Engineer to draftsman ratio
Engineer to draftsman ratio
(OP)
We are trying to get a handle at our firm on what constitutes an efficient number of draftsmen assuming everyone is reasonably productive (and not surfing the internet all day). Common sense tells me if an engineer's office is backed up with overdue projects while a draftsman has nothing to do, then more engineering help is needed, and vice versa.
We have three structural engineers and four dedicated draftsmen. What kind of ratios do other folks have out there?
Note: I posted here since I am looking for input from structural folks to compare apples to apples. Also, I am using draftsmen as a generic term. I realize there is a huge difference between an experienced designer and a simple cad operator.
Thanks for the input.
We have three structural engineers and four dedicated draftsmen. What kind of ratios do other folks have out there?
Note: I posted here since I am looking for input from structural folks to compare apples to apples. Also, I am using draftsmen as a generic term. I realize there is a huge difference between an experienced designer and a simple cad operator.
Thanks for the input.






RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
10 architects : 10 arch. technicians : 2 interns
6 mech or elec. engineers : 4 technicians
My boss is also a structural engineer and heads up the engineering department. He does little to no engineering anymore. Mostly marketing and other business.
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
Ron, I guess we are a few bottles short of a full six-pack. I can't imagine getting up to 3 engineers per draftsman. Even when I worked in the pulp and paper world, we were at about a 1 to 1 ratio in our department.
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
Most of my career has involved consulting to architects, and it seems like 2 or 3 to 1 (engineers to technicians) is typical.
It also occurs to me that the technician's abilities have an effect on this, as well. The older, "seasoned" draftsman, who can actually get drawings and details fairly far along BEFORE the engineer begins working on the project, is worth his/her weight in gold, and will increase the ratio mentioned above. A young technician who can basically just reproduce red marks will lower the ratio.
DaveAtkins
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
Going the Big Inch!
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
RE: Engineer to draftsman ratio
I prefer a eng:drafter ratio of about 2 to 1, engineers and drafters being experienced.
3 to 1 ratio works out better for larger organizations with inexperienced engineering staff.
At 1 to 1 ratio, drafters better know their stuff.
In any case, among the drafting group, there should be a good balance of veterans, intermediate level and young drafters.