Drafting and Design for Architecture & Construction, 9th Ed

The Drafting and Design for Architecture & Construction, 9th Ed presents architectural drafting and design concepts as practiced by professional architects. With an emphasis on environmental safety, protective measures, expanded coverage of construction design and drawings and chapter objectives, students are able to hone the necessary skills to create a complete set of drawing plans. Abundant appendices provide important reference material, career information, mathematical calculations, standard abbreviations and synonyms. Exciting new material on design principles and procedures along with new entries on smart homes, smart growth, recreational facilities, building information modeling, site planning, ecology, energy conservation, efficiency and sustainability has been added. In addition, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) coverage in an introductory chapter, along with a series of applications throughout, provide examples of how CAD is used to perform specific architectural drafting functions.

Key aspects:

• Presents architectural drafting and design concepts in the sequence used by practicing architects.
• Emphasizes environmental safety, protective measures, and sustainability in design.
• Encourages the creation of a complete set of working drawing plans (site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections) as part of the curriculum.
• Introduces computer-aided design (CAD) with an introductory chapter and integrated CAD applications throughout. 
• Provides abundant appendices: career information, mathematical calculations, standard abbreviations and architectural synonyms. 
• Offers expanded coverage of construction systems and drawings—including foundations, framing systems, electrical/mechanical drawings, and drawing management.

Highlights:

• Updated Content: Includes new topics such as smart homes, smart growth, recreational facilities, building information modeling (BIM), site planning ecology, and energy conservation. 
• Practical-Focus: Designed to help students develop real drafting and design skills, not just theory. End-of-chapter exercises hone the ability to produce drawing sets. 
• Industry-Relevant Skills: Integrates CAD examples to reflect current professional practice in architecture and construction.
• Comprehensive Reference: Acts not just as a textbook but also as a reference for careers in architecture, with helpful appendices and design tools. 
• Structured Learning: Each chapter includes objectives, key terms, and structured content to support both teaching and self-study.

About Authors

Dana J. Hepler is a seasoned educator and architectural design professional with extensive experience in both drafting and construction documentation. He has taught architectural drafting and design at the university level and has contributed to numerous academic programs in architecture and construction technology. Hepler’s work emphasizes bridging the gap between design theory and practical construction knowledge, helping students develop professional-level drafting and visualization skills. His teaching and writing are known for combining clarity, technical precision, and real-world relevance.

Paul Ross Wallach is a co-author and expert in architectural drafting, design technology, and computer-aided design (CAD). He has worked extensively in integrating digital tools such as AutoCAD and BIM into architectural education, ensuring students gain the technological proficiency needed in modern design practice. Wallach’s contributions to the textbook emphasize the evolving relationship between architectural design principles, environmental awareness, and digital modeling.

Donald Hepler was one of the original authors of the Drafting and Design for Architecture & Construction series and a respected authority in the field of architectural drafting education. His professional and academic background includes decades of experience teaching drafting, architectural graphics, and construction methods. Hepler’s legacy in technical education lies in his ability to present complex architectural concepts in a clear, structured, and approachable way, making this textbook a cornerstone of drafting education for multiple generations.

Other Works:

• Drafting and Design for Architecture & Construction, 9th Ed
• Data, Voice and Video Cabling
• Computer Organization & Architecture: Themes and Variations, 1st ed