As an architect, gaining hands-on experience with a complete set of architectural drawings is crucial to understanding how to effectively convey construction information through proper sheet numbering and organization. These drawings are typically a collaborative effort, involving input from architects, technologists, other design consultants, clients, and even building contractors for specialized details.
The end result is a comprehensive document containing a wealth of information. In this blog post, we will break down the various elements and numbering systems found in a typical architectural drawing document for construction. Below is a list of all sheets required in a complete architectural drawing, sometimes the sequence of arrangement can differ and some series can be skipped.
| Sheet Series | Description |
| A000 | Cover sheet, Drawing list, Legends (Symbols and abbreviations), Assembly types, Schedule & Building Code Review |
| A100 | Site plans and details, Landscape plans and Details |
| A200 | Floor plans, Roof Plans & Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs) |
| A300 | Exterior Elevations |
| A400 | Building & Wall Sections |
| A500 | Enlarged Plans |
| A600 | Plans & Section Details |
| A700 | Finish, Furniture & Fixture Plans |
| A800 | Interior Elevations |
| A900 | Millwork Plans, Elevations and Details |
list of all sheets required:
A000 – Cover sheet, legend, assembly types, schedule and review
A001 – Cover sheet
This is the first page of the set of drawings and usually includes the title of the project, the names of the client, architect and other involved parties, the date of the drawing and a rendered image of the project.
A001 – Legend, symbols and abbreviations
On this page, a list of abbreviations and symbols used in the project is explained. This is done so that anybody reading the drawings can understand the technical jargon in them. For example, T.O.S. – Top of Slab and U/S – Underside.
A002 – Assemblies types
Assembly types describe the various types of walls, roofs and floors used within a project. An assembly in an architectural drawing is the collection of components that make up a wall, floor or roof. For example, a project can have different wall types; a 6 inches interior block wall, an 8 inches exterior concrete wall and a fire-rated steel stud wall with Gypsum board on both sides. So, these various assembly types are listed, tagged and described on the assembly sheets.
A003 – Schedule
A schedule sheet contains a list of all the doors, windows and other components used with a project. These components are tagged, dimensioned and described on the schedule sheets. Just like assembly types, items listed in the schedule sheets may appear too small on either a plan or elevation to convey adequate details. Therefore, a tag is used to describe what those items are.
A004 – Review & Analysis
The use of this sheet varies. In countries where building codes are used, a code review of the designs is always required. This is the sheet where the architect explains how they adhered to the building code and what aspects of the building code are applicable to the project.
A100 – Site Plan
This sheet contains the layout of the building and its surrounding property, including the location of the building on the site, the surrounding streets and sidewalks, and any other features such as landscaping, parking lots, and driveways. Site plans also include information about the zoning and zoning regulations of the area, as well as any existing utility lines and other infrastructure. The A100 series of sheets sometimes include landscape drawings and site details.
A200 – Plans
A201 – Floor plans
On this sheet, the overall layout of a building, typically at one level or floor is shown. It is used to provide a visual representation of the interior layout, the location of walls, doors, windows, stairs, etc. The A200 series of sheets can include multiple sheets of different floor plans such as the ground floor plan, first-floor plan, second-floor plan etc.
A211 – Roof Plans
This sheet shows the layout and design of the building’s roof. It is used to provide a visual representation of the roof’s shape, slope, and direction, as well as the location of any roof penetrations such as skylights, vents, and chimneys.
A221 – Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCP)
Here, the sheet shows the layout of the ceiling of the building, including the location of lights, speakers, vents, and other ceiling-mounted fixtures and features. It is called “reflected” because it shows the ceiling elements as if they are reflected on a mirror placed on the floor.
A300 – Elevations
The elevation sheet shows the exterior of the building from one side or view, typically the front, back or sides. Elevations are used to communicate the overall design and aesthetic of the building, including the height, shape, and materials of the walls, roof, and other features.
A400 – Sections
A401 – Building sections
The building section sheet shows the vertical cutaway view of the building, typically at key locations such as the stairwell or a major room. It is used to communicate the internal layout and structure of the building, including the height and location of walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as the location of any mechanical and electrical systems.
A411 – Wall Sections
The sheet is usually called out from the building section. It shows a vertical cutaway view of a specific wall or group of walls. They are used to communicate the construction details and materials used in the building’s walls, including the location and thickness of insulation, vapour barriers, and other materials.
A500 – Enlarged plans
In this sheet, a blow-up or a detailed floor plan is shown. It shows a larger, more detailed view of a specific area of a floor plan. It is typically used to provide a more detailed view of a specific area of the building, such as a room or a corridor, and can be used to show the location and details of specific features, such as door and window openings, stairs etc. This sheet is often used on large projects where the overall plan can not contain all the required details. An enlarged plan is called out from the floor plans.
A600 – Details
A601 – Plan details
These sheets are used the provide construction details of critical aspects of the project in a plan view such as door or window connections to walls and it is often used to provide information on the materials and methods used in construction.
A602 – Section details
These sheets are used to provide construction details of critical aspects of the project in a section view such as the joint between two different materials or the connection of a structural element such as a wall to a floor, and it is often used to provide information on the materials and methods used in construction
A700 – Finish, furniture and fixture (FFE) plans
This sheet shows the location and specifications of the finishes, furniture, and fixtures that will be used in the building. These plans are used to communicate the design intent for the interior of a building, including the materials, colours, and styles that will be used for walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces. They are also used to specify the location and type of furniture, such as desks, chairs, and sofas, and the location and type of fixtures, such as light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and appliances.
A800 – Interior Elevations
This sheet shows the vertical view of specific interior architectural elements like walls, partitions, millwork, cabinetry, etc. It is similar to an exterior elevation, but it shows the interior side of a wall or element, and it is used to communicate the design of specific architectural features such as built-in cabinetry, fireplace mantels, or other millwork details.
A900 – Millwork plans, elevation & details
The sheet is the construction detail sheet for the millwork and other fixed cabinetry. Millwork is various wooden architectural elements that are used to finish the interior and exterior of a building. This includes items such as baseboards, crown moulding, wainscoting, cabinetry, built-in furniture, doors, and window sills.
In conclusion, a complete set of architectural drawings is a comprehensive document that is essential for the construction of a building. It is a collaborative effort that involves input from architects, technologists, other design consultants, clients, and even building contractors for specialized details. As an architect, gaining hands-on experience with a complete set of architectural drawings is crucial to understanding how to effectively convey construction information through proper sheet numbering and organization.
In this blog post, we have provided a breakdown of the various elements and numbering systems found in a typical architectural drawing document for construction. By understanding the different sheets and their purpose, new architects will be able to approach their projects with more confidence and expertise.
If you have questions, please leave comments below and I will post replies as soon as possible.
