TIL that paper space planning is faster than CAD for early rough-ins

I was in a rush last week sketching a mechanical room layout on graph paper for a client in Columbus. Everyone told me CAD was the only way to go, but I got the whole rough-in done in 45 minutes without booting up a computer. The plumbing and duct runs ended up fitting perfectly on site, and the contractor even complimented the old school method. Has anyone else found that digital tools slow you down when you're just trying to block out a quick layout?

2 comments

2 Comments

skyler_white1mo ago

Yeah I read that some engineers still prefer graph paper for quick blockouts since it cuts out all the software fuss.

bettymurphy1mo ago

Did you see that post about the old school layout guys who still use vellum and pencil? I heard some architects say the feel of the paper helps them think differently than staring at a screen all day.