Architectural drawing
What is an architectural drawing?
An architectural drawing illustrates the design and construction of a building, space, or object. These drawings often follow industry standards, such as using a specific scale, to ensure they can be easily interpreted by construction professionals.
Plans, sections, and elevations form the foundation of architectural drawings, representing three-dimensional spaces on a flat surface. They are used for everything from skyscrapers to garden sheds and even for designing furniture or wearables.
Architectural drawings are everywhere, from museums and art galleries to legal contracts and construction sites. They are used and understood by many people—architects, homeowners, engineers, builders, and even children.
“One must cling solely, exclusively to drawing. If one could master drawing, all the rest would be possible” Alberto Giacometti
When do architects draw?
Architects and architecture students create drawings at every project stage, from the initial concept sketches to the as-built drawings after the building is completed.
At the start of a design project, you'll find sketches, concept drawings, illustrations, collages, and diagrams. These early drawings allow you to quickly express and communicate ideas, exploring various aspects such as space, atmosphere, construction, and functionality.
As the project progresses, more detailed and precise drawings come into play. These are known as technical drawings, CAD drawings, scale drawings, and construction drawings. These architectural drawings represent the design, space, or building accurately to scale, ensuring it can be interpreted and constructed with precision.
Drawing is communication
While architecture itself is three-dimensional, the language architects often use to communicate is two-dimensional. Architectural drawings or architectural graphics serve as a crucial medium to convey designs to clients, builders, or tutors. They can also document or detail existing buildings for renovation—these are known as measured survey drawings.
A scale architectural drawing adheres to established conventions, which are standard methods architects use to depict a building so that others can interpret it accurately. The first key convention to grasp involves the different views or ‘projections’ of a building, called orthographic drawings. These include plans, sections, and elevations. Understanding and following these conventions is essential, particularly when you're learning the basics of architectural drawing.
What drawings do I need as an architecture student?
Drawings are an essential part of the design process, helping both architects and students develop their ideas. Without early sketches and design development, it can be difficult to create successful ‘final’ architectural drawings. Your architecture course criteria and tutors should provide guidance on the minimum requirements for your project.
Typically, architecture and interior design courses require the following drawings at a minimum:
- Concept sketches
- Development drawings
- Site plans
- Floor plans
- Sections
- Elevations
Scale architectural drawings
Using a scale allows us to represent full-size (1:1) objects at different sizes, with varying levels of detail (LOD), depending on the chosen scale. Scale is a ratio that shows how much larger the actual building is compared to the drawing. For example, if your front door is 2 metres tall, drawing it at full size on paper would be impractical. By dividing the measurements by 100, you create a 1:100 scale drawing that fits on paper.
The level of detail (LOD) in architectural drawings changes depending on the scale. Early concept sketches might be as simple as a few lines on a napkin, while final drawings could contain thousands of lines.
For instance, a 1:20 section of a room isn’t just a larger version of a 1:100 house section—it includes additional information that wasn’t considered at the earlier scale. As the scale increases, the level of precision and detail grows, reflecting the design's progress. Different scale of drawing, different scale of thinking.
You can learn more in our complete guide to architectural scale.
Architecture drawing paper size
When drawing by hand, it's important to consider the paper size you're using. For digital drawings in CAD, you’ll need to think about the paper size you'll eventually print on. In CAD, drawings are created at a 1:1 scale, meaning full size. The software will then display the drawing on scaled ‘sheets’ for printing. If you don’t intend to print, still consider the size of the paper, if you were to print.
The A series paper sizes (A1, A2, A3, A4) are the most commonly used globally by architects and architecture students. The Architectural series (ARCH) is predominantly used in the United States.
You can learn more in our architecture paper sizes tutorial.
Why do architects draw?
Architectural drawings are not just representations of buildings; they are a form of architecture in their own right. Some of the greatest architectural works remain unbuilt, existing only as drawings. These drawings are more than illustrations; they are a way of thinking, exploring ideas, and refining concepts.
