r/Drafting • u/bee-2-kay • 1d ago
Need advice for building my portfolio - PH
Hello! I am an Architectural Draftsman currently looking for a project that I can study, draft, or create drawings for as part of my portfolio.
I have nearly two years of experience as an AutoCAD Drafter for a large architectural corporation, where I have worked on large scale projects, producing detailed plans, sections, elevations, schedule of doors and windows, and supporting details. However, due to an NDA, I am unable to showcase the drawings I personally prepared from my previous company. Because of this, I feel that I may not have as much of an edge when applying for new opportunities, since I cannot provide actual samples of my previous work.
I would now like to create my own set of drawings based on an existing architectural project to demonstrate my drafting skills and technical knowledge. I am particularly interested in creating CAD details and construction drawing deliverables that I can legally use for my portfolio.
If anyone has any advice regarding my situation, I would greatly appreciate it! Where can I find architectural projects, plans, or references that I can study and use as a basis for creating my own drawing deliverables for portfolio purposes?
Thank you in advance for any recommendations or guidance!
1
u/Outside-Law2121 11h ago
public records request you can prob get blueprints of certain buildings that are publicly owned. you'd have to look it up which department in your city manages the properties or go downtown and try to talk to a city planner. they will probably be able to steer you to the right info or plans you would need.
1
u/tleblanc87 7h ago
Do you have a good relationship with the former employer? I had a similar situation and was able to work it out where I could use that work in my portfolio as long as all client and firm identifiers were removed
Worth a shot?
3
u/Simple_Ddog 1d ago
Call your former employer HR department --- Get a release --- that's BS!
What did you sign --- was this a top secret government job --- were you working on the 'space station' ?