compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices to prepare drawings. Now, most drafters use computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems. Because the drawings are stored electronically, these systems make it easy to prepare many variations of a design. However, some drafting is still done manually. CAD is often used to create records, reports, and charts as well.
Many drafters specialize in one area. For example, architectural drafters draw features of buildings and other structures. Aeronautical drafters prepare drawings of aircraft and missiles. Civil drafters prepare drawings and maps of highways, pipelines, and water systems. Electrical drafters draw wiring and layout diagrams. These are used by workers who install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in buildings. Electronic drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings. These are used by workers who assemble, install, and repair electronic equipment. Mechanical drafters make detailed drawings of machinery and mechanical devices.