Drawings help designers develop their ideas, leading to more thoughtful and efficient designs. Building without a well-considered plan can lead to costly mistakes and wasted resources. While digital 3D models are widely used in the design process, in 2025, architectural drawings remain the primary mode of communication. This is why, particularly for beginners, it's essential to understand scale drawing and architectural sketching before moving to digital 3D models.
Sketching by hand (or on a tablet), without the constraints of scale or measured accuracy, offers creative freedom. Most designers find it easier to explore ideas through a series of quick, loose, and sometimes messy sketches.
Scale architectural drawings, on the other hand, provide a structured framework to work within. You might begin with a site drawing—whether it's of an existing building or an empty plot. With an understanding of site boundaries and constraints, you can then move on to creating the proposed design. Context is crucial in architecture, and scale drawings allow you to effectively consider and represent this context. Learn more types of context in our guide to architectural jargon.
Document the design
Architectural drawings, regardless of their level of detail, are essential for documenting the design process. Some drawings provide precise instructions, such as how wood should be cut. Others might focus on the layout of the tile floor, or a hand sketch may just be documenting the shadow the wall will cast.
This documentation is crucial for clear communication, whether it's with your tutor, client, local authorities, a builder, the public, or even for your own reference.
Give yourself limitations
When starting a design, limiting yourself to one ‘view’ of the building is helpful. Designing in 2D allows you to focus without getting overwhelmed by the complexities of 3D. As you progress, switch between views—plans, sections, and elevations—allowing you to consider different design aspects. Architects often move back and forth between these views, refining the design as they go.
Draw when you’re stuck!
Drawing isn’t just a way to express a fully formed idea; it’s a tool for discovering new ideas. If you’re stuck on a design, take a site plan, print it out, and overlay it with tracing paper. Quickly sketch one layout idea, then place another sheet of tracing paper on top and try a slightly different version. Repeat this process ten times, stacking each layer. This technique helps unlock creative ideas through rapid, exploratory sketches.
Some sketches may not be great, but this process allows good and bad ideas to flow from your mind onto paper. As a student, saving these sketches is essential; your tutors will want to see evidence of your architectural drawing process.
Types of architectural drawing
There are many types of architectural drawings, each serving a unique purpose. This introduction will cover the most common types used by architects and architecture students alike. Practising these various forms of architectural graphics will not only enhance your portfolio but also improve the design quality of your projects.
Sketches
Hand-drawn or freehand sketches are commonly used by architects and architecture students, whether on paper or a tablet.
These sketches may or may not be drawn to scale and can take the form of standard views (plan, section, elevations) or perspectives, as well as isometric or axonometric drawings. The conventions that typically define these types of drawings are often loosened in sketches, where precision is not the primary goal.
Thinking-through-drawing doesn’t require you to be good at drawing; anyone can do it.
Concept sketches, concept drawings
Concept sketches convey simple ideas with just a few quick lines. They capture the essence of a design in a fast and intuitive way.
Design development, schematic design
Design development sketches consider the more practical aspects of design, such as the shape of a plan, the location of entrances and exits, or the height of a room. They help you think through and visually communicate the evolution of your design.
Detail sketches
When exploring how two materials might join, you can sketch out a detail. While construction details are typically drawn to scale in CAD, they often begin as a hand-drawn sketch. In some cases, these sketches are created spontaneously—sometimes even on-site, sketched directly onto a wall during discussions with builders.
Diagrams
Diagrams can visually explain how a design or concept was developed—for example, how a simple cube is transformed into a sculpted building. They may also depict technical processes within a building, such as the workings of a factory.
Architectural diagrams clarify specific aspects of a project and are especially effective when paired with other drawings to tell a complete story.
Illustrations
Architectural illustrations are typically created during the early design stages or when presenting ideas to the public. These illustrations, often hand-drawn in one or two-point perspective, tend to focus more on the life and activity around a building rather than on the architecture or construction itself. They help communicate the experience and atmosphere of a space, making the design more relatable and engaging.
General arrangement drawings (GAs)
General arrangement drawings (GAs) are fundamental orthographic, multiview drawings showing an overview of your project without perspective. They typically depict the entire building in one view, unlike assembly or detail drawings, which focus on specific parts of the building.
