INTRODUCTION TO WORKING

DRAWINGS
Architecture has been around since early civilization of
man. However, the practice of an architect still seems
undetermined particularly to the public. The practice
of architecture does not merely involve “drawing
“and “rendered images”. Those are just aspects and
only a tool to communicate ideas and translate those
ideas to reality. In the Philippines, the practice of
architecture is wide-range and can vary from design,
consultancy, construction, project management,
academe, and other in-depth application. It is
contextual, scientific, and analytic in nature.

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Definition of Terms
Architect
Professionally and academically qualified. Registered
and licensed under PRC and responsible for
advocating the fair and sustainable development,
welfare and cultural expression of society’s habitat in
terms of space, forms and historical context.

TCT
Stands for “Transfer Certificate of Title” and usually
contains the property’s technical description which
serves as the basis of lot boundaries during
commencement of design stage.

HVAC
Stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
and deals with the technology of indoor environmental
and thermal comfort

Service Agreement
Duly notarized written contract or equivalent public
instrument which stipulates the scope of services and
guaranteeing compensation of such services.

UAP
Stands for United Architects of the Philippines and is
the integrated and accredited professional
organization of architects in the Philippines

Practice subjects.
Note: To be able to discuss in a more comprehensive manner,
this handout relates the dialogue of working drawings into actual
practice of an Architect. Further discussion on different codes and
standards will be elaborated and expounded in Professional Practice
subjects.
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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE OF THE DESIGN PROCESS

ARCHITECTURE
A project usually starts with a client’s intent to build a
Before understanding the full context of “Working structure or a development. The client then engages
Drawings”, it is important to realize the scope of service from an Architect (Note: A service agreement
the Architect’s practice and why is there a need to is required before undertaking any service from the
be fully engaged and knowledgeable on the entire architect, Sec. 30 RA 9266 ).
“Working Drawing Production”.
Phase Description Person Documents /
involved Drawings
By definition stated in Republic Act 9266 , the scope of needed or
the practice of architecture encompasses the provision prepared
of professional services in connection with site, 1 Project A Client Lot bearings and
Definition communicatio Architect boundaries
physical and planning and the design, construction, Phase : n step usually seen in
enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling , Establishing between the TCT .
restoration or alteration of a building or group of the Design client and
buildings. The minimum services include the following: Brief architect
stating the Geodetic
desire, Engineer /
1. Planning, architectural designing and requirements Geotechnic
structural conceptualization and al Engineer
understanding *
2. Consultancy of the project.
3. Schematic design, design development, 2 Schematic Schemes are Client Site
contract documents and construction phases Design presented for Architect Development
including consultancies. client’s Plan , Floor
approval. Plans,
4. Preparation of architectural plans, Elevations,
specifications, bill of materials, cost Perspectives
estimates, general conditions, and bidding 3 Design The approved Client Site
documents Development “scheme” will Architect Development
be developed Engineers Plan , Floor
5. Construction and Project management and finalized. Plans,
6. Planning, architectural lay-outing and Elevations,
utilization of spaces, architectural detailing, Perspectives
lighting, acoustics , architectural lay-outing of Initial
mechanical, electrical, electronic, sanitary , Engineering
plumbing, communications and other utility Plans
systems, equipment and fixtures 4 Contract Preparation of Client Architectural
Documents architectural Architect Structural
7. All works which relate to the scientific and Engineers Electrical
aesthetic and orderly coordination of all works engineering Mechanical
and branches of the work, systems, and drawings for Plumbing /
different Sanitary
process necessary to produce a complete permit Fire Protection
building. purposes Electronics*
5 Bidding The architect Client Bid Documents :
RA 9266 states that the definition of Architecture is “ assist the Architect Contract letting ,
owners in Bidders complete
the art, science and profession of planning, designing choosing the construction
and constructing buildings in their totality with due contractor plans, invitation
account of their environment and in accordance with from a and instruction to
the principles of utility, strength and beauty. prospective bidders
list
6 Construction Additional Client Construction
The practice of Architecture therefore involves many drawing Architect details that may
considerations for the Design Process to be fully details may be Engineers involve both
required Contractor / architectural and
achieved. It requires the architect to have a good during this Builder engineering
understanding and grasp of the site conditions, stage Project
geography, sustainability, anthropometrics, heritage, Manager
social and cultural value. Moreover, it also requires 6 Post As-built plans Client As-built plans
Construction are needed to Architect usually prepared
the architect to have basic comprehension of apply for Contractor by the contractor
different allied disciplines such as structural, permits ( / builder
electrical, sanitary, mechanical, electronics, occupancy etc
)
plumbing and other building systems.
Note: The above stated may vary on different project types

