Introduction to Architectural Drawings

Developing the Ideas

In evolving a set of working drawings the first step is the sketch. The purpose of the sketch is to fix various ideas of the client, builder or architect and to give some definite basis for a start.

Preliminary or “thumb nail” sketches do not need to be very large. They are not drawn to definite scale and their main purpose is to show the arrangement of space. They should however be kept in proportion as much as possible.

The type of plan for the sketch must of course be determined before the first drawing is made. The character of the site, and the style of the exterior are the deciding factors for the type of plan.

We can broadly classify plans into two types, the central entry way or the side entry type. In the first type, (see illustration 1) we have a symmetrical arrangement of rooms about the entry way or hall. Some house styles such as the Colonial require this type of plan. Figure 2 illustrates the side entrance type. This leads to an asymmetrical arrangement of spaces.

We will use the central entry type to illustrate the development of the house plan. After determining the approximate width to depth proportions for the house (keeping the placement and orientation on the site in mind) follow these general steps.

1. Sketch the centerline.

2. Draw front and rear outside wall lines. Let the walls just be the width of the line.

3. Draw the sidewall lines.

4. Locate the main partition lines.

5. Place the minor partition lines.

6. Rough in the approximate position of openings for doors and windows.

Then study the relations of rooms and the expected traffic patterns for the family.

In a similar manner sketch the second floor and basement if you are planning a multi-level dwelling. The basement usually reflects the arrangement of the first floor and may not be necessary. If you plan on building on a sloped site you may need to consider the potential for basement windows or a walk out.

After the sketches for the plans are completed, the front elevation and the principle side elevation should be drawn.

Having already decided the style for the house, determine the proportion of the front wall to the height of the building to below the cornice. This is typically 20 to 24 feet for a two-story house.

1. Block in this rectangle with a centerline.

2. Block in height lines for windows and doors.

3. Draw vertical outside lines for windows and doors, determining their positions approximately from the plans.

4. Draw the roof. Take the height as ¼, 1/3, or ½ of the depth of the house depending upon how steep you want the pitch of the roof and for appearance.

5. Draw any porches needed for the style of the house.

6. Darken or shade window openings and shadow under the cornice.

7. Sketch in the background.

If you are getting ideas from plan books, use tracing paper to copy the basic plans and then rearrange the partition walls as desired.

The following two illustrations (fig. 4) demonstrate plan, elevation and some detail sketches using a pencil and straight edge. A right triangle is also useful to make right angles. A ruler or dividers can be used to transfer dimensions from the plan to the elevations.

House Plan Examples

Here is a set of finished plans, elevations and detail.