There are various versions and stages of general arrangement drawings (GAs), starting with existing drawings from surveys and evolving into working or development drawings before concluding with ‘final’ presentation and construction drawings. Throughout the process, tutors or clients may provide feedback, leading to revisions and updates.
As an architecture or interior design student, you usually focus on creating existing, development, and ‘final’ drawings for presentation. Plans, sections, and elevations are designed to be read together, offering a comprehensive understanding of the building. In some cases, these views are presented on the same sheet.
Location plans
A top-down aerial view of your site or building in a wide context, such as a neighbourhood or city.
Site plans
A top-down aerial view of the site or building. This includes what is outside the specific site being considered, such as neighbouring buildings, topography or roads.
Plans (or Floor plans)
A horizontal cut at 1 metre (3-4 feet) from floor level. Essentially, it is a map that typically shows the layout of walls, doors, windows, and stairs.
Sections (or Cross-Sections)
A vertical cut at any suitable location across the building. Typically, cutting through key parts of the building, such as stairs or multi-storey spaces.
Elevations (Front, Rear, Side, Interior)
A front-on view of an exterior or interior wall or facade. Typically, there is an elevation drawing of each side of a building.
Detail / Component / Assembly drawings
Detail drawings, also referred to as component or assembly drawings, illustrate sections through key parts of a building. These drawings typically show how materials connect or are constructed.
Details are created as needed, such as depicting how a wall connects to the ground or how it meets the roof. Students are often tasked with producing critical details of their building designs, commonly as part of a technical submission.
Standard scales for detail drawings include 1:50, 1:20, 1:10, and 1:5, depending on the level of precision required.
Paraline drawings
Paraline drawings are a type of 3D orthographic projection, often called "parallel projections." These drawings consist of parallel lines (hence the name "paraline") and lack perspective or vanishing points. This parallel projection combines plan, section, and elevation information within a single architectural drawing. Paraline drawings can be created by hand or using CAD software.
Isometric
A scaled 3D view. It is produced by redrawing a plan as a parallelogram and rotating it typically 30 degrees. Then, projecting lines upwards to the scaled height. There is no perspective.
Axonometric
A scaled 3D view. It is produced by rotating a plan 45 or 30 degrees. Then, projecting lines upwards to the scaled height. There is no perspective.
Both isometric and axonometric drawings can be exploded and have cutaways.
Exploding and cutting part of the building away allows you to view multiple parts of the building at the same time, such as the interior and exterior.
Less common paraline drawings include oblique projections like bird's-eye or worm's-eye views.
Perspective
Unlike orthographic drawings, perspective drawings appear more natural and familiar to the human eye, as objects further away are depicted as smaller.
Perspective (One-point or Two-point)
A 3D view with depth, similar to how we perceive buildings or spaces.
One-point perspective is typically used for interiors and features a single vanishing point, with horizontal lines converging and vertical lines foreshortening.
A two-point perspective is more common for exteriors, using two vanishing points for horizontal lines.
Three-point perspective is rarely used.
Plan perspectives, Sectional perspectives
More advanced designers may take a combined approach to show a plan or section as normally drawn, but behind this sits a perspective.
Experimental drawings
There are many experimental types of drawings students may wish to explore or be encouraged to try. These are usually created in addition to the more standard architectural drawings mentioned above.
Architectural drawing styles
Architectural drawings can range from messy to neat while still maintaining their beauty. Some architects are celebrated for loose, chaotic drawings, while others are renowned for refined simplicity. Your chosen style can be applied across all types of architectural drawings and in various mediums.
Minimal
Minimal architectural drawings feature perfectly considered lines, with no more than the minimum needed to convey the design. This style often avoids colour or uses very few colours, with only two or three different line weights.
Graphic
Graphic architectural drawings are precise yet playful. They include details, colour, and texture in a restrained manner. A limited colour palette is often combined with flat colours or textured areas.
Technical
Technical architectural drawings are detailed and precise. They include measurements, hidden or overhead elements, and additional analytical information.
Illustrative
Illustrative architectural drawings have loose elements and are less precise. They include people, objects, atmosphere, light and shade.
