Sketch to Finished Floor Plan : My Process, Graphics and Settings

Follow along as I turn a design concept sketch into an architectural floor plan. Learn the graphic conventions I use, my detailed settings, along with tips and simple techniques you can use to improve your drawings.
Architectural drawings are representational, they explain how to construct our ideas in physical space, but they're also powerful tools you can leverage as part of your design process.
Timestamps:
00:00 Design Sketch
00:51 Template and Title Block I Use
01:30 First Principles ( h/t Semper )
01:50 Grid and Walls (Enclosure)
03:45 Doors and Windows
05:29 Line weight and Layers
08:08 Hatches, fills and color
10:02 The "Mound"
11:19 The "Hearth" aka "Adding Life"
12:43 Inspiration (a recommendation)
13:18 Download my title block and drawing templates
thirtybyforty.com/digital-dra...
▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬
➕ Digital drawing templates: thirtybyforty.com/digital-dra...
➕ Specification + Schedule templates: thirtybyforty.com/spec
➕ Architect's Toolkit (incl. shop drawing stamp): thirtybyforty.com/toolkit
➕ Architect + Entrepreneur Course: thirtybyforty.com/a-e-course
▬▬▬▬▬ GEAR I USE ▬▬▬▬▬
thirtybyforty.com/kit

[@30by40]

Links to download the templates: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/courses/category/digital-drawing/

[@KhayalJalilov]

„I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies.“ (Le Corbusier) As always thanks for great video !😍

[@30by40]

Cheers, thanks for the reminder from PJ

[@AP-rt5rl]

Great video! I wish firms utilized this kind of workflow. This is what I think of when I think of Architecture, and working in a firm right now I can honestly say that this is not what I experience on a daily basis. I come back to your videos to stay motivated as I go through school. Thanks for your inspiration Eric!

[@30by40]

Glad to help, Alex! I think it's always good to continue to seek out the workflow and process that yields the best results for you. Ultimately, when you run the business, you get choose what that looks like, but I realize that's not where any of us start out. Know that on the spectrum of studios out there, many have processes even more bespoke than mine. I remember feeling similarly dejected in my early career and I moved studios until I found the right fit. Good luck...embrace the struggle, that's where all the magic happens.

[@AP-rt5rl]

@@30by40 I appreciate the kind words. Being in my early years going through the process, no licensure and no degree quite yet, it feels overwhelming watching all that you go through outside of the drawing phases of the process. I relate very much to your mindset going through the similar motions when you started. Which is why I return to your channel daily. I definitely am embracing the struggle, but look forward to your uploads to help ease it as much as possible. Thanks again.

[@architecturearchitects4337]

@@30by40 are you planning to open a bigger architectural office and hire more architects?

[@rozinant1237]

Eric, another excellent tutorial. As someone with almost 50 years of technical drawing experience, I have noticed a gradual diminishment in the ability of young architects to generate drawings that "read" well. The ability to communicate, at a glance, the overall intent of the project, is a skill that is fading. It is so important to the success of a project that the contractor, client and everyone involved in the project grasp the concept quickly and begin to build trust. Hopefully, many in your audience will adopt this attitude. Well done!

[@DesignedForTomorrow]

Always gotta pass the squint test. Thanks for your reply.

[@30by40]

Cheers + thank you...we clearly share a deep appreciation for technical drawing!

[@juancampbell269]

As a young up and comer, I think losing the ability to understand a project at a glance is a by product of most firms adopting 3d modeling softwares. Most students learn how to design on the computer, not by hand; and as a result you gain effeciency, but lose attention.

[@mashi_ms]

After all these years following you in KZbin, I’m still in awe of your drawings: full of information yet so simple and aesthetic. 😍 Thank you for being my inspiration, Eric. Cheers!

[@JulioCesar-vy9fb]

You're one of my inspirations as an architect. Your technical drawing is very clean and beautiful!

[@julicz666]

hey wanna build with me, we can make team work

[@timkrouse9079]

Really appreciate the clarity of this video! Thank you for all the hard work

[@30by40]

Thanks for noticing, Tim...much respect!

