Architecture/Drafting Set

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Expert: - 8/17/2005


Question
I'm interested in acquiring a quality set of drafting tools. Living in a rural area this isn't something I can just go to the store and pickup. I was wondering if you could recommend any particular brands of equipment (compasses, etc.) and/or websites to purchase them from.
Thanks a lot

Answer
Thanks for your question!

Since you've called yourself "future designer" I feel compelled to point out that almost all drafting work is done on computer these days - I don't think they even teach manual drafting anymore.

But back to your question!  Quality drafting tools and supplies are available many places online and on Ebay.  The best-known names include:

Koh-I-Noor
Rotring
Staedter
Alvin
Pickett
Charvoz
Pacific Arc
Mayline
Chartpak

Anything by those companies is good quality.  I have some old compass sets and triangles that I use occasionally for preliminary sketching, but for that use you don't need the highest quality.  CAD takes care of the accuracy in the construction drawings these days.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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