Develop your own architectural drawing style
As you progress as a designer, you will develop your own style, which may be influenced by other architects. Creating your own unique style is valuable, especially for maintaining a cohesive portfolio.
For example, you might choose to use dark blue lines instead of black on white paper. A small change like this can set your work apart and create a distinctive, recognisable style.
Existing and proposed drawings
Existing drawings
Most architects work with an existing site or building. Even if your site is an empty field, you’ll still need existing site drawings. These represent the current state of the site or building.
You may survey the site yourself, take measurements, and create these drawings. Alternatively, your tutor might supply site drawings, or you could find them online through local planning websites or services like DigiMaps.
Include your existing drawings in your academic portfolio. Ensure they are styled consistently with your proposed drawings, but keep them clear and simple without rendering or adding unnecessary elements. Advanced students might choose to include demolition information in these drawings.
Proposed drawings
Proposed drawings represent your designs and show the future vision for the site or building. It’s useful to ensure that existing and proposed drawings can be placed side by side for easy comparison.
As-built & Record drawings
As-built drawings are created as a building is completed, reflecting any changes made during construction. Record drawings, on the other hand, document historic architecture as it exists today.
Architectural measured surveys
Most architecture students benefit significantly from conducting their own site surveys. This hands-on process helps you develop a deep understanding of the space. You can typically borrow a laser measure from your school and carry out the survey yourself. If you share the site with others, working in a group to complete the survey can save time and effort.
Professional architectural surveys are often carried out by qualified surveyors using advanced tools like laser/3D scanners. These produce 3D point clouds and detailed photographic records. However, architects and architecture students often prefer rationalised, straightforward drawings. For smaller or student projects, using a tape measure or simple laser measure is usually sufficient.
Finding site drawings
If you’re looking for a shortcut, you may be able to source scaled site or building drawings from various resources.
DigiMaps
DigiMaps is a UK-focused mapping resource similar to OS Maps. Most UK universities provide students with free access.
CADmapper
CADmapper is a global mapping resource that uses Open Street Maps to provide free CAD-ready files.
Local library
For historic maps, your local library can be an excellent resource.
Local planning
In the UK, planning applications are freely available via your local authority's website. If you’re lucky, a previous architect may have already drawn the site, which you can reference. In some countries, you may need to visit a local records office to request this information if it exists.
Your client / Building owner
Reach out to the client or building owner to ask if they have any existing drawings. Commercial building owners, in particular, often have records from past projects.
CAD drawing
Computer-aided design (CAD) is a digital method of creating architectural drawings. Like hand-drawn architectural drawings, CAD drawings can range from highly detailed to very simple, depending on the project's requirements.
Software for architectural drawings
The choice of software for architecture students often depends on what your peers are using, what your university teaches, and your own prior experience. There’s no single "right" software for all students, but if you ask Green Mat Workshop, our top recommendation for 2025 is Rhino 3D.
Rhino 3D is arguably the most popular 2D/3D software among architecture students today. While primarily a 3D modelling tool, Rhino can also produce 2D drawings, which can then be exported to other programs like Adobe Illustrator for further refinement.
This workflow is especially useful for students, offering versatility and efficiency. While less common in professional practice, using Rhino for both 3D modelling and 2D drawing can save time by eliminating the need to learn multiple software packages.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD by AutoDesk is the most popular 2D CAD software.
Often installed on university computers, it is popular with students who are first learning CAD.
AutoCAD does offer 3D features, but for architecture students, we suggest Rhino or Sketchup instead.
Mac & Windows. License: Free for students, without limitations.
Microstation
Microstation by Bently is focused on CAD for engineering and infrastructure.
Microstation is used in a number of architecture firms, especially older firms as it was more popular with architects in the past.
Microstation does offer 3D features, but for architecture students, we suggest Rhino or Sketchup instead.
Windows. License: Free for students, with limitations.
Rhino
Rhinoceros 3D by McNeel is focused on 3D for architecture and design.
Rhino is popular in architecture due to its focus on line work alongside 3D models. You can easily take 2D work to 3D and 3D work to 2D.
Unlike Sketchup, Rhino excels at producing curved objects and features a huge array of tools. It allows for complex modelling, including Grasshopper, for parametric design.
