How to organize an architectural project?

[EVM22]

i already read about how to organize the files and layers of a project, i just need an example from an architecture studio, of how they name the directories and subdirectories, layers, and stuff like that. i cant find anything on the web, please help! i need this before monday (13-07-09)
this has to do with the edition and management of the graphic documents of an architectural project. I need it to be ISO based, not BSI or AIA

THANKS!!!! any info would be appreciated =)

[danbush]

I can't help with ISO layers but I can tell that each of our projects has folders for:

DOCUMENTS (letters, contracts, proposals, etc.)
DRAWINGS
IMAGES (site visit, existing conditions, construction progress, etc.)
MILESTONES (backups of the entire project at critical points such as client reviews, permitting submittals, etc.)
PROJECT MANUAL (specifications, material selections, etc.)
TRANSFER (files to/from consultants, owner, suppliers, etc.)

We use an abbreviated form of the the AIA standard for layers and a propritery file naming scheme which I dislike...

[Pedro Barradas]

Some links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAD_standards
http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/project...ts/cadspec.pdf

google is our friend...

[mperna]

Originally Posted by danbush

I can't help with ISO layers but I can tell that each of our projects has folders for:

DOCUMENTS (letters, contracts, proposals, etc.)
DRAWINGS
IMAGES (site visit, existing conditions, construction progress, etc.)
MILESTONES (backups of the entire project at critical points such as client reviews, permitting submittals, etc.)
PROJECT MANUAL (specifications, material selections, etc.)
TRANSFER (files to/from consultants, owner, suppliers, etc.)

We use an abbreviated form of the the AIA standard for layers and a propritery file naming scheme which I dislike...

I need to be more organized. This seems like a nice system. Thanks for sharing.

[akanoe]

Great info here! I´m too a little sloppy!

[giusepperuggieri]

Place too serves to waste time when looking for something ... Make one of your organization is the best solution because it is one that comes closest to your requirements .... are great EVM22

http://www.archiportale.com/giuseppe-ruggieri/

[Jagular]

This is what I use to create a Project Folder

Main Folder - project number and name
Sub folders include:
- Administration: has the project schedule
- Construction Administration
- Contract: sub-folders for Consultant, Design
- Correspondence: sub-folders for Emails, Faxes, Letters, Memos, Transmittals, etc
- Design: sub-folders for Code, Cost Estimate, Reports (like geo-tech), Program, Schematics
- Drawings: sub-folders for Consultants, drawings (includes all phases of design like schematic, design development, construction documents)
- Meetings: for meeting notes and documents
- Project Photos
- Project Manual

[simon seasons]

I'd add that the project number should reflect the date and if necessary the type of job and put the client name last.
Example: R 09.03 043 C James equals 'residential'/ 2009 March / number 43 / client C James.

That way your file system will automatically keep a track of it, and you can find the client name if you can't remember the date.

[DAC]

The best file naming convention I have used is by Arups covers CAD and letters
It is a numbered based convention which can expand as the job gets more complicated. The only problem is that I cannot get hold of it. What I fined funny is that there is no Architectural Standard for this.

[john.warburton]

Originally Posted by DAC

The best file naming convention I have used is by Arups covers CAD and letters
It is a numbered based convention which can expand as the job gets more complicated. The only problem is that I cannot get hold of it. What I fined funny is that there is no Architectural Standard for this.

There are lots of them There is a quotation (can't remember the origin) that goes something like "Architect's love CAD standards. They must do, they have so many of them."

Truth is, there is no universal CAD standard because no one has found a way to develop a standard that meets everyone's needs.

In the UK a group of CAD professionals got together in an attempt to create a universal CAD standard (and seem to believe that they succeeded.) Unfortunately, if you don't use AutoCAD or something similar, what they came up with does not seem to be of much use to me. To me it is a flawed interpretation of the ISO and BS standards. The standards document itself is riddled with errors (mainly typographical) and inconsistencies too. Take a look here if you want to check it out http://aecuk.wordpress.com/

Unlike the American National CAD Standards http://www.buildingsmartalliance.org/index.php/ncs/, at least this one is free, though.