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

WORKING DRAWINGS ARCHITECTURAL PLAN SETS

( Denoted in Drawing Number as A )
A building is like a human body with different organ
systems that carry out special functions and serves a Architectural plans include the basic drawings that
common purpose. Without each functioning properly, establish a sense of how the entire project will look
the body will deteriorate and fall to disability. like. The following includes the usual sheets in an
architectural plan set, take note that sheets may vary
Therefore, a good and well-functioning building is a from different project and context.
product of a well -coordinated building systems. These
building systems involve both architectural and 1. Cover Sheet (Includes table of contents,
engineering. Both the architects and engineers signatory section , perspectives , vicinity
should work together to attain that common map , location plan, site development plan )
purpose. 2. Floor Plans
3. Elevations
4. Sections
What is then a Working Drawing? 5. Reflected Ceiling Plan
6. Schedule of Doors and Windows
In a common layman’s term, “working drawings” often 7. Schedule of Finishes
means “ blueprints or plans “. In fact, working drawings 8. Architectural Details ( Includes enlarged
are part of complete set of architectural plans ( and plans and elevations such as kitchen details,
engineering plans ) . toilet details , Bay sections , façade details ,
stair detail , spot details of significant
The “working drawings “ are vital for design and building component )
construction purposes. The architectural working
drawings are the basis of the engineering working Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as A-1, A-2, A-3 so on and
drawings. This is the set of plans that becomes the forth.A stands for Architectural. Architectural Details can be printed
both in 20x30” size or A3 sizes if given as supplemental construction
foundation for every project. The same drawings will detail. Numbering of sheets in architectural details is denoted as AD-
be interpreted by carpenters and skilled workers on site 1, AD-2 etc. AD stands for Architectural Detail. This set of plans is
to make the design come to reality. prepared and signed by a licensed Architect.

When is working drawing submitted?

Working drawing /s are submitted during Contract
Documents Phase and is included together with
other vital documents such as Bill of Materials and
Detailed Specifications Sheet.

What are the inclusions of working

drawings?
Basically, a working drawing includes all necessary
drawings to construct a building design. It is better to
engage the services of engineering during Design
Development Phase so that all services can work
synchronously during the Contract Document Phase.

The order of plan sheets generally follows the process

in constructing a building and includes the following :

1. Architectural Plans
2. Structural Plans
3. Mechanical Plans
4. Electrical Plans
5. Fire Protection Plans
6. Plumbing Plans
7. Sanitary Plans
8. Electronic Plans

Note: Plan sets depend on the project type and requirement by the
Office of the Building Official and other compliance permits. These sets
Figure 1 : Sample Architectural Drawings
are usually printed on A1 or 20x30” paper size.

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

STRUCTURAL PLAN SETS MECHANICAL PLAN SETS

( Denoted in Drawing Number as ST) ( Denoted in Drawing Number as MECH or M)

Structural plans include the basic drawings that Mechanical plans include the basic drawings that
establish a sense of how the entire project will be describes the placement , sizing and routing of
constructed. The following includes the usual sheets ductworks and HVAC components. The following
in a structural plan set, take note that sheets may vary includes the usual sheets in a mechanical plan set,
from different project and context. take note that sheets may vary from different projects.

1. Construction Notes (Includes general notes 1. Construction Notes (Includes specifications

pertaining to structural component of the pertaining to mechanical component of the
building e.g. loading criteria, strength of building e.g. legend & symbols, installations
reinforcements etc ) , mounting , equipment data etc )
2. Foundation Plan 2. Floor Plans Mechanical Layout
3. Floor Framing Plans 3. Mechanical Details
4. Roof Framing Plan
5. Schedule of columns, beams, and other Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as M-1, M-2, M-3 so on and
forth. Mech or M stands for Mechanical. This set of plans are prepared
structural members and signed by a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer.
6. Structural details
7. Structural Analysis (Usually a document
printed in an A4/ letter size paper that shows
the design calculation for the structure and is
often required in structure with three storey
and above )

Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as ST-1, ST-2, ST-3 so on and

forth. ST stands for Structural. This set of plans is prepared and signed
by a licensed Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer.

Figure 3 : Sample Mechanical Drawings

Figure 2 : Sample Structural Drawings

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

ELECTRICAL PLAN SETS FIRE PROTECTION PLAN SETS

( Denoted in Drawing Number as E ) ( Denoted in Drawing Number as FP )

Electrical plans include the basic drawings that Fire Protection plans include the basic drawings that
describes visual presentation and describes circuits describes fire prevention and suppression plan for the
and electrical systems. The following includes the structure. The following includes the usual sheets in
usual sheets in an electrical plan set, take note that an fire protection plan set, take note that sheets may
sheets may vary from different projects. vary from different projects.

1. General Notes (Includes specifications 1. General Notes (Includes specifications

pertaining to electrical component of the pertaining to electrical component of the
building e.g. legends & symbols, installation building e.g. legends, specifications,
etc ) equipment handling etc. )
2. Lighting Layout 2. Fire Protection Floor Layout
3. Power and Auxiliary Layout 3. Fire Protection Details
4. Schedule of loads
5. Riser Diagrams Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as FP-1, FP-2, FP-3 so on and
forth. FP stands for Fire Protection. This set of plans is prepared and
6. Electrical Details signed by a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer.

Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as E-1, E-2, E-3 so on and forth.

E stands for Electrical. This set of plans is prepared and signed by a
licensed Professional Electrical Engineer.

Figure 5 : Sample Fire Protection Drawings

Figure 4 : Sample Electrical Drawings

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

PLUMBING PLAN SETS SANITARY PLAN SETS

( Denoted in Drawing Number as P ) ( Denoted in Drawing Number as S or STP )

Plumbing plans include the basic drawings that shows Sanitary plans include the basic drawings that shows
the system of piping for entry of fresh water into the the system of piping , assembly of fixtures and fittings
building. It also includes the storm water system and that carries sewage from the fixture to a wastewater
other irrigation systems built together with the treatment plant where filtering, treatment and
structure. The following includes the usual sheets in a discharge takes place. The term sanitary and
plumbing plan set, take note that sheets may vary plumbing oftentimes being interchanged. The
from different projects. following includes the usual sheets in a sanitary plan
set, take note that sheets may vary from different
1. General Notes (Includes specifications projects.
pertaining to plumbing component of the
building e.g. legend, sizes and types of 1. Construction Notes (Includes specifications
plumbing fixture, pump schedule etc. ) pertaining to sewerage treatment component
2. Cold / Hot water line layout of the structure or development )
3. Drainage and vent line 2. Sewage system details
4. Plumbing Details
Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as STP-1, STP-2 so on and
Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as P-1, P-2, P-3 so on and forth. forth. S or STP stands for Sewage Treatment Plant Drawing. Note that
P stands for Plumbing. This set of plans is signed by a licensed Master this sheet depends on the requirement of the project. This set of plans
Plumber or a Sanitary Engineer. is signed by a Sanitary Engineer.

Figure 7 : Sample Sanitary Drawings

Figure 6 : Sample Plumbing Drawings

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

ELECTRONICS PLAN SETS THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE AND

( Denoted in Drawing Number as ECE ) ITS RELATION TO WORKING DRAWINGS
Electronics plans include the basic drawings that The Role of the Architect in Design and
shows the system of electronic equipment in the Construction Stage
structure. This set of plan is not always required and
often vary on the project requirement. The following
In the Philippines, the architect acts as his client’s/
includes the usual sheets in an electronic plan set,
owner’s adviser and translates the owner’s needs
take note that sheets may vary from different projects.
and requirements to spaces and forms in his best
manner of professional services. ( As stated in UAP
1. General Notes (Includes specifications
Docs, Regular Design Services )
pertaining to electronic devices and
equipment such as smoke / heat detector ,
Therefore, the “architectural plans” serves as the basis
cctv, telecommunications etc )
of every design and the project. Without “architectural
2. Electronic details
plans “, there will be no other building systems to start
Note: Numbering of sheets is denoted as ECE-1, ECE-2 so on and
with. In vise versa, it is also the role of the architect
forth. ECE stands for Electronic Plans Drawing. Note that this sheet to set forth detail the work required for the
depends on the requirement of the project. This set of plans is signed structural, electrical, mechanical, and other
by an Electronics Engineer. building systems. The following are the role of the
architect during the working drawing process.Take
note that these vary on different project classification,
typology, and service agreement:

1. Prepares the design from the project brief to

construction phase.
2. Establishes the basis of engineering design
e.g. structural conceptualization such as
placement of columns etc, lighting layout,
position and placement of utility spaces,
manner of constructions and general
conditions under which the project is to be
constructed
3. Coordinates with the engineers and other
allied services to make sure design and
details of the project are aligned.
4. Assist the owner in required documents to
secure approval of government authorities.
5. Construction supervision
6. Others as specified in UAP documents.

The Study of Architecture and its importance in

practice

The actual practice of architecture in the

Philippines is the basis of the outline of
architecture course. The students are being prepared
in the reality of field’s practice – the reality that these
students will someday engage and coordinate with
clients, engineers, allied professionals, contractors,
project managers, carpenters and all people involved
in building design and construction.

In fact, the five-year course with an architectural school

is only a foundation of knowledge. With wide range of
architect’s scope, professional expectation, and
constant technological development, it is important that
continuing professional development is being
undertaken regularly to further enhance and develop
the architect’s abilities.
Figure 8 : Sample Electronics Drawings

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SAMPLE DRAWINGS

Figure 9: Sample Cover Sheets

REFERENCES

Table of Contents
and Signatories

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

Figure 10: Sample Floor Plans and Roof Plans

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

Figure 11 : Sample Elevations and Sections

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

Figure 12 : Sample Window and Door Schedule

Figure 11 : Sample Architectural Details

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Building Technology 2 | ARC1121 | Construction methods in Wood, Concrete and Steel Introduction to Working Drawings

REFERENCES
Images and drawings by Mazer Architects
https://mazerarchitects.com/

Republic Act of 2004. RA 9266 Second Edition.

UAP Documents. Code of Ethical Conduct and

Standards of Professional Practice

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