If you are managing your company’s real estate project, but don’t have any training in architecture, reading architectural plans can be extremely difficult. To save you some time and trouble, we’ve put together a guide on how to read architectural plans.
The first step is to take a step back and understand what a plan is. Visualizing the space as if you’re looking down from above can help you understand the layout and relationships between different elements. Picture your building or your space. Then imagine that a few feet above the floor, you are slicing away everything else and looking at your space as if you are hovering above it.
Here are a few additional general guidelines to keep in mind:
Be Organized and Methodical: Start reading plans from the upper left corner and work your way across the page systematically. This ensures you don’t miss any crucial details.
Review the Cover Sheet: The cover sheet contains vital project information such as the project name, architect’s details, contact information, project overview, and the date. It may also include a drawing or image of the finished product, giving you an initial idea of the design.
Understand Reference Points: Architectural plans often use reference points to communicate between professionals and across different sets of drawings. These reference points can take various forms, including room numbers, a grid system, or structural references. Familiarize yourself with these to understand how different parts of the project connect.
Examine the Plan Index: The plan index provides a list of all the plan sheets available for the project. This is like a table of contents for the plans, helping you locate specific details and drawings more easily.
Start with the Site or Plot Plan: Begin your examination of the plans with the site or plot plan. This provides an overhead view of the property and outlines the boundaries and orientation of the building. Pay attention to this foundational plan, as it sets the context for the entire project.
Use Symbol Legends: Symbol legends are essential for understanding what different symbols on the plans represent. These symbols often denote elements like windows, doors, elevations, and other features. Symbols may also include numbers that refer to specific sections and page numbers within the plans. Reviewing the legend is crucial for interpreting the plans accurately.
Abbreviation List: Architects often use standard abbreviations, but there may be some specific to the architect or project. Check the list of abbreviations provided to ensure you understand any technical terms or shorthand used in the plans. This knowledge will be helpful when reading design notes or annotations.
By following these steps and tips, you can approach architectural plans with a clearer understanding and increase your ability to manage your company’s real estate projects effectively, even without formal architectural training. If you encounter any terms or concepts that remain unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from a qualified architect or project management expert.
