Architectural drawings can seem complex at first glance, but understanding the basics helps clients make better decisions.
Floor Plan
A floor plan is a top-down view of the building, showing room layouts, walls, doors, and windows. It helps you understand how spaces connect and flow.
Image credit: How to Read Floor Plans — Mangan Group Architects
Elevation
An elevation shows the exterior or interior wall of a building as if you are looking straight at it. It illustrates heights, finishes, and design details.
Image credit: Front Elevation Rendered – Prairie Architect – WEST STUDIO
Section
A section is a cut-through view of the building, showing structural details, ceiling heights, and hidden elements. Drawings often include symbols and dimensions. For example, a circle with an “X” might represent a light fixture, and numbers along a wall show its length.
Image credit: 10 Successful Architectural Section Drawings by Architects | illustrarch
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Your architect or Graduate Architect can walk you through the meaning of each symbol so you can visualise the space accurately. Learning to read drawings helps you spot issues early and feel more confident during the design process.
