What Does a Residential Drafter Do? Drawings, CAD and the Certificate IV in Residential Drafting

What drafters produce

The national description of CPP40121 reflects entry-level drafters who support building designers and architects. They use CAD software to draft and document residential Class 1 and 10 building designs, under the supervision of licensed or accredited building designers or architects where that applies.

Typical outputs include site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, details and schedules, plus documents prepared for planning and building approvals.

Compliance behind the lines

Drafting is underpinned by knowledge of construction methods and materials, and of the planning and building requirements that apply to houses and outbuildings. That includes the National Construction Code, relevant standards and local planning controls. A drawing that looks right but ignores a setback, a bushfire requirement or an energy-efficiency provision causes problems later.

Coordination and revisions

Drafters coordinate with engineers, energy assessors, surveyors and clients. Clear revision control, title blocks and notes stop superseded drawings being built from, which is one of the more common and costly documentation errors.

Licensing and the qualification

Licensing requirements apply to building design in some states and territories. Whether you can work independently, and on what classes of building, depends on the local scheme, so check with your regulator.

OnShift describes its course as an experienced-worker pathway for drafters already producing residential documentation. OnShift also publishes a free building-design fieldbook as study background. A qualified assessor decides competency.