Introduction

Accessing and using construction drawings on site is a critical aspect of an architect's role. As an experienced architect or architect assistant, I have conducted numerous site visits and witnessed a wide array of approaches to managing and utilizing architectural plans on construction sites. Whether you are conducting field verification, checking punch lists, or simply touring a site for construction administration, having the right tools and methods can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness.

Field Verification

Field verification often requires a quick and practical approach to assess the accuracy and compliance of the construction with the architectural plans. During these visits, paper plans remain a preferred medium due to their accessibility and ease of use.

I carry an 18" by 12" thin board with half-sized sets of drawings, which allows me to write notes and make sketches directly on the drawings. This method is faster and more intuitive compared to digital tablets. For situations where I need a larger view, full-sized drawings folded to show specific details are useful. Even when using point cloud capture, having a paper backup is invaluable, as it allows me to quickly recall and reference the drawings without relying solely on digital devices.

Punch List Checking

During punch list checks, which involve verifying that all construction tasks are completed and meet the required standards, digital tools are highly advantageous. My preferred tool is a Windows tablet running Bluebeam Revu. This tool allows me to mark up PDF sets directly, add photographs with the tablet's camera, type legible notes, and even sketch with a stylus. This combination of features ensures that I can efficiently and accurately document any issues that need to be addressed.

General Construction Administration

For more general construction administration tasks, the choice of tool depends on the size of the project. For smaller projects, an 11x17 inch printed set of the plans is sufficient. For larger projects, a portable computer with a full PDF set is ideal, as it allows for easy searching and navigation through the plan set with a good PDF markup tool. In some cases, current captures of the Revit model can also be brought along to the site, although they are rarely necessary.

Discussion and Collaboration

During site visits, it is often helpful to discuss specific elements of the plans. In such cases, printouts of relevant sections are brought along. This allows for easier group discussions and allows team members to review and sketch over the plans more effectively.

For more advanced AR site visits, remote tools like the Hololens or even a simple Android phone can be used to visualize and discuss the construction site with colleagues in real-time, enhancing the collaborative experience.

Fully Digital Projects

For fully digital projects, where all team members have access to iPads with digital documents, the workflow can be smooth and efficient. However, this approach requires a substantial investment in both infrastructure and support, making it more suitable for larger and more complex projects.

Conclusion

Whether you are conducting field verification, performing punch list checks, or simply touring a site for construction administration, the method of accessing and using architectural plans on site will vary based on the specific needs and project size. The right tools and methods can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in managing construction projects. Whether traditional paper plans, digital tools, virtual reality, or a fully digital workflow, the key is to choose the method that best suits the project at hand.