Construction Detailing Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Code Context

Introduces building codes, zoning requirements, and accessibility standards as document drivers. Students identify required notes and compliance elements.

Lesson 2 • Specifications and Their Relationship to Drawings

Explains how written specifications complement graphic drawings. Students learn to cross-reference both to resolve conflicts and ambiguities.

Lesson 3 • Document Set Organisation

Covers standard sheet numbering, discipline prefixes, and drawing index structure. Connects logical organisation to efficient field use.

Lesson 4 • Role of Construction Documents

Defines what construction documents communicate and to whom. Establishes why accuracy and completeness directly affect project cost and safety.

Lesson 1 • Dimensioning Principles and Practices

Establishes rules for placing, formatting, and coordinating dimensions. Accurate dimensioning prevents field errors and contractor disputes.

Lesson 2 • Scale and Drawing Layout

Covers scale selection, sheet layout, and title block requirements. Proper layout ensures drawings are legible at intended print or screen size.

Lesson 3 • Symbols, Hatching, and Patterns

Covers standard material symbols, hatch patterns, and graphic conventions. Students apply symbols consistently to communicate material and assembly intent.

Lesson 4 • Notation, Keynotes, and Callouts

Explains text standards, keynote systems, and reference bubbles. Students link graphic elements to written information efficiently.

Lesson 1 • Grading and Drainage Plans

Teaches contour manipulation, spot elevations, and drainage flow documentation. Proper grading plans prevent water intrusion and site erosion.

Lesson 2 • Site Plans and Layout

Covers building footprint placement, setbacks, and site feature documentation. Students produce a complete site plan from survey and design data.

Lesson 3 • Survey Data and Site Context

Interprets topographic surveys, boundary data, and existing conditions. Site documentation begins with accurate survey information as its base.

Lesson 4 • Utility and Infrastructure Plans

Documents water, sewer, storm, gas, and electrical site utilities. Students coordinate utility routing with building entry points and site features.

Lesson 1 • Interior Elevations

Covers wall elevations for kitchens, baths, and feature walls with millwork and fixture notation. Interior elevations guide finish contractors and cabinetmakers.

Lesson 2 • Reflected Ceiling Plans

Teaches ceiling height notation, grid layout, and fixture placement in reflected ceiling plans. RCPs coordinate architecture with lighting and mechanical systems.

Lesson 3 • Room Labeling and Area Schedules

Covers room name tags, area calculations, and occupancy classifications on plans. Accurate labeling supports code compliance and space programming.

Lesson 4 • Floor Plan Fundamentals

Establishes the cut plane concept and what elements appear in a standard floor plan. Students draft walls, openings, and fixed elements correctly.

Lesson 1 • Wall Section Composition

Teaches layered wall assembly documentation from foundation to roof. Wall sections are the primary vehicle for communicating enclosure performance.

Lesson 2 • Roof and Parapet Conditions

Documents roof slope, drainage, and parapet cap details within wall sections. Roof termination conditions are among the most failure-prone assemblies.

Lesson 3 • Building Section Fundamentals

Explains section cut placement strategy and what information building sections must convey. Strategic cuts expose critical structural and spatial relationships.

Lesson 4 • Floor and Ceiling Assemblies

Covers structural floor systems, finish floor layers, and ceiling assembly documentation. Accurate floor sections coordinate structure with finish and MEP clearances.

Lesson 1 • Waterproofing and Flashing Details

Covers window head, sill, jamb, and through-wall flashing details. Flashing details are critical to preventing water infiltration at vulnerable transitions.

Lesson 2 • Stair, Ramp, and Guardrail Details

Produces details for stair treads, risers, landings, and compliant guardrail systems. These details must satisfy structural, accessibility, and safety requirements simultaneously.

Lesson 3 • Structural Connection Details

Documents beam-to-column, ledger, and anchor bolt connections in coordination with structural engineers. Structural details must match engineer drawings exactly.

Lesson 4 • Door and Window Details

Documents rough opening, frame, and threshold conditions for doors and windows. Proper detailing ensures weathertightness, accessibility, and structural support.

Lesson 1 • Writing Basic Specifications

Introduces specification writing for materials, execution, and quality standards. Students draft a short specification section using standard division format.

Lesson 2 • Equipment and Fixture Schedules

Documents plumbing fixtures, mechanical equipment, and specialty items in schedule format. Equipment schedules coordinate with MEP engineers and procurement teams.

Lesson 3 • Document Control and Issue Management

Covers revision clouds, delta numbering, and formal document issue procedures. Proper control ensures all parties work from the current document version.

Lesson 4 • Cross-Discipline Document Coordination

Teaches systematic methods for checking architectural drawings against structural, MEP, and civil documents. Coordination prevents costly field conflicts.

Lesson 1 • Document Set Audit and Closeout

Conducts a final audit of a complete document set for consistency, completeness, and compliance. Students produce a corrected, permit-ready document package.

Lesson 2 • Documentation Across Project Phases

Maps document content expectations from schematic design through construction administration. Students calibrate drawing depth to project phase and client need.

Lesson 3 • Quality Control Review Processes

Establishes internal QC checklists, peer review protocols, and coordination review sequences. Systematic QC reduces errors before documents reach contractors.

Lesson 4 • Risk Management Through Documentation

Identifies documentation practices that reduce professional liability and project disputes. Clear, complete documents are the primary defence against claims.