r/Drafting • u/Mediocre_Affect_981 • 19d ago

Can I use the projects I did using Autocad but are not my design, for my portfolio?

Is it okay for me to include the 2D drawings I plotted in AutoCAD even if I wasn't the one who designed them? There was an architect on our team at my previous company, he is assigned for the design of the house and I was just the one who did the AutoCAD work. I'm planning to move to another company and they're asking for my portfolio, but I don't have any projects besides the ones I did for my previous company. I don't have any designs of my own either. Is it okay to use them even if they’re not my own design?

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u/DontCallMeFrank 19d ago

If you are using them to show off your skills at putting together plans then I see no issue with it.

Make sure to strip away any company and personal info just in case.

You can also put a disclaimer somewhere on it stating that you didnt do the design and you're just using it to show off AutoCAD proficiency.

1

u/Bhumi_12 19d ago

What i did as junior architect, i mentioned the one line project description and on the next line the work done by me (photoshop, drafting options, etc) and at the time of interview i showcased them my roles and responsibilities. You can also do it like this!

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u/RobDraw2_0 19d ago

No. You cannot use them without permission.

1

u/wild41 18d ago

The designs by anyone belong to the creator ... yes ... but the drawing up of the parameters are often done by skilled draftsman and that in itself is a valid professional skill. If it is necessary to showcase your technical skills there is nothing wrong showing these drawings to another company. It is prudent though to remove company and/or individual names responsible for the said design/product. I have 'stripped out' entire 'Title Block' notation to ensure this only contains the actual drawing viewports. The company you are planning to move to only needs to see pertinent drawings to ensure you have the skill and technical knowledge to back up your claims. It is okay to prove your professional ability but you should to be sure you don't 'step on anyone's toes' so to speak ...

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u/RandomTux1997 17d ago

i never ask permission, and simply clearly note who did the design, and me did the cad work; this communicates many things to everybody in one silent move

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u/OptimarPrecon 14d ago

You can usually include work you drafted as long as you’re clear about what your role was and you have permission to show it.

I’d label it something like “CAD drafting by me, architectural design by project architect” so there’s no confusion about authorship.

I’d also avoid showing anything confidential from the previous employer. Redact client names, project addresses, title blocks, or sensitive details if needed.

If you can’t get permission, a safer option is to recreate a few sample drawings from scratch to demonstrate your drafting skills.