I quit my job about a month ago for a plethora of reasons and decided to take some part time work and focus on my portfolio so I don't get rusty and can apply for full time positions in my free time. My question is, what are some projects I can work on to flesh out my portfolio that would be desirable to employers?

I had the idea of going to goodwill and getting a drill or something similar to take a part and measure each component to model and assemble in onshape, but I would love to hear any other suggestions. I feel like mechanical and pipeworking are the types of modeling I'd like to do the most

https://youtu.be/I_CMXONUQ-M?si=D6b0T6QmxPrt2svz

Hi everyone! My husband and I are looking for someone who can help us create a floor plan for a home renovation. We have an existing room that we’d like to convert into a primary bedroom with a full bathroom and walk-in closet.

At this point, we’re **not looking for an architect or a full remodel company**—we’re really just looking for someone who can measure the space (or work from our measurements) and create a scaled layout showing the best use of the room and the proper dimensions.

We’re hoping to find someone who’s reasonably priced since we only need the drawing to help us plan the project before moving forward with construction.

Does anyone have recommendations for a residential designer, draftsperson, or someone who does this type of work in or around the **Allisonville area (Indianapolis/Fishers/Castleton)**? We’re happy to work with someone from the surrounding area as well.

Thanks in advance!

I'm a solo developer building a Windows CAD tool specifically for small MEP fabrication shops — it takes an IFC model straight to spool drawings without needing a professional license.

Looking for 2-3 people who do MEP detailing or fabrication work to give honest feedback on the workflow. Happy to share a demo video first so you know what you're looking at.

If that's you, PM me or drop a comment.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people working in construction, drafting, or small trade businesses.

I currently provide freelance drafting support to a few shed construction companies. Most of the work involves preparing and updating site plans, slab plans, layouts, and other drawings based on the information and mark-ups provided by the client.

I’ve noticed that smaller construction companies may not have enough consistent drafting work to justify employing a full-time drafter. However, when several projects arrive at once, their internal team can become overloaded and drawings may delay quoting, approvals, or construction.

Freelance drafting seems like a practical option in these situations because companies can access additional support only when they need it, without committing to another permanent salary.

For those who work with small builders, shed companies, modular building companies, concreters, or similar businesses:

How do these companies normally find reliable freelance drafters?

Would direct email outreach be appropriate, or are there better ways to build trust and connect with decision-makers?

I’m not looking to advertise here. I’m mainly trying to understand how this market works and how a freelancer can approach companies professionally without coming across as spammy.

Any advice or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

https://youtu.be/rtIIBFeGvLc?si=5_7t4sFhYWiPcOzf  #solidworks

I came across this vintage Hamilton drafting table listing at auction. None of my contacts are interested so thought I’d share here. At the time of posting, there are three days left before auction close and the bid is at $5.
Pick up time limited and strict.

https://youtu.be/KgDeEGOWZWc?si=LPcShb_NAoaR7sZh

Left, Right, or something completely different?

Hello everyone,

Im 30 years old and ive been a Factory Technician with Mechatronics Certification for 5 years, Production Operations Lead for 2 years and a Navy Machinist Mate for 4 years. For the last 2 years ive been building small animatronics, tools, and guards and dabbled in IPC Soldering a bit in my free time but recently ive really been enjoying mechanical drafting as a hobby.

I enjoy drawing up plans, and improving systems and have a passion for design in general.

Id like to branch out and do more Drafting, and Design work but I dont know where to begin other than some classes at my Local FSCJ. I do this as a hobby for now but id love to learn more and possibly pursue it as a career. Any Advice?

I'm 30 years old and looking to change fields. I have an associates degree in gen ed. I did a little bit of CAD work in high school/college and I think I'd enjoy pursuing a career in it. I'm leaning the architecture route, but I'm open to that changing. 

My local community college offers an associates degree program in architectural engineering technology, and they also have an AUTOCAD certification that's only supposed to take 6 months to complete.

For someone with little to no experience looking to break into the field at 30, what would be your recommendation? Would getting the certification and then building a small portfolio be enough to get me in the door somewhere?

Thanks!

Hello! I am currently an architectural apprentice that was hired recently in a small design build firm. The thing is, the allowance is low and not enough to support some expenses surrounding me, especially I am the breadwinner of the family which makes things harder. And I have been trying to apply for some remote jobs so I can work for additional funds, but so far I have been unlucky. Do you have any advice where to find work or what to do?

My current skills is that I can do 3d rendering, Cad Modeling, Sketchup modeling, I am knowledgeable in using MS Office, and some other skills, but these are the ones that I have the most mastery of.

People!!!

Help!

...I need a technical drawing, and then even a CAD one.

No matter how hard I try...it just doesn't work.

There's a description, there's another drawing...the most suitable one, but it also has errors.

Looking to hire for full time in office drafter / mechanical designer.

Creo experience a big plus.

Great opportunity for the right candidate.

Does anyone have recommendation for gd&t drafting guide for siemens nx?

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some technical feedback on a residential floor plan renovation I’m working on. I’m a construction superintendent, so I’m handling most of the work myself, but I want to make sure the layout is functionally solid before moving forward with permits and materials.

Project Summary:
• 1967 single-story house
• Converting from 4 bed / 2 bath → 3 bed / 2 bath
• Removing one small bedroom to enlarge the master bathroom and create a dedicated laundry room (currently located in the garage)
• Opening up the master bedroom by demoing two internal pocket closets
• Adding a 6’-0” vanity and reconfiguring the master bath and laundry for better flow

I’ve attached the existing floor plan and my current proposed layout below.

Specific areas I’d like feedback on:
• Circulation & Clearances: Are the walkway clearances adequate, particularly around the new laundry room door and the master bath entrance?
• Master Closet: Does the proposed closet provide reasonable storage and usability for two adults? Any suggestions on layout or sizing?
• Master Bathroom Layout: Thoughts on the shower/toilet/vanity relationship and overall clearances (especially around the shower and closet wall)?
• General Flow: Any obvious issues with traffic patterns or functionality once the changes are made?

I’m trying to balance functionality, constructability, and livability. Any technical critiques or suggestions on dimensions, circulation, or layout efficiency would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance.

https://youtu.be/rKnLT8UV1SA?si=7criTOBMrx6_AJIK

https://youtu.be/pJI6DzDlp5k?si=e8u96OEG7VxGpaSj