Chapter One

The physical plant of the architectural office has begun to take on a new look. Rows and rows of drafting tables and cubicles are being replaced with mobile stations, giving an entirely new appearance to the work environment. Mobile stations can be reconfigured to the specific needs of a project. The stations can be positioned and repositioned by teams of CAD drafters and designers as the size of a project ebbs and flows. The center for this type of production room may be a conversation area similar to the living room area found in a residence. Here designers and drafters can discuss projects in a relaxed atmosphere. Rather than isolating drafters into small cubicles, as was the case from the 1960s through the 1980s, offices are now beginning to have an open look and feel. The use of low partitions enables the designers and CAD drafters to have eye contact while communicating across the room via computer. Computers are also being networked so that office managers can stay in touch and watch the progress on various projects. For example, if three or more drafters are working on a single project, the information on their individual computers can constantly be upgraded with the latest information as it becomes available. A change in the position of a window on a floor plan will be seen immediately on the different computers where the exterior elevation is being drawn.

Architecture is a small crafts industry in which most offices employ three to eight people. A home office may also be part of the office structure. A single drafter may be hired by two or more firms, and the office