Mac & Windows. License: Free 90-day trial, no limitations.
Sketchup
Sketchup by Trimble is focused on 3D for architecture.
Sketchup is popular in architecture due to its ease of use and large 3D model warehouse.
Sketchup has more limited 2D drawing tools. It has an add-on called ‘Layout’ for drawings, which is rarely used by architects or students.
Mac & Windows. License: Free online app, with limitations.
Benefits of CAD drawings
- Complex curves and geometries
- Used in the workplace
- Very accurate
- Multiple scales
- 3D features
- No smudges!
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a modern method for coordinating 3D and 2D information in architecture. It also integrates contributions from other professionals, such as engineers, to create a unified project model.
In simple terms, BIM allows you to create one 3D model from which architectural drawings—such as plans, sections, and elevations—can be instantly generated. Any updates made to the 3D model are automatically reflected in the architectural drawings, making it an efficient tool in professional practice.
Some universities encourage students to learn BIM software because understanding its principles is increasingly valuable in the workplace.
However, BIM software comes with a steeper learning curve, and for students, it can sometimes slow down or limit the design process.
Revit
Revit by AutoDesk is the most popular BIM 3D CAD software.
Often installed on university computers, it is popular with students who are first learning BIM.
Like most BIM tools, Revit is less flexible than non-BIM 3D tools.
Windows. License: Free for students, without limitations.
ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD by Graphisoft/Nemetschek is an architecture focused BIM 3D CAD software.
Like most BIM tools, ArchiCAD is less flexible than non-BIM 3D tools.
Mac & Windows. License: Free for students, without limitations.
Vectorworks
Vectorworks by Nemetschek is an architecture focused BIM 3D CAD software.
Vectorworks is often compared to ArchiCAD, which is owned by the same company and both work on Mac. Vectorworks used to be in 2D only and was similar to AutoCAD.
Like most BIM tools, Vectorworks is less flexible than non-BIM 3D tools.
Mac & Windows. License: Free for students, with limitations.
Tips for CAD drawings
Draw at 1:1
Always draw at true size (1:1) in CAD. For example, 1 metre in real life equals 1 metre in CAD. You can adjust the scale when exporting your drawings.
Consider the right level of detail (LOD)
Match the level of detail to the drawing's intended scale. For instance, there’s no need to draw small elements like screws or bolts for a drawing exported at 1:100. Focus your time on details relevant to the scale.
Test export your drawing to PDF
As you work on your drawing, export it periodically to a PDF and check that everything appears as expected.
How will the drawing will be displayed?
Printed drawings require different considerations than digital ones. Always test print your drawing before the deadline to ensure it looks correct on paper.
Use layers
Organise your drawing by using layers. Assign each layer a specific line weight, line type, and colour to maintain clarity and control.
Use blocks or groups
For repeating elements, use blocks. Editing one block will update all instances of it. Use groups to keep related lines or elements together for easier movement or organisation.
Ensure lines snap together
Make sure the ends of your lines join perfectly, a process called snapping. This helps maintain accuracy and prevents gaps in your drawing.
Use a mouse
Drawing with a laptop trackpad can be challenging. Use a mouse for greater precision and ease.
Printing or plotting architectural drawings
Are printers evil? Yes. If printing is rushed and something goes wrong, it can be very frustrating and expensive.
Consider the type and quality of paper you are printing on, and most importantly, test print to make sure what you see on the screen matches what appears on paper.
Be careful to print at 100% size, as some printers shrink drawings to fit the page, which will make your scale incorrect.
Lines might look perfect on screen but can print too thick (which looks amateur) or so thin they become invisible.
Printing architectural drawings is also known as "plotting." This term comes from pen plotters, computer-controlled pens used to print drawings in the past. Modern laser and inkjet printers have replaced these, but "plotter" is still used to describe inkjet printers that can print large drawings, such as A1 size.
Hand drawings
Drawing by hand is often the best way to begin architectural drawing. This can be done on paper or a tablet, and many architecture schools encourage hand drawing as a foundational skill.
