How to make construction drawings?

[Destrier]

It's difficult for me to answer as I'm newly graduated with zero experience. We receive quite a theoretical education. The entire education is rather impractical, which I strongly dislike. However, we do learn quite a bit of fundamental theory as mentioned. Everything from how to calculate strength and how to reinforce to how to conduct geotechnical surveys and how to draw and model on the computer (CAD/BIM) etc. This is in addition to what we learn for the specialization in building construction among many more courses. We also learn a lot of theory about other things like project planning, hydraulics, business economics, etc. How useful this is in reality is impossible for me to answer. It's definitely useful to have a basic understanding in different subjects depending on what you want to work with. For example, if I want to work as a designer, it's quite important that I have a basic understanding of strength, how concrete/steel/wood behaves, etc., which we learned in school. We don't get any practical training from the school at all. Then again, Chalmers is a well-known university, and all the civil engineers who studied there before me have managed brilliantly in the workforce. That's all I can comment on for now I just wonder how designers have learned to create design drawings when it's not taught in school. I assume the companies teach them.

Thanks!

I also went to Chalmers and drew a lot at my first job after school.

-A lot of consulting firms are almost screaming for engineers who can draw, or want to learn - so work for a while at one of them, and you'll soon become really good at drawing.

-Even those who studied drafting in high school are hired by consulting firms to draw design drawings and more.
-There are engineers who review the drawings before they are sent out to clients - and even the clients’ engineers review - so everything comes out right.

-Most people eventually get tired of all the drawing - so there is always a need for new engineers .....

 

[byggingenjören97]

I also went to Chalmers and did a lot of drawing in my first job after school.

-Very many consulting firms are almost screaming for engineers who can draw, or want to learn - so work at one of these for a while and you'll soon get really good at drawing.

-Even those who studied construction in high school are hired by consulting firms to draw construction drawings and others.
-There are engineers who review the drawings before they go out to the customer - and even the customers' engineers review them - so everything is correct.

-Most people eventually tire of all the drawing - so there is always a need for new engineers.....

The job market is not as super friendly as it seems to be. Many companies are screaming for engineers but at the same time, you are competing with 50 others applying for the same position. Then came corona and made it even worse now. Most companies have now completely halted their recruitment processes and now there is twice as much competition as before.

But beyond that! What is the profession like for civil engineers where you draw? What exactly do you do, what are the expectations as a recent graduate, what does the career ladder look like? Do you have any tips for me who wants to work in that field?

 

[bossespecial]

I'm looking for a job now. Not an internship. I might start working as a designer in 3 weeks. I was wondering if there is any way I can educate myself until then.

If you've got a job, I think you should enjoy the time off until then, the rest will work itself out

 

[SNf]

Interesting thread but also a bit alarming. The basics of accounting techniques (projection learning, drawing symbols, line thicknesses, etc.) should have been taught to you at Chalmers. If not, get a book on this quickly. Beyond that, it's just practice that counts. One must think three-dimensionally and realize that a drawing is just a horizontal or vertical section through a 3-D model. Today's youth who are not taught to draw with pen and paper (or drafting film) probably have a steeper learning curve. Today's computer-aided technology is not only beneficial. Most K-drawings are made using A-drawings as their basis.

Thank you! Appreciate all the info and tips! I have also understood that it's something you learn at the workplace. I look forward to starting work and learning! Due to corona, I am currently unemployed, so I want to take advantage of the time and develop/learn things on my own instead of twiddling my thumbs on the couch. At least as much as possible Do you have any tips on how I can get a little understanding of the subject area on my own? Even if it's just a little, it's better than nothing. I appreciate any advice I can get. I find this super interesting but I can’t find a way to learn from it

Drafting and drawing reading is a bit like a language for communicating with others. The more you can speak and understand, the fewer mistakes and quality issues. Symbols, line widths, etc., are specific to different technical fields.
As others have already said, you can learn practically. The experience comes over time. You can't be sure that everything you see at work gives you good knowledge, so I recommend that you also buy a good book on drafting/drawing reading. It's easy sometimes to get stuck on/in various flashy tools. But if you can simply and clearly sketch something on paper with measurements and symbols, etc., so that your colleagues can read it, then you're on your way! A book probably costs 300–500 sek, I guess.

