doing blueprints and get some plans

We often get telephone calls literally asking questions like “do you do blueprints” or “how much for some plans.” Another favorite is “can you draw it up?”

This line of inquiry is largely related to residential work but occasionally comes up on a commercial project. Now, I have had many reactions to these calls and I must admit the general ignorance on the public’s part to what architects do frustrates me. However, I suppose part of that is somehow our fault as architects; maybe it’s entirely our fault.


Let’s start with “do you do blueprints?” I hope one can divine the answer to “can you draw it up” from the overall context.

One may not wish to be corrected, but the term “blueprint” is an archaic term occasionally still used by laypersons to describe technical construction drawings (also called working drawings, construction drawings or prints). It originated because of the “blue” drawings made by a development process of copying an original drawing made on translucent paper onto chemically treated paper. Light was passed through the translucent paper onto the copy paper. The chemical turned blue leaving white lines where the ink or pencil blocked the light.


We now refer to these technical drawings as “prints” or simply as drawings, construction drawings or construction documents. To be very precise they are part of the “contract documents” between the owner and contractor. Nevertheless, the reference to technical drawings or the preparation of documents used for construction is a part of an architect’s typical service; however, it is a result of a design process. Yes, we can ultimately provide our clients with construction drawings for a project, but first, we must talk about the design no matter how simple. An architect cannot jump to technical drawings without knowing the “what” or more importantly, the “why” of the building design. If you’re wondering, if we “drew up” what was given to us, 10 out of 10 times it would not work.

drafting tools



The production of contract documents or construction drawings is an important component of an architect’s service. It is where the art meets the technical. But that part of the process cannot be performed separately from a design process with the same successful results. Construction documents are a detailed and organized set of drawings and specifications that record countless decisions made and information gathered through a (thorough) design process between the client and the architect. In some ways leaping directly into construction drawings would be like a doctor providing a prescription or treatment plan without doing the diagnosis.


We’re good at questions.

doing blueprints and get some plans

10 thoughts on “doing blueprints and get some plans

  1. Richard W.C. Balkins, Building Designer says:









  2. Roxanne Button AIA says:



  3. Roland Arriaga says:

    I often tell prospective client that I do blueprints, yellowprints, redprints, all kind of color prints. I find it quite offensive to be bombarded by such ignorance from prospective clients. With the internet and information at your fingertips, any client can reasonable inform themselves and learn about what an architect does, how he performs his work, and the process of building. When I have to go through such pain and suffering of finding the patience to teach a client about what I do and explain the value of my services and how a “piece of paper”, worth thousands $$$$ of dollars, can help a contractor build his building, then my fees will reflect it. Tire kickers and price shoppers get sticker shock and generally end up going to Joe Blow Architects whose fees are on the very low end and whose perceived value is that of a WalMart neighborhood store where inexperienced architects come off the shelf for a dime-a-dozen. Physicians and attorneys’ perceived value is pretty much the same across the board. So why can’t architects work together to do the same? We work our butts off just like they do and put in long hours sacrificing family life for the sake of shaping humanity.

  4. I really like how you talked about the architect’s purpose being to make the project work within the budget. Architects have a tough job of carefully planning out blueprints that work for the client’s specifications while not emptying their wallet. I would definitely hire an architect if I needed to construct a building efficiently.



You are commenting using your account. Log Out /  Change )

Google photo


Twitter picture


Facebook photo


Connecting to %s