[@raoufabdelnabi183]

I have never stopped learning from your videos and your posts. Eric, your insights and sense of the feel of your drawings are priceless.

[@30by40]

cheers, my friend...appreciate the kind words + support!

[@user-ee2gu4os6t]

The idea of playing on the line in the design of architectural projects gives you a feeling as if you are walking step by step forward in the theater of reality, which makes you enjoy all that you did not think of from divine inspiration in linking the imaginary image and the photographed geographical location with the naked eye .. a great thing! Thank you for all the effort you put into this great informational edifice. Excuse me for my english. Riad .

[@CreationK.]

Thank you for this new video, Eric, and all that you do! :) God bless!

[@AqoussRec]

Thank you for doing my day even better! Great work and heavy skill :)

[@msa-manusiarsitek8461]

so excited for the new journey

[@hildebrandolabrador3024]

I love this kind of videos. keep this series, its really instructional. I would like to see your process of creating the anotations and all the drawing symbols. I really appreciate your content. cheers.

[@30by40]

Cheers, thanks! Annotations, dims + sheet layout is up next...

[@hildebrandolabrador3024]

@@30by40 thanks 🙏

[@dyls7777]

learned more about design flow and documentation basics in this one video than all of my first 2 undergrad studios… excellent! thank you for sharing

[@30by40]

Flattered and also a little worried about archi-school curriculum these days... keep sketching + drawing!

[@kennyma4904]

You ability to visuallize with 2D drafting in plan is incredible.

[@sebascorralm1]

Thank you, your videos are really inspiring. I always come back to this channel. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@30by40]

Cheers, thanks!

[@AUTOGARAGERIM-CARS]

Clean and perfect drawing like always

[@jedjdwyer]

Nice work I appreciate the time you put into post production on all of you content. It’s so engaging and well thought out. As an architecture student and having newly started a building design business, your channel is like a guide to what I want to achieve. Your drawings have a quality that most drawings don’t have, an individual artistic style that is recognisable. Thanks from Australia for all your content 🦘

[@30by40]

Appreciate the kind words, mate! Good luck with your business...it's a fantastic time to be starting out.

[@philipmartin4341]

You are amazing... makes me appreciate more what I do being a shop designer dealing with clients’ livelihoods ... thanks mate

[@30by40]

Cheers, mate... appreciate the kind words!

[@danieleb588]

Thanks to you I've been using red color for annotations, so far I like it , and my contractors too.

[@christophermoody1448]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

[@30by40]

\m/

[@ModernRemade]

Great information presented beautifully. Love the channel!

[@30by40]

Cheers...thanks!

[@ExultantTJ]

As always, a great video.

[@30by40]

\m/

[@AtelierArts]

This is really helpful to me since I have a Architecture program coming up in the summer! 👍🏽💚

[@30by40]

Cheers...enjoy!

[@chrisnovelli-n3architecture]

Love it, beautiful drawing

[@30by40]

Cheers, Chris...thank you!

[@bellousow2607]

Just amazing

[@andrewkinge]

Thank you for making architecture seam so easy

[@30by40]

Cheers, Andrew...

[@das323]

Finally a new video after a long time.. I hope you can make and publish new video about architecture every week, because i really love your idea and it can bring inspiration for me.. Greetings..

[@30by40]

Cheers...I'm committed to making them as often as I can! Here's my other channel where I publish every other week: kzbin.info

[@compadrelucas]

Great content. thank you

[@joserosa5342]

Long time no see. I moved away from architure to industrial engineering, so i didnt finish my education architure but I learned a lot from it. I still like your work. Your channel is fresh and up to update with the generation right now. As always quality work from u. I loved the books Operative and Conditional Design but I found that that your architect entrepreneur books are little bit hard to understand for me, maybe is lack of experience. Thanks Eric. A warm salute from the caribbeans.

[@30by40]

Cheers, my friend...much success with the career pivot!

[@GraalElk]

wow, your workspace looks so comfortable i was shocked when ive read AutoCAD LT2020 definitely going to try to get something similarily looking on my windows pc

[@liags7164]

I was watching on my TV and came here just to comment/read comments. I’ve been going crazy trying to learn Revit and bumping into “the next best thing” software that might be out there. Seeing this man create so much beauty in Autocad LT made me realize that the great results I might obtain are because of my skills rather than a software.