Best regards,
F-79 (I think I've learned most drawing myself)

 

[byggingenjören97]

If you've got a job, I think you should enjoy the time off until then, everything else will work itself out

I haven't got a job yet but I've been to an interview. You can apply for internships during your studies but it's quite hard to get one. No point in applying for internships after graduation. That's when you need a job. But otherwise, I don't like just sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. This is my passion I like to read and learn about house building. That's what I do in my spare time because I enjoy it I also want to prevent a rocky start if I get a job and to be able to impress the employer.

 

[byggingenjören97]

Drawing technique and drawing reading are a bit like a language for communicating with others. The more you can speak and understand, the fewer mistakes and quality problems. Symbols, line widths, etc. are specific to different technical areas. As others have already said, you can learn practically. Experience comes over time. You can't be sure that everything you see at work provides good knowledge, so I recommend you also buy a good book on drawing technique/drawing reading. It's easy to get caught up in flashy tools. But if you can simply and clearly sketch something on paper with measurements and symbols, etc., so your colleagues can read it, you're on your way! A book probably costs 300–500 sek I guess.

Best regards,
F-79 (I think I learned most of the drawing myself)

I'm not referring to the drawing technique. I already know that. I'm referring to the building physics behind the drawing. In other words, why it is drawn the way it is. In "bygghandlingar 90" and other literature, it just says "do it this way." Okay, but why should it be done that way? That's what I'm wondering

 

[FruB]

I remember feeling the same way you do when I graduated. Sometimes, I still feel that way, and I'm now in my twelfth year (minus some childbearing and parental leave) as a consultant in the construction industry. It's not always the case that a company designs an entire building on its own. One firm might be responsible for steel design, another for prefabricated elements, and a third for the cast-in-place foundation, etc. This can mean that as a structural engineer, you become quite specialized during the course of a project, and when you later switch to a new project, sometimes a year or more later, everything other than what you just worked on can feel a bit faded. But the longer you work, the easier it is to revive it. With experience, comprehensive solutions in smaller projects also become more relevant. But that requires some routine. I don't believe anyone ever becomes fully knowledgeable in this industry, so don't stress over your feelings of ignorance. With that said, my tips for a newly minted colleague in the industry are as follows:

Drawing Technique

• Larger companies always have a drawing manual. My experience is that it's based on Bygghandlingar 90, but tailored to the company. So keep BH90 close at hand.
• Some clients have their own CAD manuals which they expect you, as a consultant, to follow. These don't focus much on drawing techniques but rather on drawing numbering, exporting routines, etc. This is something you pick up over time.
• The first thing you will likely do if you're hired at a consultancy firm is a tutorial in either Tekla Structures or Revit Structure. So, if you have nothing better to do, I suggest you delve into those. As a recent graduate, you might also work with some older, experienced hands, so it's good not to be completely lost in AutoCad, as that's often the program they handle best and tend to stick with.

Construction Details

• To understand the purpose of each layer in a wall, a roof, etc., and where to place them, you need to study building physics. Each layer has a purpose: sealing, ventilation, heating, fire protection, load-bearing, etc. Sometimes there are customer requirements that must be met, which influence the design — U-values, for example. Sometimes things also need radiation protection, burglar-proofing, etc. Material choice can also guide the project if it's, for example, a Sunda Hus certified project. You can't specify certain types of materials due to environmental and health reasons. Most of this you will learn as you work.
• Many product companies have pre-designed standard solutions/details for their products. Make a habit of always checking their website and feel free to call one of their experts for discussion.
• The division of responsibility between A and K can be tricky, but in an ideal project, this is determined from the start. I believe there has been a change over time in the industry regarding this. Previously, A had more responsibility for detailed design. Now, it seems that K often does more of the technical drawings related to building physics. (A draws a lot of other things, so that might be fair. ) Most common is that K is responsible up to the sealing layer, counting from the inside, and beyond that, the architect takes over. This means facade brick, roof sheet metal, etc. But this is not a rule but project-specific. Coordination with A is very important throughout a project. It happens continuously.
• For the design of details, you also need to have AMA close at hand.
• Other disciplines are also important in the design. Installation layers are more common than the exception. Besides that, you have to ensure there are studs for fixture for possible installations, etc. Fire regulations provide you with the prerequisites to design fire-safe solutions. HVAC and Electrical might want to have penetrations through the foundation, which must be sealed against water. Sometimes they're responsible for sealing themselves. Again, ongoing coordination in the project is important as it can vary.
• Buildability. Designing a detail always considers the assembly process. Can the installer access it? Is there enough space? In what order must things be assembled? Is it too heavy? Perhaps slimmer drywall for the work environment? Etc.
• Reference projects. Don't reinvent the wheel. It's costly for the client. If a colleague has done a similar detail in another project, ask to take a look. Then create your own little library to draw from when needed. Sometimes, consulting firms have ready-made standard details used for drawing assistance from colleagues in other countries. Useful also for new employees.