Hand drawing during the concept or design development stages is particularly valuable. It helps you physically engage with ideas of scale and the different views of a building. While you may quickly transition to CAD, hand drawing remains an essential skill for both students and practising architects.
Although most architects produce final and technical drawings digitally, some students prefer to create these by hand. Ultimately, it’s the quality of the resulting drawing that matters, regardless of the method used.
Hand-drawn technical drawings have a different aesthetic quality compared to CAD drawings. This stylistic choice is something you can explore as a designer.
As a first-year student, experimenting with traditional tools is especially beneficial. For this reason, some architecture courses insist on the use of drawing boards for early assignments and restrict the use of CAD.
Benefits of hand drawing
- Drawing to a set scale
- Embrace imperfections
- Design while drawing
- Avoidance of distractions
- Faster than learning software
- Your unique hand (style)
Tools for architectural drawing / drafting
Investing in high-quality, industry-standard tools will enhance your work.
Key tools include mechanical pencils, which offer consistent line quality without sharpening, and lead holders that accommodate various lead types for diverse shading and detailing. Traditional wooden pencils remain valuable for sketching and conceptual work.
Pens range from traditional steel-nibbed technical pens, known for their precise line work, to modern fibre-tipped fineliners that provide ease of use and versatility.
Measuring tools comprise scale rulers for accurate scaling, set squares for drawing precise angles, T-squares for ensuring perpendicular lines, and tape measures for real-world dimension referencing.
Read our guide to architectural equipment for recommended products.
Paper types
Cartridge paper
Paper is varied by weight, known as GSM (grams per square metre) and finish. Typically, a smooth finish or cartridge paper is suitable for architectural drawing.
Tracing paper
Drawing on tracing paper for scale architectural drawings should be your first choice. A smooth finish is best; heavier weights (higher GSM) are typically preferred.
Drafting film
Historically, plastic film (drafting film) has been used for technical drawings. These are no longer in common usage.
Vellum
Historically, higher-grade tracing papers were known as vellum (not actually animal skin). These are no longer in common usage.
Detail paper / Sketch paper
A lightweight (low GSM) paper (a bit like tissue paper) that is cheaper than tracing paper and is typically used for temporary sketches rather than considered drawings. It’s often found on a roll.
Sketchbooks
Consider what size works for you. You will likely want to scan images from your sketchbook. Thicker paper (higher GSM) will reduce bleed-through on paper. Larger than A5 may be less than ideal. The most popular architect’s choice is Moleskine.
Tip for hand drawings
Construction lines
Lines that are not real lines of the building but give structure to the drawing. You can dash or dot these lines.
Keep a sketchbook
Practice drawing. Draw the same idea numerous times.
Thumbnail sketches
A thumbnail sketch is a mini-version of a bigger drawing that considers the composition of a drawing.
Draw historic buildings
Rather than perspective sketch as your eye sees, draw the plan and section of the building.
Keep your hands clean
Your hands may smudge the page; keep them clean.
Tracing paper
Use trace so you can layer one drawing over another.
Be intentional
Draw a full line with one pass; don’t go back over lines.
Draw with pen
When you can’t erase, your lines are clear and final.
Relax your hand
Hold the pen or pencil away from the nib
Move your arm
Not just your hand
Pull, not push, the pen
Look ahead to where the line will end
Meet or cross lines
As two lines meet, have them touch or cross so the corner is clear.
Architectural drawing conventions
Lines are vital in drawings; great drawings are understood through the character of the line. Conventions set standards, and knowing the standards allows you sometimes to subvert them.
Drawing line type or line style
Line type or line style refers to the appearance of a line. When drawing by hand, this is determined by the type of pen, pencil, or drawing method used. In CAD, line styles are set in the software either before or after the line is drawn. Some line types follow established conventions.
Solid
A visible object, edge of a surface or corner.
Dashed
Objects above are hidden or removed from view.
Dotted
Used as an alternative to Dashed lines.
Dash-dot-dash
Centre lines, symmetry lines, or dividing lines.
Break lines
Long line segments with a zig-zag are used when a drawing is cut off.
Colour
You may be highlighting an important aspect of the drawing with a different coloured line. You may show a group of elements such as lighting, furniture or people with a different colour.
