How to Be Structural Drafter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The use of structural drafters is essential for the construction industry. Structural drafters create detailed drawings of the structure of a building including its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. As a result, architects and builders can build a structure to exact specifications, ensuring that it is safe and secure.

they enable builders to create unique designs and shapes with precision, as well as account for every aspect of a structures engineering. By creating accurate blueprints, structural drafters help reduce costs and minimize errors during the construction process. Furthermore, they are responsible for ensuring that the designs are compliant with local building codes and regulations.

In summary, the role of structural drafters is essential for the successful execution of any construction project, providing accuracy and safety every step of the way.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Most employers look for Structural Drafters to have a high school diploma. Additionally, taking classes in math and computers can be beneficial.
Get an Associate Degree. Even though it is not necessary to have a degree, it is beneficial for those interested in becoming Structural Drafters to complete an Associate Degree in Drafting. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of drafting principles and techniques.
Obtain an Internship. Many employers look for Structural Drafters that have experience working in the field. Completing an internship or apprenticeship is a great way to get hands-on experience and make connections in the industry.
Become Certified. Becoming certified as a Structural Drafter can help an individual stand out in the job market and show employers that they have attained a certain level of skill and knowledge.
Continue Education. Continuing education is important for Structural Drafters since technology is constantly changing. Taking classes on new software or techniques can help an individual stay up to date in the industry.

In order to become an ideal and capable Structural Drafter, one must first possess certain key skills. These skills include a high level of knowledge in CAD software, such as AutoCAD, a thorough understanding of construction documents and drawings, and a strong background in structural engineering principles. Furthermore, a Structural Drafter should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and be able to accurately interpret and visualize the project requirements.

With these qualities, a Structural Drafter can effectively produce accurate, detailed drawings that meet the needs of the client and the project. having a good ability to work collaboratively with other project team members will ensure successful completion of the project. having these necessary skills and attributes can make a Structural Drafter ideal and capable of producing the highest quality of work.

You may want to check Structural Project Manager, Structural Steel Detailer, and Structural Materials Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Create and modify structural drawings based on technical specifications.
Develop structural layout and detailing plans.
Review and interpret structural design documents.
Prepare structural system drawings, plans, and elevations.
Coordinate with other design teams to ensure accuracy and consistencies in documents and drawings.
Research codes and regulations to ensure code compliance.
Estimate material and labor costs for projects and prepare bid proposals.
Perform calculations to ensure the structural integrity of the project design.
Collaborate with clients, architects, contractors, and suppliers to ensure successful completion of the project.
Visit construction sites to inspect the progress of the project and to identify any issues that may require changes to the design or drawings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and other drafting software
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other technical drawings
Knowledge of building codes, standards, and regulations
Understanding of basic engineering principles and construction methods
Excellent spatial visualization and problem-solving skills
Outstanding attention to detail
Good communication skills
Strong organizational and time-management abilities
Ability to work independently and with a team
Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite

Structural drafting is a critical skill for any engineer or designer in the construction and building industries. Structural drafters are responsible for creating accurate drawings of a structure's components, and these drawings must meet professional drafting standards. This requires a deep knowledge of drafting techniques, as well as an understanding of the structural design principles and building codes that govern the design of a structure.

In addition to technical knowledge, structural drafters must also possess strong communication and organizational skills in order to effectively collaborate with other team members. Furthermore, attention to detail is essential to ensure accuracy in the drawings produced. Together, these skills enable structural drafters to create precise, accurate drawings that will be used for the construction of various structures.

Structural Welding Inspector, Structural Design Manager, and Structural Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the structural drafting field?
How do you stay up to date with changes in technology used for structural drafting?
Describe a project that you have completed that you are most proud of.
What challenges have you faced while working as a Structural Drafter?
How do you plan and organize projects from start to finish?
What measures do you take to ensure the accuracy of your drawings?
How do you work with other team members to complete projects?
What strategies do you use to troubleshoot difficult drafting problems?
How do you handle tight deadlines and competing priorities?
What specialized software or tools are you familiar with for structural drafting?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. Computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating 2D and 3D models and blueprints (eg: creating 3D models of structural components).
Revit. Building information modeling (BIM) software for designing, visualizing and analyzing structures (eg: creating detailed drawings of building structures).
Tekla Structures. 3D structural design and analysis software (eg: creating detailed drawings of steel structures).
BIM 360. Cloud-based project management and collaboration software for construction projects (eg: tracking and managing project documents).
RISA-3D. Structural engineering software for designing, analyzing and optimizing structures (eg: analyzing structural elements for wind load).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
American Association for Structural Engineers (AASE)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
Structural Engineering Institute (SEI)
Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA)
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

We also have Structural Engineer Technician, Structural Carpenter, and Structural Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CAD (Computer Aided Design). A computer program used to create and modify drawings and models of products, buildings, and other structures.
BIM (Building Information Modeling). A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a building.
Architectural Drafting. The process of creating technical drawings for the design, construction, and maintenance of a building or other structure.
Structural Engineering. The application of engineering principles, materials, and technology to the design and construction of structures.
Revit. A Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used to create 3D models and drawings of buildings and other structures.
AutoCAD. A computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings and models.
Steel Detailing. The process of creating drawings of steel structures such as buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Civil Engineering. The application of engineering principles, materials, and technology to the design and construction of public works such as roads, bridges, dams, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Structural Drafter?

A Structural Drafter typically requires a bachelor's degree in drafting or engineering with a focus in structural design.

What type of software do Structural Drafters use?

Structural Drafters use a range of software programs, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla Structures, and SAP2000 for creating structural drawings and models.