Calculations

• I get the feeling that this is where you feel secure. That's good. Try to keep your calculation skills alive. There's an overriding "risk" that you'll end up in a design role when you enter working life, and it's easy to get pigeonholed for a few years, and knowledge, as they say, is fresh produce. So try to keep your calculation skills alive. You'll need them later when you're expected to be more independent. Occasionally remind them that you want to do some calculation work.
• Study Eurocode.

General

• Try to find a knowledgeable and pedagogical colleague, someone you feel comfortable with and who is willing to help. Unfortunately, there's no established mentorship in the consulting industry, at least not where I've worked, but I would say that's the key to development. Knowledge transfer. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the person you ask thinks you should know the answer, they're the wrong person to ask. Then continue searching until you find someone smart enough to understand development. The problem often is the billing rate and deadlines. There's little time for pedagogical learning. Really, only your manager can make a difference there. Allowing experienced consultants to spend some time on knowledge transfer.
• Don't skimp on quality assurance. That's what allows you to sleep well at night. I believe more or less all consulting firms have an established system for this today. Try to get hold of checklists or create your own as you work on projects to make sure you haven't missed anything. Always ensure your work is reviewed. Also, be meticulous about documenting your calculations clearly in a calculation report, so the review goes smoothly.

Good luck!

 

[justusandersson]

A fantastically fine review by @Fru B!

 

[byggingenjören97]

I remember feeling the same way you do when I graduated. I can still feel that way sometimes, and I'm now in my twelfth year (minus some childbirth and maternity leave) as a consultant in the construction industry. It's not always the case that a company designs an entire building on its own. One firm might be responsible for steel design, another for prefabricated elements, and a third for the cast-in-place foundation, etc. This can make an engineer quite specialized during a project's time, and when you then switch to a new one, one or sometimes several years later, everything but what you just worked on feels a bit rusty. But the longer you've worked, the easier it is to revive it. When you've worked for a while, more comprehensive solutions in smaller projects also become more relevant. But that requires some experience. I don't think anyone ever becomes fully learned in this industry, so don't stress over your feeling of ignorance. That said, my tips to a newly graduated industry colleague are as follows:


Drawing Technique

• Larger companies always have a drawing manual. My experience is that it's based on Bygghandlingar 90 but has been tailored a bit to the company. So keep BH90 close at hand.
• Some clients have their own CAD manuals that they have developed and that you, as a consultant, are expected to follow. These manuals don't focus much on the actual drawing technique but more on drawing numbering, export routines, etc. So, you have to take that as it comes.
• The first thing you'll likely do if you're hired by a consulting company is a tutorial in either Tekla Structures or Revit Structure. So if you have nothing better to do, my tip is to immerse yourself in these. As a recent graduate, you might also work with some older seasoned veterans, and it's good not to be completely helpless in AutoCad either, as this is usually the program they handle best and like to stick with.

