What's your job about?

My job as a draughtsman is primarily about creating detailed drawings of buildings in all our different sectors, whether it be houses, shops, factories, and even a couple multi-storey buildings! I work closely with engineers and architects to translate their designs into technical documents that guide the construction process. This involves a lot of modelling and visualizing how various structural elements will come together, ensuring they meet building codes and regulations. While architectural drafting comes into play occasionally, my main focus is on the structural aspects, which requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of materials and construction methods. Ultimately, my role is crucial in shaping safe and functional spaces for people to use.

What's your background?

I was born and raised in the mighty Waikato, where my parents worked as share milkers, raising five children with a 16-year age gap between the youngest and oldest. I’m the middle child, with a six-year gap between my siblings. While growing up in this large family came with its challenges, especially living paycheck to paycheck, my parents made it work. I attended Hillcrest High School, where I couldn’t wait to finish and start working. Even before I graduated, I juggled part-time jobs at cafes and worked as a laborer, or chippy, during Year 12. After school, I pursued a career in the Royal New Zealand Navy as a combat systems specialist, which taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, respect, and camaraderie. These qualities, along with a newfound focus, have been key to my success as a draftsman. In 2020, I enrolled at Wintec to study for a Diploma in Architectural Technology while working part-time as a chippy and landscaper. My passion for the subject made my studies enjoyable, and before I graduated, I secured a part-time role at BCD Group, which became full-time after completing my diploma.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Honestly, your background doesn’t matter much at all in this field. You don’t need to have a specific set of experiences or be particularly special to become a draftsman. If you have an interest in construction and enjoy building things, you’ll do well in the role. The industry is always evolving and changing, so once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll find yourself catching up pretty quickly with people who’ve been in the industry for years. It’s all about having a natural curiosity and the willingness to adapt and learn. If you’ve got that, you’re already on the right track.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

One of the coolest things about my job is how architecture and the buildings we create define an era. Each structure tells a story, reflecting the culture, values, and innovations of its time. Being part of the process of bringing these designs to life is incredibly rewarding. I love knowing that the work I do contributes to something larger, helping shape the environment we live in. It’s fascinating to think that the buildings we create today will be part of the narrative for future generations, capturing the essence of our time in a way that words often can't.

What are the limitations of your job?

One of the main limitations of my job as a draftsman is finding the balance between creativity and constraints. I really enjoy the design aspect, but there are often strict regulations, codes, and client requirements that can limit how far I can take my ideas. Collaboration is essential in our field, but it can slow things down if everyone isn’t on the same page or has differing opinions.  Sometimes we also right a tight shift which puts a bit of pressure on the delivery of high-quality work in short time spans. But even with these challenges, I appreciate how they keep me on my toes and make the job more interesting.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student:

1. Save time! Don’t get too bogged down in the finer details right away. The project will evolve, and spending too much time on the nitty-gritty early on can create unnecessary risks for pushing out deadlines. Focus on the bigger picture first, and then refine as you go.
2. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. It might feel intimidating at first, but you’re going to have to get used to calling and talking to people you don’t know. You can’t avoid it, so embrace it! Building those connections is key in this industry.
3. Take your breaks. You’d be amazed at how much more you can get done when you step away from your work for a bit and reset your mind every couple of hours. It’s easy to think you have to grind through it, but a little break can lead to a fresh perspective and increased productivity.