Learn how to navigate your design drawings—from floor plans to elevations and beyond
Introduction
Architectural drawings are one of the most important communication tools in a construction project. Whether you’re reviewing layouts with your design team or walking a site with a contractor, understanding the basics will help you ask better questions, catch mistakes early, and feel more confident throughout the process.
Every drawing tells a story. This guide breaks down the core types of plans you’ll see in your project and how to read them without needing a technical background.
What a Typical Drawing Set Includes
Each drawing set may vary slightly by project type or designer, but most will include:
- Title Sheet – Project info, index of all drawings
- Site Plan – How the structure fits on the lot (driveway, setbacks, topography)
- Floor Plans – Overhead view of each level with layout and dimensions
- Elevations – Exterior views of all sides of the building
- Sections – Cross-sections showing vertical relationships
- Details – Zoomed-in views of specific parts like stairs, trim, or window framing
- Structural Plans – Foundation, framing, shear walls
- MEP Sheets – Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Schedules – Lists of windows, doors, finishes, appliances
Suggested Visual: Thumbnail layout showing a labeled example of each drawing type.
How to Read Floor Plans
Floor plans are the most frequently referenced drawings and show a horizontal slice through the building.
What to look for:
- Scale & Orientation: Usually ¼” = 1’-0” with north arrow shown
- Room Labels: Each space is named (Kitchen, Primary Bedroom, etc.)
- Walls: Bold lines for existing or structural walls, lighter for interior partitions
- Doors & Windows: Arcs show swing direction; dashed lines for items above (like upper cabinets)
- Fixtures: Toilets, sinks, appliances, light fixtures, staircases
- Dimensions: Look for strings of dimensions around the perimeter, inside rooms, and between features
Suggested Visual: Annotated sample floor plan calling out doors, windows, fixtures, and room labels. Add-on Visual: Zoomed bathroom layout with labeled plumbing fixtures.
Understanding Elevations and Sections
Elevations show flat, front-facing views of each side of your structure. They reveal:
- Roof slopes
- Window and door locations
- Exterior finishes (siding, trim, stone, etc.)
- Height relationships
Sections are slices through the building that show:
- Ceiling heights
- Wall and roof assemblies
- Floor transitions
- Crawlspace or basement construction
Suggested Visual: Labeled elevation with exterior finish notes. Add-on Visual: Wall section showing framing layers, floor levels, and roof pitch.
Decoding Symbols, Tags, and Abbreviations
Architectural drawings are full of symbols and shorthand. These aren’t meant to confuse you—they’re used to save space and standardize information.
Look for:
- Electrical Symbols: Switches, outlets, ceiling lights, fans
- Plumbing Symbols: Fixtures like toilets, sinks, and hose bibs
- Tags: Circles or hexagons that reference another sheet (e.g., “3/A4.1” = Detail 3 on sheet A4.1)
Common Abbreviations:
Tips for Reviewing Your Plans Effectively
- Use Full-Sized Plans if Possible: A PDF reader on a computer, 11×17 or full-size prints are easier to read than PDFs on a phone
- Markup Clearly: Use a highlighter, sticky notes, or PDF markup tools
- Ask for a Walkthrough: Most architects are happy to guide you through the plans page by page
- Focus on Function First: Get the layout and flow right before worrying about finishes
What’s Next: Finishes Overview
Once your drawings are complete or nearly complete, you’ll start thinking about the materials that make your project feel like home, flooring, cabinets, tile, lighting, and more.
Continue to Finishes Overview to start organizing your selections and setting expectations for style and cost.