Construction Details

• To understand what each layer of a wall, a roof, etc., is for and how to know where they should be placed, you need to study building physics. Each layer has a purpose. Sealing, ventilating, heating, fireproofing, carrying, etc. Sometimes you have customer requirements that must be met, which influence the design. U-values, for example. Sometimes something also needs to be radiation-protected, burglar-proofed, etc. Material selection can also be a controlling factor if the project, for example, is connected to Sunda Hus. Then you can't prescribe certain types of materials due to environmental and health concerns. Most of this you will learn as you work.
• Many product companies have ready-made standard solutions/typical details for their products. Make it a habit to always check out their websites and feel free to call one of their experts for a discussion.
• The boundary between A (architect) and K (construction) can be a bit tricky, but in an ideal project, this is settled at the beginning. I think there has been a change in the industry regarding this over time. In the past, A had a greater responsibility for the design of construction details. Now, I think K often draws more regarding building physics. (A draws so much else, so it can be fair. ) The most common practice I see is that K is responsible up to the waterproofing layer, counting from the inside, and beyond that, the architect takes over. Then we're talking about facade bricks, roof sheets, etc. But there is no rule, it's project-specific. Coordination with A is very important during a project. It happens continuously.
• For the design of details, you also need to have AMA close at hand.
• Other disciplines are also important in the design. Installation layers are more the rule than the exception. Besides that, you have to make sure there are studs to attach to for any installations, etc. Fire gives you conditions to design fire-safe. HVAC and electrical may want penetrations through the foundation wall that must be sealed against water. Sometimes they are responsible for the sealing themselves. Again, ongoing coordination in the project is important as it can vary.
• Buildability. The design of a detail is always done with the assembly in mind. Can the installer reach it? Is there enough space for him? In what order must things be installed? Will it be too heavy? Perhaps thinner drywall for the work environment? Etc.
• Reference projects. Don't reinvent the wheel. It's costly for the customer. If a colleague has done a similar detail in another project, ask to take a look at it. Then create your own little library that you can pull from when needed. Sometimes consulting companies have ready-made standard details that are used, for example, when drawing assistance is provided by colleagues in other countries. Also useful for new employees.

Calculations

• I get the feeling that this is where you feel secure. That's good. Try to keep your calculation skills going. There's an overwhelming "risk" that you'll end up in a project management role when you enter the workforce, and it's easy to get stuck in a niche for a few years, and knowledge, as they say, is perishable. So try to keep your calculation skills going. You'll need them later when you are expected to stand more on your own. Occasionally push to get a calculation task.
• Study Eurocode.

General

• Try to find a knowledgeable, pedagogical colleague with whom you feel comfortable and who is willing to help. Unfortunately, there's no established mentorship in the consulting industry, at least not where I've worked, but that's the key to development, I would say. Knowledge transfer. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the person you ask thinks you should already know the answer, they're the wrong person to ask. Then keep looking until you find someone smart enough to understand development. The problem is often billing rates and deadlines. There is little time for genuine pedagogical learning. Only your boss can really make a difference by allowing senior consultants some time for knowledge transfer.
• Don't compromise on quality assurance. It's what lets you sleep well at night. I believe more or less all consulting firms have an established system for this today. Try to get hold of checklists or create your own as you work on projects, to be able to check off that you haven't missed anything. Make sure your work always gets reviewed. Also, be diligent about clearly documenting your calculations in a calculation report so that the review is smooth.

Good luck!

WOW! I'm so incredibly grateful that you took the time to share this Would be so happy if you could answer these small questions?

Drawing Technique
- Which BH90 should one keep an eye on then? There are many different parts. Everything from representation forms and representation techniques to dimensioning and building representation. Which is used the most and which should one keep closest at hand? Or should one perhaps be knowledgeable about all of them?

Construction Details
- Is it expected of a recent graduate to be knowledgeable about building physics? How much then?
- What's the difference between AMA and Bygghandlingar 90? For what purposes is each book used?
- When I start drawing details as a new employee, is it just about creating a drawing, or should I have understood all the building physics behind the drawing too? What does the responsibility typically look like as a new hire?

Calculations
- I love calculations! I've heard that one often gets pigeonholed as you mentioned. I'm afraid of becoming a CAD slave because of that. How can one best avoid it? Is it by occasionally asking if one can do some calculations too or what is your advice on that?
- Have actually been studying Eurocode this past week Any specific part I should pay extra attention to?

