What is the role of an Execution Draftsperson?
The Execution Draftsperson contributes to the execution studies of a real estate project by modeling formwork and reinforcement elements in reinforced and prestressed concrete. Reporting hierarchically to the Lead Draftsperson, they work with most internal departments at GA Smart Building: Construction, Studies & Projects, Methods, Sales & Development, the BIM team, and the factories. Externally, they interact with architects, project managers, control offices, and subcontractors.
What are the responsibilities of an Execution Draftsperson?
The Execution Draftsperson produces execution drawings based on the documentation provided by the Business Engineer and the calculations done by the Design Engineer.
Responsible for formwork, they ensure that all concrete elements are accurately sized and fit perfectly with other components to form the building’s structure.
In coordination with the Methods team, they position all the necessary inserts for transport, handling, and safety.
They model the reinforcement — all the steel components that ensure the structural strength of the concrete element — and create the 2D execution drawing that will guide its manufacturing in the precast concrete factory.
Finally, they ensure that the drawings comply with the graphic charter and match the structural calculation notes.
What are the skills and qualities of an Execution Draftsperson?
An Execution Draftsperson is a technician who masters the BIM platform used by GA Smart Building. They are adaptable and responsive to different requests and unforeseen challenges.
With strong team spirit, they must ensure that their component is fully compatible with those produced by their colleagues in the Design Office. They are available, methodical, and enjoy collaborative work.
How to become an Execution Draftsperson at GA Smart Building, and what are the career opportunities?
Several educational paths lead to the role of Execution Draftsperson, each offering multiple opportunities for advancement.
A 2-year technical degree in Civil Engineering (such as IUT Génie Civil or BTS Bâtiment) is the most common route. Typical career progression includes becoming a Design Draftsperson, and eventually a Lead Draftsperson.
Adrien, Design Draftsperson at GA Smart Building
After earning my degree in Civil Engineering and Sustainable Construction in Toulouse at the IUT Paul Sabatier in 2018, I briefly worked in the nuclear sector before joining the Design Office at GA Smart Building in 2019. Working in a large team, supported by a Design Engineer on each project and guided by experienced draftspersons, helped me develop my technical skills quickly and encouraged valuable discussions about challenges we faced in our projects. Since then, I’ve grown into a design drafting role, taking on more responsibilities within project teams and on-site operations. I particularly enjoy the atmosphere and working conditions at our new headquarters, Niwa, which is innovative and a true showcase of our expertise.
A Day in the Life of Adrien, Design Draftsperson at GA Smart Building
Start of the day
Discussion with the Lead Draftsperson to assess the day’s priorities. Depending on the element to be drawn, I refer to the Design Engineer who handled the calculations.
11:00 AM
Model the requested element and produce the drawing that will be used for manufacturing at the factory.
Every Thursday morning: Weekly review with the Lead Draftsperson of all elements completed over the past week.
1:30 PM
Finalize the drawing. It’s then reviewed by the Design Engineer, who checks compliance with the calculation note and reinforcement feasibility before the plan is digitally released. I send a file containing the rebar list and bill of materials. This is forwarded to the Methods team, which ensures coordination with the factories.
End of the day
Start modeling a new element, based on the pouring sequence defined by the Methods team, in coordination with the factory and the Design Office.