[@dancinboi89]

This video is so mind blowing and eye opening. I’m an interior designer and know cad enough to get general ideas across, but love the level of detail you include. Definitely has become inspo for me to come back to for future drawings. Thanks for sharing

[@marcoperez7330]

Great video!

[@yamq.ferreira6881]

Incredible

[@hotmixal]

Woah amazing.

[@Fretamime]

Lovely content :D would love to see detailing and how you put up your 3D modeling in sketchup

[@CaptenAde]

best dan great video. I like it

[@mrmuffin5046]

You should make a video on who your favourite architects are and how they inspired you and your sketches

[@archicadtutorials]

hi, great video, i really enjoy watching and listening to you, even if i prefer 3d modeling of architecture :)

[@erikleypoldt8275]

Keep doing what you do mate. Great help to all current and aspiring Architects. Would love to see this process on the IPad how it could translate in procreate.

[@30by40]

thanks, Erik... \m/

[@urbancolab]

Well said Eric.

[@Darwin22art]

amazing arsitekture..

[@DesignedForTomorrow]

Finished my first year of M. Arch. You are monstrously helpful on teaching design thinking, and a huge inspiration. Thank you. I know you can and should use whatever works best for you, but I don’t understand why you and some of my professors dislike Revit (Just purely curious!). Learning from opposite opinions always lends new perspectives. 乾杯!

[@rozinant1237]

Revit has too many fixed constraints, which fights your ability to remain creative with the design.

[@DesignedForTomorrow]

I think its terrible for a concept or basic idea/program. But it’s easy to take a sketch or parti from anything into revit and take to a high level of detail and collaboration (when necessary). Personally figuring out which workflow is best, but for design development and on, revit is powerful. And with know how, pretty limitless in a sense if you’re efficient. Just lots of ways to plug and play but I’m not telling anyone anything other than my opinion so, do what works best as always

[@30by40]

Cheers...appreciate the kind words + support. Lots to unpack with respect to Revit vs. AutoCad...great source material for a future vid I suppose!

[@clovermugiwara2828]

You are genuise i wish our architecters dessin like you its professionel and confortabl

[@gudalawrence3746]

Someday, the world will see this and say a Genius made it. ✌🏾

[@tonio6504]

Your drawings speak volumes and transmit the intentions very clearly! I would love to know how you can make the linewaights be displayed while you draw and not only when you go to plot the drawing!

[@30by40]

Thanks, Tonio...I'll see what I can do to help...keep an eye out for a short vid

[@30by40]

Here's how to set it up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXynkJ-KnqaZas0

[@hyynguyen1271]

VERY NICE

[@gharper248]

Was there a second part of this video that I missed. You mentioned annotations, notes, etc. were "next". Kinda sounded like another video was coming. Which I would love to see. These are my favorite videos you do, the technical end of the job. Great Job.

[@frankda4]

i would really live to see info on how you accommodate utilities into your floor plans, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electric. i see a lot of houses where the utilities where not given enough space and its a lot of choas trying to jery-rig all the utilities into place.

[@30by40]

Here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoC1k6OPa8lskM0

[@luismorel4321]

GOsh he is just so damn good at communicating.

[@qooazoozoop8882]

More videos we demand sir.

[@zaaframoon]

Nice.

[@sanantoplic8715]

Still love you and your stile to work

[@30by40]

Cheers, thank you!

[@bellamyhomes5600]

Great Presentation as usual. Any chance you could make your drawing checklists availalble?

[@66meikou]

I use your template but I don't use your layers as I need to be able to turn things off and on. I really like to feel of you drawings. Scarpa was a master.