I was at a job interview a week ago where they needed to hire a construction engineer who can draw details for them in Revit. But it was a very small newly opened company with only 4 employees. So it feels like I will have greater responsibility as a new hire there compared to a larger company where they have more opportunities to train new employees with courses, mentors, etc. Or what do you think? That's exactly why I created this thread to try to prepare myself as well as I can if I get the job. So I'm not sitting there like "how do you do this?" if you understand me. How do you think I can best prepare?

 

[seniorkonsult]

I remember feeling the same way as you when I graduated. I can sometimes still feel the same way, and that's even as I'm entering my twelfth year (minus a bit of childbirth and maternity leave) as a consultant in the construction industry. It's not always the case that a company designs an entire building on its own. One firm might be responsible for the steel design, another for the design of prefab elements, and a third for the cast-in-place foundation, etc. This means that as a designer, you can become quite niche-oriented during a project, and when you then switch and enter a new one, one or sometimes several years later, everything other than what you just worked on feels a bit faded. But the longer you've worked, the easier it is to revive it again. When you've worked for a while, holistic solutions in smaller projects also become more relevant. But that requires a bit of routine. Then I don't think anyone ever becomes fully learned in this industry, so don't stress over your feeling of ignorance. With that said, my tips for a newly graduated industry colleague are as follows:

Drafting Technique

• Larger companies always have a drafting handbook. My experience is that it is based on Bygghandlingar 90 but has been tailored a bit for the company. So keep BH90 close to hand.
• Some clients have their CAD manuals that they have developed, which you as a consultant are expected to follow. These don't deal much with the actual drafting technique but more with drawing numbering, export routines, etc. You have to take these as you go.
• The first thing you'll likely do if you're hired at a consulting firm is a tutorial in either Tekla Structures or Revit Structure. So if you have nothing better to do, my tip is to delve into this. As a recent graduate, you may also work with some older, experienced hands, so it's good not to be completely unfamiliar with AutoCad either, as this is often the program they handle best and are fond of sticking with.

Building Details

• To understand the purpose of each layer in a wall, roof, etc., and how you know where they should be placed, you need to study building physics. Each layer has a purpose. To seal, ventilate, insulate, fireproof, support, etc. Sometimes you have customer requirements to meet, influencing the design. U-values, for example. Sometimes something also needs to be radiation-protected, burglar-proofed, etc. The choice of material can also be dictated if the project is, for example, a Sunda Hus-affiliated project. Then you can't prescribe certain types of materials due to environment and health. Most of this you will learn as you work.
• Many product companies have ready-made type solutions/type details for their product. Make it a habit to always check their website and feel free to call one of their experts for discussion.
• The boundary between A and K can be a bit tricky, but ideally, this is agreed upon at the beginning of a project. I believe there has been a change in the industry regarding this over time. Previously, A had more responsibility for the design of building details. Now I see that it's often K that draws most of the building physics-related aspects. (A draws so much else, so it can be fair. ) Most commonly, K is responsible up to the waterproofing layer, counting from the inside, and beyond that, the architect takes over. Then we are talking about facade bricks, roof sheets, etc. But there's no rule without exceptions, it's project-specific. Coordination with A is very important throughout a project. It's ongoing all the time.
• For detailing, you also need to have AMA close at hand.
• Other disciplines are also important in the design. Installation layers are more the rule than the exception. Beyond that, you need to ensure that there are studs to attach for potential installations, etc. Fire gives you the conditions to be able to design fire-safely. HVAC and Electrical may want passages through the foundation wall that must be sealed against water. Sometimes they are responsible for the sealing themselves. Again, ongoing coordination in the project is important as it can vary.
• Buildability. The design of a detail is always done with assembly in mind. Can the installer reach it? Is there enough space? In what order must things be assembled? Will it be too heavy? Perhaps narrower gypsum boards for the work environment? Etc.
• Reference projects. You shouldn't reinvent the wheel. It's costly for the customer. If a colleague has made a similar detail in another project, ask to take a look at it. Then create your own little library that you can bring out when needed. Sometimes consulting firms have ready-made type details that are used, for example, when helping with drawings from colleagues in other countries. Useful even for new employees.

