The Project Guide Vol.1

We introduce the conversion project and immediately get practical—cleaning up a measured survey in CAD, stripping out unnecessary information, and preparing a base drawing ready to receive proposals. Getting this foundation right prevents problems later.

Measured surveys include existing elevations. Learn how to position these around your floor plans as XREFs so that when you develop proposals, the elevations stay perfectly aligned. This setup saves huge time when changes cascade through the project.

The three key drawing types for any conversion. We explain exactly what each contains, how to set up your CAD file structure so they reference each other correctly, and how to communicate the sequence clearly to both clients and contractors.

The correct approach to conversion drawings - retaining existing elements with hatching, showing demolitions in dashed red, and layering proposed work on top. See how this isolation strategy keeps the information clear and allows easy revision when designs change.

With the XREF structure in place, we create proper elevation drawings from the survey information. Learn to produce existing and proposed elevations that align perfectly in both model space and sheet space, making comparison drawings straightforward.

The backbone of any construction package - setting out drawings that locate walls, doors, and openings. We introduce colour-coding techniques that pack maximum information onto minimal drawings without visual clutter. These drawings drive everything else in the package.

Connect the colour codes to actual construction. Each wall type gets a detail showing build-up, acoustic performance, and fire rating. Learn how to reference these from your setting out plans so contractors know exactly what each colour means.

Number every door and window consistently, then create schedules that contractors can extract for pricing. See how this numbering across plans and schedules makes the package work as a coordinated set rather than disconnected drawings.

Nobody loves toilet drawings, but they're necessary. Learn the best practice approach to sanitary layouts - showing drainage runs, specifying sanitaryware, and providing the dimensions manufacturers need for pricing and installation.

Similar principles for kitchens - setting out appliances, worktops, and services so that suppliers can price accurately and installers know exactly where everything goes. These drawings become the interface between architect and specialist contractor.

For repetitive unit types (apartments, hotel rooms, hospital rooms), learn to create type drawings that show finishes, furniture zones, and key dimensions. One well-documented type drawing serves multiple instances across the project.

Building on setting out plans, add fire rating information - door ratings, wall ratings, escape routes, and compartmentation. These drawings are required for building control approval and become the fire strategy documentation for the building.

The word "typical" saves architects from drawing the same detail multiple times. When external wall upgrades are consistent throughout, draw it once, call it typical, and reference it everywhere. Learn when this approach works and how to note it clearly.

We conclude with a detailed section cutting through the building from foundations to roof. This drawing brings together all the wall types, floor constructions, and junctions in one place - the definitive reference for how the building goes together.