[@douglashammon1]

Glad I found your channel. I have been drawing plans, both Residential and Commercial for 40 years. I was drawing plans "by hand" for years then finally started using my software AutoCad 10 (DOS based, not Windows based) in 1996 and I am still using it to this day, because it is so simple to use, just a simple line drawing program. It amazes younger people that use the latest versions of AutoCad how fast I can create drawings. But I know I need to upgrade (due to hardware, file sharing, etc.) and I think the AutoCad LT may be the answer as I do not really have a need for 3D. Softplan has been the only other software ive found that will accept DWG file format. Any suggestions?

[@30by40]

We're on a similar path...I started my internship drawing by hand (ink on mylar) then transitioned to ACAD 11. To this day, I use AutoCAD LT (2023 version). It's incredibly fast and I have no need for BIM or 3D capability. I wholly endorse LT, it's all I need and probably all I'll ever use! You might be interested in some of my AutoCAD drawing templates, here's the link: courses.thirtybyforty.com/

[@anjararafidison4928]

Love the drawing, so neat, simple and sophisticated. For the blocks (vegetation, furniture, entourage...) do you create your own CAD block or are you using CAD blocks accessible online? Just love the drawing composition !!

[@30by40]

Most of the blocks that are included with my template are custom drawn by me. I prefer a more minimal styling than most of what’s available online and I like to tweak the line weights for each one to get them looking just right. More details here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/courses/category/digital-drawing Hope that helps!

[@ralphdominiq1222]

Love ir vids. Can u share archicad templates as well.

[@amadbadal228]

Im architecture student, you are great teacher, can you make a video about how to make a concept of project and how to develop it and how to draw ground and first floor plan, and making model by foam. I know it is too much but it will be the best video, i know there is a lot of video about it but it will be the best because it will contain every step from 0 to 💯. Thank you.

[@30by40]

Here's a playlist to check out with a project + model build: kzbin.info/aero/PLuJj3iQpiK3tBMHmc3vnlc5vQEFbh7Hsv

[@amadbadal228]

Thank you teacher. Your videos help us too much.

[@shslack]

Love your videos and style! Are your Notion drawing checklists available for purchase?

[@30by40]

Cheers, thanks! I'll see what I can do re: the checklists...are you using Notion already?

[@jamesjones9075]

@@30by40 I am currently using your notion template along with the other templates/resources you have made available, and I cannot express how helpful each one has been. I am also very interested in knowing if you are going to make your Notion drawing checklists available? Thank you for sharing your architectural knowledge and experiences.

[@jomingeorge7876]

@@30by40 I am using your templates for my autocad drawings for more than a year and very satisfied with it.. I would also like to purchase your notion drawing checklist if it’s available…

[@shslack]

@@30by40 I'm not, I just got an ipad though and have been starting to incorporate it into my workflow at our architecture firm . We run windows, but have been looking for a comprehensive drawing checklist to use from SD to CD.

[@Nostalg1a]

The problem with 90% of Cad sheets is the overload of information, that's clients have so much trouble looking at it. It's inefficient and visually doesn't mean much because it's computer made. Simple wall outlines with little to no indications and then variations with materials or furniture is how it was done 100 years ago and it's how it should be done again.

[@lestermatos2989]

this is beautiful. will you ever transition into revit? I would love to see your work flow in revit with these templates

[@30by40]

thanks, Lester... what is this "revit" you speak of? ;)

[@lestermatos2989]

@@30by40 ahahahaha join the darkside!

[@vee2524]

@@30by40 In my experience, mastering Autocad has helped me pay attention to detail and improved my graphics in general than Revit

[@ChuckHirstius]

Can you do a video on the process of actually designing the floor plan itself? How you iterate on the rooms/spaces and how they relate to each other, how you plan for mechanicals and optimize wiring/plumbing and how it all needs to be brought together to make something aesthetically pleasing, but highly personal and functional. Maybe something like, given a fixed amount of space... How do you figure out the layout and relationship of everything within it.

[@30by40]

Here's a few you might have missed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jovFc5-pl7xkr5o and, kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGi8qXpqo9ikm8k

[@ChuckHirstius]

@@30by40 excellent, thank you!

[@dogapollo1005]

hi brother! I really love your videos but Im just confused on how are you assigning different color layers on your drawing but only black colors are visible when u draaw lines? How are you doing that? Whats the technique?