Calculations

• I get the feeling that this is where you feel comfortable. And that's good. Try to keep your calculation skills active. There's a considerable "risk" that you'll land in a design role when you enter the working life, and then it's easy to end up in a niche for a few years, and knowledge, as they say, is perishable. So try to keep your calculation skills active. You'll need them later when you're expected to stand a bit more on your own. Occasionally push to get a calculation job.
• Study the Eurocode.

General

• Try to find a knowledgeable teaching colleague whom you feel comfortable with and who is service-minded. Unfortunately, there is no established mentorship in the consulting industry, at least not where I have worked, but it's the key to development, I would say. Knowledge transfer. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the person you ask believes you should know the answer to the question, they are the wrong person to ask. Then you keep looking until you find someone smart enough to understand development. The problem is often billing rates and deadlines. There's little time for pedagogical learning. Only your manager can make a difference by allowing the experienced consultants to spend some time on knowledge transfer.
• Don't skimp on quality assurance. That's what will let you sleep well at night. I believe more or less all consulting firms have an established system for this today. Try to get checklists or create your own as you work on projects to ensure you haven't missed anything. Make sure your work is always reviewed. Be diligent in documenting your calculations clearly in a calculation report so that the review process is smooth.

Good luck!

Learning to report on drawings is largely learned on the job. By looking at drawings from previous projects that the company has performed and getting feedback from more experienced colleagues.

There is a book series called "bygghandlingar 90," which is very worthwhile reading.

A new book has also been released on detailing representation, which seems good.
[link]

Ms. B!
Thank you! That was the best detailed response for our new Knowledge-thirsty civil engineer member. I couldn't have given a clearer answer. Very well done!

 

[FruB]

WOW! I am so incredibly grateful that you took the time to share this I would be so happy if you could answer these small questions?

Drawing techniques.
- Which BH90 should you be aware of then? There are plenty of different parts. Everything from presentation forms and presentation techniques to dimensioning and house presentation. Which one is used the most and which one should be kept handy? Or should you perhaps be aware of all of them?

Building details
- Is it expected that as a newly graduated, you should be aware of building physics? How much then?
- What is the difference between AMA and Bygghandlingar 90? For what purposes is each book used?
- When I start drawing details as a newly employed person, is it just about producing a drawing, or should I have understood all the building physics behind the drawing as well? What is the usual responsibility as a newly employed?

Calculations
- I love calculating! I have heard that you often get placed into categories as you mentioned. I’m afraid that I will become a CAD-slave because of that. How do you avoid that best? Is it by sometimes asking if you can calculate a bit too, or what is your advice on that?
- I have actually been studying Eurocode the past week Any specific section I should pay extra attention to?

I was at a job interview a week ago where they needed to hire a civil engineer who can draw details for them in Revit. But it was a very small newly opened company with only 4 employees. So it feels like I will get bigger responsibility as a new hire there compared to a larger company where they have greater opportunities to teach new employees with courses, mentors, etc. Or what do you think yourself? That’s precisely why I created this thread to try and prepare myself as well as I can if I were to get the job. So that I don’t sit there and be like “how do you do it?” if you understand me. How do you think I can best prepare myself?

Glad my little contribution was appreciated.

Regarding BH90, I can't say which part is more important than the other. I have a company-customized drawing manual that I refer to if something needs refreshing. But spontaneously, installations, renovation, and construction might be something you won't need immediately. But I don't think you should stress about learning drawing techniques aimlessly. You have probably learned some basics in school, and the rest you will learn while working. Use BH90 or the company's drawing manual for assistance when you feel uncertain. (The companies I have worked for have had BH90 either in book form or digitally, so don't rush out and buy for too much money.) You can also, in this situation, ask a colleague for a reference drawing to glance at during the creation process.

Regarding the level of knowledge in building physics, it doesn't hurt if you have some understanding of dew point, diffusion, convection, etc. It will help you in your development, but to expect a newly graduated engineer to put together perfect building details is, in my opinion, not reasonable. The most common procedure is, as mentioned, starting in one of the previously mentioned 3D programs with modeling. After that, it might be appropriate to move on to, for example, manufacturing drawings of steel or prefabricated elements or perhaps flooring plans and main sections.

