Architects are not fond of words. We’re a visual bunch typically, but sometimes we need to add notes to our own pictures to explain the concepts to others. I think it’s safe to state “noting up” our drawings is the least favorite job of architects. So, to save time, we use abbreviations. Unfortunately, we have forgotten that no one else understands them. So here’s a concise disclosure of what this truncated verbal crap signifies.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Not to scale. Brick drawings are drawn to scale. This allows the drawings to be accurately measured by the contractors when they use them to construct the project. But, I might not draw on everything to scale. Typically, I’ll do so for drawings which are intended only for use as reference. Astonishingly, these are the exact drawings utilized by the builder for pricing functions.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Typical. That I write when I have said the exact same thing when I am likely to need to state it again, typically.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Unless noted differently. I use this when I always want you to do it this way unless I let you do it the following way at another stage in the set of foundations. I like to keep my options open. I could change my mind.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Equal. OK, sometimes I don’t get around to creating all the finish and color selections when I am working on your own drawings. Sometimes I simply don’t have enough time, so I do what all self-respecting architects in my position do: I pick something that might work and slap an “or approved equal” disclaimer near it. It works like a charm. But don’t worry. I’ll be available to consult with you as you purchase items to be set up but I usually request two weeks to review those selections, even though the subcontractor is already on the jobsite waiting to install them. Next moment, to conserve time, you can just pick the one.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
On center. This should apply to everything in my entire life.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Minimum. I use this abbreviation once I want to be aware the minimum measurement required, because often it’s absolutely essential to keep a minimum clearance to satisfy a particular need of the construction code. By way of example, a water closet is typically required for a minimum of 1 foot, 6 inches O.C. from the adjacent wall to satisfy the requirements of a handicap-accessible fixture. So I’ll write “1′-6″ MIN.” On the programs. Typically the builder will read that notice as 16 inches O.C.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Not in contract. This applies to things I drew because I needed to show them for the project to make sense. However they are not part of this project. For example, I might want to draw the entire building next door to your endeavor, because you want to understand if the neighbors could see into your master bathroom. So I spend three times drawing the neighbor’s house and include a note to explain the reason, or so the contractor doesn’t get confused and demolish your neighbor’s house and rebuild it based on my drawing.
The neighbors were pretty insane when I moved to look at their opinion into your bathroom, incidentally. But I am not charging you for this, because it is “N.I.C.” I want to rethink my business version.
Jody Brown Architecture, pllc
Confirm in area. Full disclosure: I write this whenever I can’t figure out a detail. It is my way of letting the builder understand that I trust him or her. Plus, it’s shorter than composing IGUYFIO. *
*I give up; you figure it out.