[@wiski7077]

From your experience, have you found much use for Revit? I'm starting my senior year of architecture school this fall and we started a foundation in CAD/BIM within AutoCAD but have been encouraged to use Revit when working with Construction Management majors for our capstone. Thoughts on the program and the need for it in the industry? Appreciate the video.

[@30by40]

My thoughts on REVIT are at 09:17 of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHSog4FulK-ArK8

[@OrthodoxDread]

Like he said, use whatever works best for you. However in my experience revit is far more efficient and intuitive than auto cad but of course they both have pros and cons.

[@wiski7077]

@@30by40 Appreciate it!

[@ela7893]

Bigger firms tend to gravitate towards Revit, but my personal experience has been that AutoCAD is better if you want to do more boutique, detailed work.

[@hobbesboss]

what program did you use to make the floor plan? it looks amazing and id love to try my hand at it

[@30by40]

Details on everything here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/how-to-draw-better-floor-plans

[@humangoodness]

Thank you! What do you normally use for interior walls? 4 1/2 or 3 1/2?

[@30by40]

2x6 for interior partitions...

[@erickeduardocastillo9387]

In the metric system, what line weights do you recommend? (pedit > w) I still haven't achieved that quality of drawing and I admit it, I'm already somewhat obsessed even I already bought your template.

[@BrannanR]

Great video. Just wondering how did you get your AutoCAD to look so different?

[@30by40]

Video on how to set it up coming out on Tuesday...

[@roboz121]

Hey Eric is the video on annotations and layouts available or am I just not finding it? Thanks for all this great content! Robert

[@Bonserak23]

How do I insert large, shaded backgrounds like that? Do I just trace out a pattern like trees or other buildings than hatch it with a gray pique tone and scale to needed size?

[@jamesmonteith6819]

Great video, it has inspired me to set up my own CTB file to create my own consistent graphical output. However my line weights never show in the model space. I have tried everything! turned on line weight display, tried scaling it, checked the display plot styles button. Every time I move or zoom however the line weights disappear and everything shows as the same thickness. Anyone got any idea how to fix this?

[@lisionlamnica7146]

Yea, display plot styles, right click model space tab on bottom, and manage plot styles, check the box for display plot styles and done

[@iamarhamjain]

Amazing video! The mouse clicks were a lot tho 😅

[@And_Rec]

Question: how do you manage structural and energetic analysis and reports with macos? (italy here, and seem not to exist any software regulations require for those, do you delegate those to other?)

[@Messi10billy]

Hi may i ask how to get the line weight display on a model window? I cant have have the line weight thickess even after i check display plot style

[@GT-.-.-.-.-.-.-.14.12]

Great tutorial…. But im struggling to snapping point in my mac version autocad… Its not working fine like yours…. Is there any setting or preferences to check it pla help….

[@cre8iongroup796]

I love following your work, I was wondering if you have any tips for how to capture videos like this? I work in Event design and would like to provide process videos

[@afsarsuleman4175]

Hi great post, what software are you using here?

[@30by40]

Details here: thirtybyforty.com/drawing-templates

[@ShaggyDogg125]

Did you get that term “logical conclusion” from somewhere? I had a professor who used that term all the time in studio and I hadn’t heard it used elsewhere until this video.

[@30by40]

I think it's a fairly common term in the modern lexicon for argument reasoning...

[@tobiashoogers2482]

Hi Eric! I really enjoy ur vids, just one question. Why u dont bim?! With the same process u can just make a 3d model. I think you should try it with this new age and tools is it really easy! Thanks for the inpiration and insights from your proces! I really hope on a vid with your opinion on this toppic

[@30by40]

BIM?! What's that? ;)

[@NinaThoren]

If you start with the floor plan and design the layout of the house, do you ever struggle with how the exterior should look like? Or is it something you think about as you go, both interior and exterior?

[@ExultantTJ]

He has talked a little bit about this in the past in another video, but I like the question, and would love to see an elaborate answer. It is a question a LOT of designers have.

