Architectural Drawings - Carpenter's and Builder's Math, Plans, and Specifications - page 263

The different parts or drawings that are necessary to show the
structure (such as the mechanical and electrical installations) are all
shown graphically. Therefore, you must become familiar with these
symbols, not only those of one particular trade, but those of all
the trades. This is necessary so that complete coordination may be
reached between the various trades. In the construction of a build-
ing, time and money may be saved by representatives of the different
trades going over the plans and laying out the pattern to be followed.
No trade can work independently of the others. If independence is
attempted, confusion is created and some work must be done over
to make all parts of the scheme fit together. During construction,
the general contractor, the plumber, the steel workers, and the elec-
trical and mechanical contractors must lay out the work together
and determine from the drawings who installs what, where, and
when.
On the job, the architect may have a representative present to
assist in coordinating the work and in making decisions that may
be required. In designing the building, the owner or builder will
often draw a rough sketch, after which he or she sits down with the
architect to discuss what the owner will need and want in a building
design. The requirements are noted as to space, machinery, electrical
loads, numbers of persons that will occupy the building and what
the future requirements might be. The owner will sometimes have a
rough sketch of ideas (see Figures 9-11 and 9-12). These need not
be drawn to scale or with any degree of accuracy. They are merely
ideas of what the owner might want. In this discussion, no elaborate
plans are given. Simple plans are used, as they show the intent and
fall into line with more detailed plans.
Notice that there are no details shown, merely a sketch of the
spaces to be enclosed. After the sketch is drawn, the architect and
owner can sit down and discuss details, at which time, no doubt,
another freehand sketch will be drawn with more details. When a
tentative solution is reached, the architect will make a preliminary
drawing (see Figure 9-13).
When the owner has signed construction papers, the architect
will start drawing up the final plans and all details. There are many
preliminary things to do, such as surveying the land to see how
much excavating will be required. The location of the property lines
and the general drainage plan for the immediate vicinity must be
considered, and the water, sewer, gas, telephone, and power lines
that exist must be considered. Local regulations regarding types of
construction permitted, setbacks, and so on, all must be taken into
consideration.