This Architectural Plan Reading class will teach participants about the important aspects of how buildings are designed from a functional and spatial perspective:
- Communicate the design intent, layout, and aesthetics of a building
- Define interior and exterior spaces, finishes, fixtures, and spatial relationships
- Coordinate with structural, MEP, and civil plans
- Introduce the core types and what each shows:
- (1) Floor plans (layouts of each level)
- (2) Elevations (exterior vertical faces)
- (3) Sections (cut-through views showing structure and interiors)
- (4) Details (zoomed-in components like wall assemblies, door jambs)
- (5) Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) — show ceiling features from below
- (6) Schedules (doors, windows, finishes)
The Plan Reading series consists of these sessions:
- Overview and Introduction, 5/7
- Civil Plans, 5/22
- Structural Plans, 6/5
- Architectural Plans, 6/18
- M&P Plans, 7/8
- Electrical Plans, 8/5
- Special Systems, 8/19
It is recommended to participate in the all Plan Reading classes for the more thorough introduction to plan reading.
If attending via Zoom, you will miss some of the hands-on activities in the class.
A Zoom link will be sent a few days prior to the sessions. Please keep your camera on for maximum engagement.
Taught by Mandel McDonnell.
Mandel is a Design-Build Manager at Willmeng Construction, Inc., where he has been for three years. Prior to joining the Willmeng team, he was an architect at ARCHITEKTON, where he worked for five years. He is passionate about facilitating the integration of architecture and construction to deliver extraordinary value to his clients, partners, and the communities he builds in.