Drawing line weights
Line weights refer to how thick or thin a line is. Even in drawings that appear flat, varying line weights can help convey depth, importance, and clarity. Legibility and consistency are key.
Depth
Thicker lines appear closer to the viewer, while thinner lines suggest elements that are further away.
Importance
More important elements, like walls, should be thicker, while less important details, such as furniture, should be thinner.
Cut lines
In sections or plans, cut lines are thicker or filled in to show the cut plane clearly.
Outlines
Outlines in axonometric or isometric drawings may be thicker to define the overall shape.
Avoid using too many variations. Typically, 3 to 6 different line weights or styles are sufficient for clarity. Common CAD line thickness standards include 0.25mm, 0.35mm, 0.50mm, and 0.70mm.
Architecture hatches
Hatches are used in architectural drawings to differentiate materials or represent cut elements.
Cut elements
Solid black or specific textures are commonly used to indicate where a section or plan has been cut.
Materials
Materials often have standard hatches, though these standards can vary across regions. For example, concrete and wood should have distinctly different hatches.
Material hatches do not need to be applied across the entire drawing. Use them strategically to highlight key areas without overwhelming the drawing.
Dimensions
Overloading a drawing with dimensions can make it difficult to read.
Most student drawings don’t require extensive dimensions, as they are not being built. Include only dimensions that are necessary for understanding scale or layout.
Drawing symbols and notation
North arrow
Rotate the north arrow as needed to align with the drawing location. Sections and elevations don’t have north arrows.
Section cut line / Section marker
Indicates where a section has been taken.
Scale bar
Helps communicate the scale of the drawing.
Title blocks and sheets
Producing a professional set of drawings is about more than just the content—it’s also about presentation. Title blocks should clearly convey key information like the project name, scale, drawing type, and date.
Annotations, labels and keys
Annotations, labels, and keys are essential for clarifying what is being represented in architectural drawings.
Key
Provides explanations for symbols, line types, or hatching used in the drawing.
Labels
Typically used to indicate the names of rooms.
Key plan
A simplified, miniature version of a plan included on sections or elevations to show their location.
Populating architectural drawings
Green Mat Workshop offers an extensive collection of architectural resources where you can download people, trees, and objects for your architectural drawings.
People for architecture drawings
Including people in your architectural drawings shows that you’ve considered the user. They help convey scale and demonstrate how the building will be used. The best drawings integrate people seamlessly with the architecture.
Don’t treat people in your drawings as last-minute decorations. Show them interacting with the building—touching it, climbing stairs, opening cupboards, or stirring wax in your candle-making factory.
Be diverse in your representations. Include people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities to reflect the setting and purpose of your building.
Trees for architectural drawings
Students often use overly detailed, downloaded trees in their drawings. These can distract from your work if the trees are more detailed than the architecture. Match the level of detail in the trees to the style of your drawing. If your plans are minimal, keep your trees minimal, too.
A quick test: squint your eyes while looking at the drawing—what stands out? If it’s the trees, they’re likely too detailed.
Trace your own people and objects!
We strongly recommend creating your own people and objects specific to the function of your design. This ensures they match the style of your drawings and feel integrated and bespoke.
“But I can’t draw people!” you might say. It’s easier than you think.
Google and find a photo of the person or object, then drop that image into CAD and trace it. Often, it’s quicker to take your own photo and ask a friend to pose in the correct position. Because you are tracing in CAD, you don’t need to worry about the quality of the photo!
Rendering and textures for drawings
Rendering or texturing adds an extra layer of detail to architectural drawings. Architects have rendered hand drawings for centuries, using techniques like pencil shading or paint.
Shading (from daylight)
Shading typically represents the effect of daylight in a space. This is the soft light that fills a room, even when the sun is behind a cloud. Shading from light to dark can subtly create depth in a drawing without perspective, such as making columns appear rounded. It helps distinguish darker areas from lighter areas and can highlight different materials or surfaces.
Shadow (from sunlight)
Unlike shading, shadows are clearly directional and caused by sunlight. Sunlight comes from a particular angle, such as through a window. Shadows hit the floor or wall and typically have a more defined, sharper edge.
