In short, Architects are licensed professionals who's main roll is to define what needs to be built and how it should look. Their main focus is building function, flow and aesthetics. They act as project managers and perform construction administration services. Architects may perform required construction inspections in lieu of the building department. Architects primarily work on large scale construction projects and new construction of large estate homes.
Professional Engineers (P.E.) are licensed professionals who's main roll is to determine how to build what the architect has designed. Their main focus is centered on structural integrity, the nuts and bolts, individual structural components and sub-assemblies of a building. Engineers may perform required construction inspections in lieu of the building department. Professional Engineers are typically hired by Architects and Design Drafters. An Professional Engineer's scope of work may vary from providing a simple plan review and seal to providing a full set of sealed structural plans and/or M.E.P. plans.
Design Drafters are non-licensed professionals who draw construction plans. Design Drafters through experience, typically have the expertise perform most of the tasks that would normally be performed by an Architect or Engineer. Design Drafters may work as an employee of an Architect, Professional Engineer, or independently.
Design Drafters cannot seal construction plans and documents or perform official construction inspections required by a building department unless they are an employee of an Architect or Professional Engineer. Independent Design Drafters typically hire a Professional Engineer (P.E.) to review and seal plans created by the Design Drafter.
Architect:
Design Drafter:
Professional Engineer:
Typical construction costs in Palm Beach County in 2026 can vary significantly. Much of the cost is dependent on the specifics of a given project.
Construction fees typically range from:
Prior to calling a design professional to inquire about construction plans, you should determine the general scope of your project including size, function and construction budget. Contact a design professional once you have determined that your project is financially feasible.
Although computers have removed a lot of the the repetitive drudgery work from drafting and design, producing a full set of construction plans is still a complex, time consuming endeavor that requires a high level of critical thinking, attention to detail and focus. Plans may be revised and refined as the drawing of the plans progresses. The current Florida Building Code is organized into 9 primary volumes with a combined total of approximately 10,000 sections of code. Many will apply to your project. In 1966 construction plans for a 2,000 square foot residence could be drawn on one sheet. In 2026 construction plans for the same project contain 15-20 sheets .
For a substantial project, allow 4-6 months from the time you commission plans until you have been issued a building permit. A full set of sealed construction plans for a substantial renovation or alteration can take 120 to 160+ drawing hours over a 3-4 month period to produce. Most design professionals work on several projects simultaneously. Additionally your project may be on hold while waiting for you to review and approve some aspect of the project or supply information needed to continue the project. Plan on 30-60 days for a building department review and issuance of your building permit.
I have twenty-five years of experience producing construction plans in south Florida. I opened CSW Drafting and Design LLC in 2022. My experience includes ten years employed as structural designer and structural repair inspector for one of the most well respected engineering consulting firms in Palm Beach County (2012-2022), Prior to that, I was employed as an architectural drafter and designer for several south Florida architects and businesses related to architecture and construction (2001 - 2012). Prior to that I was employed as a site planner in the architectural department of nationally recognized office supply retailer.
Yes, I provide full sets of signed and sealed construction plans, My construction plans are reviewed and sealed by a Florida licensed Professional Engineer (P.E. S.I.) who practices locally in Palm Beach County.
A (P..E. S.I.) is a Professional Engineer-Special Inspector who has additional training and qualifications above and beyond a (P.E.). A Professional Engineer with a Special Inspectors license is qualified to work on threshold buildings.
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