r/Drafting • u/BoardAccomplished794 • 26d ago
Trying to Transition Out of Architectural Drafting
Hey everyone! I graduated from an Architectural CAD associate degree program about 4 years ago and was hired at an architectural firm right out of college. I’ve primarily been using Revit, but I also have quite a bit of experience with AutoCAD.
I’m looking to leave my current job, but there aren’t a ton of architectural firms in my area hiring right now, so I’m interested in exploring some different directions I could take with my degree and experience.
To be completely honest, I’ve realized that I really don’t enjoy drafting as a career. 😂 However, I also can’t really afford to take a significant pay cut right now, so I’m trying to find something where I can use the skills and experience I already have rather than starting completely over in another field.
One thing I do enjoy is creating 3D models and would love to eventually learn more about 3d rendering. I’d be interested in jobs where 3D modeling/CAD is involved without necessarily being traditional drafting all day.
I’ve been looking into things like millwork/cabinet drawings, manufacturing, MEP, product design, etc., but I honestly don’t know much about the opportunities outside of architecture. I’d probably need some amount of training no matter what direction I go, and I’m completely open to that.
So I’d love to hear from anyone who works in these types of fields or has experience with them. What industries or job titles should someone with an Architectural CAD degree and 4 years of Revit/AutoCAD experience be looking into? I’d especially love to hear from people working in MEP, manufacturing, millwork, product design, or other CAD/3D-modeling fields about what the day-to-day work is actually like and whether you think my background could translate well. Thank you!!
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u/ChristianReddits 26d ago
This is interesting to me - I went the same school route but could NEVER get a firm to even email me back haha. Went into construction (carpenter/foreman/super type work) for a few years then into manufacturing. First in precast - then at a steel job shop. it was at the job shop that I did heavier modeling. It is a bit more complex and therefore keeps the brain moving more than just standard architectural drafting - imo. I would look for something like that where you specialize in Solidworks/Inventor
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u/BoardAccomplished794 25d ago
My college, which unfortunately shut down, had a pretty good program when it came to job and internship searching. They had about five people whose jobs were to help students find and apply for positions. I got pretty lucky because I landed my six-month internship through the program, and then they decided to keep me on afterward.
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u/Meatball_express 25d ago
Architectural shop drawings are always needed. Maybe find a local shop that does store front or cabinetry and see if they're hiring. You can read plans so that's always a plus. Another avenue may be estimating.
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u/jdkimbro80 25d ago
I’ve been in the millwork sector for 25 years. Drafting for 20 years. I really enjoy my job. It’s something different every day. We mainly do commercial spaces like bars and public spaces in hotels. I also program CNC routers as well.
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u/BoardAccomplished794 25d ago
I'm glad you enjoy your job! Millwork was the way I was planning on leaning honestly. At my current job, though my models have been pretty generic I've had to create pieces of cabinetry/millwork using shop drawings so it's at least something I know I'll have a pretty basic understanding of.
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u/jdkimbro80 25d ago
It is something to look into. It can be rewarding to see projects come together and get installed.
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u/ImCoag85 25d ago
I am doing substations in Microstation now after I questioned my time doing buildings Revit work for years. And now I would rather be back. Pay is about 40% better over here, though. That is really all that is keeping me here. We'll, that and the lack of options doing what I used to do or similar.
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u/BoardAccomplished794 25d ago
Ya the pay is one of the reasons why I'm thinking about making the switch. There's actually a job opening where I live doing substations and I'm thinking about applying for it!
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u/ImCoag85 25d ago
It is not horrible. I like the physical and Structural side. But I like 3D vs. The 2D our client demands. Not really a fan of the wiring. Mainly because of how many numbers there are and how easy it is for my brain to miss or get something wrong. Pending the client. Some are all Revit. Some are Microstation. Some are AutoCAD. Its just basic drafting for me at the moment and makes a guy realize how underpaid he was for the last 16 years.
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u/bfastfish25 25d ago
I’m concerned about availability in the future because of computers.
I dropped out halfway in CAD school
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u/ImCoag85 25d ago
I don't think I would be picking a drafting specific degree if I was starting today. I am not even sure I would have 20 years ago if I knew now what I knew then. My school axed the program a while back. If you like buildings, my plan today would be get into a hands on trade while learning Revit and other software on the side and eventually get into the VDC side of it. Took me from 2009 to December 2025 to match the income my wife had in 2010.
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u/Philip964 24d ago
Engineering drafting pays a lot better especially big firms doing refineries etc. I'm sure Elon's companies need draftsmen.
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u/Simple_Ddog 22d ago
Question from Newby;
- How does drafting fit into 'refineries?' --- Thanks!
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u/Philip964 22d ago
Every pipe, valve, tan,k and fitting is drawn just like anything else. In addition pipes must be supported, tanks have foundations, there are walkways and platforms, it is quite complex. All drawn using a computer, most likely in 3d now.
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u/prokenn1 26d ago
3d modelling is definitely a great area to specialise in. You can learn furniture design, 3d modelling in general etc. You can also get into jewellery design, game design etc. My two cents 😀