The difference between BH90 and AMA is that BH90 is a handbook in drawing techniques. It exists so that all drawings created in Sweden look the same. A cross in a square/circle always means a hole, for example. If everyone did their own thing, it would be very difficult to work on the construction site. On the other hand, AMA Hus is a compilation of rules for how building work should be performed. For example, how high up to bring the waterproofing so it is considered moisture-proof.

When drawing building details as a newly graduated civil engineer, I would say that the most common procedure is that someone older and more experienced sketches solutions on paper that you draw up. It is good if you think about it and try a little yourself before. Do not let yourself be pressured into a responsibility you don't feel ready for. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to do details independently, ask a lot and make sure someone reviews thoroughly. Highlight your insecurity so the reviewer does a more comprehensive job. Do not hold on to your questions until the last moment, but be clear early if you have difficulties with the task. Then there is still time to implement measures. And most importantly...everyone makes mistakes. Bring it to the surface. The sooner a mistake is discovered, the better, so even if it feels tempting to hide a mistake, it is always better not to.

Regarding CAD-slavery, I think it’s in that way you learn the most. It is kind of unavoidable if you want to manage a project independently. It is only when you are to draw, for example, a connection between a roof and a wall that you see the problems. You are forced to think about things you would not otherwise be confronted with, and that is what makes you develop. I think, as I said earlier, about reminding your boss a little now and then about your desire to calculate. It happens that someone only works with calculations, but it is very rare nowadays. You stagnate a little and become dependent on others being able to draw for you. Your goal should always be to master all parts of a project and be able to work independently. Then we are talking about career steps and extra money in the salary envelope, but you also make yourself more indispensable to the company, which is good in times of crisis.

That was a little joke about studying Eurocode. But if you have nothing better to do, go ahead. Learn a bit about its structure and how it works with its national annexes. It’s probably loads, concrete, and steel that you will use the most. Wood is on the rise, but according to my experience, still used mostly in studded roofs and curtain walls.

Four employees is quite a thin team, but with the right people, it can work just fine. They are probably trying to expand, and more people could be coming in shortly. Wasn't it a newly opened office, that might have other offices in Sweden or abroad? Then you can have a lot of collaborations with colleagues in other locations. As long as you have been honest about your qualifications and they are somewhat experienced, it will be fine. Otherwise, you can always change jobs. Then you enter the next employment with a little more merit on your CV and probably a lot of useful experience.

Try also to maintain a healthy level of working hours. It is easy to want to show initiative when new, and one can easily work oneself to exhaustion in this industry. Peaks of increased workload are reasonable in connection with deliveries, but if it becomes a type of normal state, it's time to break, which can be difficult once you have ended up in a “he-always-steps-up-category.” Then it might be time to look elsewhere.

 

[FruB]

A wonderfully fine review by @Fru B!

Thanks for the kind words!

 

[FruB]

Mrs. B! Thank you! That was the best detailed answer to our new knowledge-thirsty civil engineer member. I couldn't have provided a clearer answer. Very good!

But thank you! That was kind of you to say.

 

[Wiklundo]

I suggest that you read books instead of forums.
Quite a simple but comprehensive book:
https://www.bokus.com/bok/978914412...Ta0he6WbgY5cnUM90JAeECX1qura1AehoCxwQQAvD_BwE

To understand older house building:
https://www.adlibris.com/se/bok/sa-...VduE_EqHO-XMOiM9ysj2FNQ0r53x2-GBoC1mAQAvD_BwE

Someone has probably already said this, but you can also learn the basics of Revit or Tekla if you find it fun. But it's not super important. You pick it up pretty quickly once you start working. Easier when you have a real project and colleagues to ask.

 

[SNf]

I'm not referring to the drawing technique. I already know that. I'm referring to the building physics behind the drawing. So, why is it drawn the way it is? In the "bygghandlingar 90" and other literature, it just says "do it like this". Okay, but why should it be done that way? That's what I'm wondering

Ok, apologies for misunderstanding your question. I see you've already received good guidance from others. I bow and cannot contribute anything more. Good luck with your work!