Materials
Photographic or drawn materials can be added to drawings, but this requires care. If done poorly, it can ruin a good drawing. Drawings may look unprofessional or unsophisticated if materials are overused or inconsistent. Less is more—if in doubt, reduce or avoid adding materials.
Hybrid architectural drawings
Hybrid drawings combine traditional and digital techniques. For example, you might create a drawing in CAD, print it on watercolour paper, paint it by hand, and then scan it back into the computer to add final details.
AI and generative tools for drawing
As of 2025, the potential of AI and generative tools in architecture is vast. However, these tools are not yet capable of producing all your drawings to a standard that would pass a university course.
The key challenge lies in instructing (or prompting) the AI or tool effectively so that the output aligns with your requirements. For example, a generative tool might create a plan and a section, but do they align? Does the plan fit the site? These are critical questions that AI tools currently struggle to address without significant input and oversight.
For advanced designers, tools like Revit or Rhino with Grasshopper offer opportunities to create programmed drawings with variables and inputs. However, this often requires more effort and expertise than simply drawing it yourself from scratch.
Universities also have strict rules regarding original work and plagiarism. It’s important to consult your tutors before using AI or generative tools in your projects to ensure compliance with academic standards.
For beginners in architecture, understanding the future of design tools is valuable, but mastering the basics is essential. Making mistakes with hand drawings and correcting them helps cement your understanding in a way that AI tools cannot replicate.
Sustainability
As designers and architects, we all have a responsibility to consider the environment. Beyond mastering the technical and practical aspects of drawing, it’s crucial to consider what you are designing and how it impacts the planet.
When drawing a plan, consider the materials that will be used to construct it. Concrete and steel are highly carbon-intensive. Could you incorporate more sustainable materials like wood or stone instead?
Think about how the building will maintain a comfortable temperature. Insulation is often key to keeping buildings warm or cool, but it affects design considerations, such as external walls, which may need to be 400mm or thicker.
You don’t need to know every detail when creating your first plan, but keeping concepts like thicker walls, reduced use of steel and glass, and sustainable materials in mind is a great starting point.
FAQ
How to read architectural drawings?
Our 5-point guide to reading architectural drawings.
- Establish the type of drawing. This is often written on the drawing, such as a ‘Plan’.
- What is the drawing location, such as the first floor.
- Check the scale of the drawing. There may be a scale bar or ratio such as ‘1:100’.
- Orient the drawing so it makes sense for you to; this may mean rotating the drawing.
- Find points of reference to help you understand the drawing, such as where the stairs are.
Standard architectural drawings list?
The standard drawings architects use are site plans, floor plans, sections and elevations.
What are orthographic drawings?
Drawings that show 2D views or projections of a 3D building. There is no perspective. Depth can be created using line weight, line type, and shading.
Best architectural drawing courses?
Green Mat Workshop offers courses in architectural drawing. You can find tutorials and online courses as a member. In the UK, short courses are also available online and in-person at UAL.
What symbols are used in architectural drawing?
Conventions typically include symbols for north arrows, scale bars, and section cut lines. Symbols can vary, and architectural drawings should include a key for uncommon symbols.
What are architectural blueprints?
The term blueprints or blue prints comes from the historical method of copy drawings. Modern-day architects don’t typically make blueprints, but the term is used in popular culture to refer to a set of architects' drawings.
How do I create depth in a drawing or plan?
Depth is typically added to an architectural drawing by varying line weight and adding shadows or shading. Adding depth with shading or shadows is not essential for all architectural drawings.
How do I add materials to my drawings?
Materials can be added to architectural drawings using Photoshop. Export a PDF from CAD and add photographic materials. Adding materials is not essential for all architectural drawings.
What is architectural drafting?
A traditional term, drafting is the process of precision, scale drawing.
What is a CAD monkey?
A CAD monkey is an insulting term given to the role of someone focused on producing CAD drawings that may be laborious to produce.
Do only architects produce technical drawings?
Many construction professionals produce scale drawings. For example, structural engineers make ‘structural drawings,’ and carpenters make ‘shop drawings’ (workshop drawings).