[@adnanomerhodzic3869]

He does it simultaneously and the design changes during the various design phases... you should always keep in mind everything when designing. If u design a floorplan, as an architect you should have an intuition of the space itself. If u draw a hidden line on a floorplan that would represent a beam, you should be able to know how the beam relates to the drawn space.

[@SmeeGuitar]

It is a choice! Some architects design from inside-out. Some don't even care about the Facade, it is just a product of the materials used and the floorplan. For me it is always both. I try to be holistic from start and have a direction I wanna go to. But at the same time you have to be open to start new completely. My workflow usually is this when drawing tough: - floorplans - Making a 3d model and see the "feel" - Change Facades and depending on what I change, change the floorplans. For me a house or floorplan is not contained in the box of the house, it flows to the outside and I always try to give the feeling of "connecting with your surroundings" in the house

[@maqsad_1]

My dream job architect

[@nsukkhawadee]

I have a question. Why you use a Global width when you use polyline? And Do you use a line weights for your drawing? Thank you

[@codesnippet_by_anabel]

Could anyone please help, what does the layer ds_colg stand for? And what does "ds" affix mean? Thank you guys

[@scpk2246]

Hi, hi did you make you preview always looks a "Print Preview"?

[@dogapollo1005]

what books can you recommend for architectural floor plans?

[@30by40]

Download my Favorite Architecture Books PDF guide on this page: thirtybyforty.com/books (see page 3)

[@iantieman5724]

I'm changed my major to architecture and will be starting this coming semester, what should I study or practice, before the semester starts?

[@30by40]

See this video for what I recommend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4q6aJiugMSgf5o

[@iantieman5724]

@@30by40 thank you!

[@pedroalonsosuarezvivas3135]

0:54 ¿cómo configurar autocad lt para que muestre en el espacio del modelo, cómo se imprimirán las trazas y los colores?

[@30by40]

Here's how to set it up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXynkJ-KnqaZas0

[@pedroalonsosuarezvivas3135]

@@30by40 cool!!! Thanks so much

[@stoicarchitect]

Hello Architect Eric. May I know the font style of your standard font in your CAD drawings? Thanks.

[@johnjohn5628]

Dear 30×40 design workshop, I am a first year architecture student and I am struggling to format my working drawings. Is there a book or pdf you would recommend I look into that explains everything from line weights, symbols and formatting?

[@litoboy5]

great

[@Somewhere-In-AZ]

I’m designing a CEB house on an excel spreadsheet. I know, ridiculous. But I can put it over an aerial photo of the property and it works for me. I’m an amateur….

[@30by40]

Reminds me of my D&D days...mapping dungeons on graph paper...use the tools you have!

[@1bye4bye9]

He my Eric, can you tell us about what seems to be WYSIWYG settings you’re using in model space? I would love to work in this mode.

[@stevantasic1227]

I'd like to know too, looks really nice

[@30by40]

Will try to make a quick vid about how to set it up...

[@parcostudio]

@@30by40 - That would be amazing Eric. I’ve researched this feature within AutoCAD LT but I get weird results. Seems as if you need to be at a certain zoom level for the WYSIWYG to display relatively true. Maybe that’s just how it is.

[@30by40]

@@parcostudio Here's how to set it up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXynkJ-KnqaZas0

[@30by40]

@@stevantasic1227 Here's how to set it up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXynkJ-KnqaZas0

[@lyudmilatarusova]

I wish you were my teacher. I spent way too many years working for Architects who simply don't care about art. Their construction documentation look like they were drawn by a 5 y.o.

[@millrogers-je3jj]

How do you dimension. Excluding that weird looking dimension lines in the drawing

[@30by40]

Details here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-design-workshop-architectural-floor-plan-autocad-file

[@yi-janlien6299]

What sketch app are you using? thanks

[@30by40]

Details here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-s-procreate-pack/

[@cwgatti]

How do I get those "drawing checklists?"

[@joelvlogs2940]

what program do you use

[@30by40]

Details here: thirtybyforty.com/drawing-templates

[@iraklimiminoshvili8829]

hi,will your template work in autocad 2022?

[@30by40]

Yes, it will! architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-s-autocad-template-bundle

[@Globerson]

Where’s the follow up about annotations and dimensions?????