Professional Practice Architecture Practice Test

Who prepares the Shop Drawings prior to construction?

1. Contractor

2. Architect

3. Engineer

4. Supplier

The correct answer is: Contractor

The contractor is responsible for preparing the shop drawings prior to construction. Shop drawings are detailed and specific drawings that illustrate how various components of a project will be constructed and installed. These drawings are typically produced after the contract documents have been completed and serve as a means for the contractor to clarify and communicate how they intend to fabricate and assemble different elements of the work. While architects and engineers create the original design documents, the contractor utilizes these to prepare shop drawings that are tailored to their specific construction methods and materials. Suppliers may provide input or preliminary drawings related to their products, but the responsibility for the final shop drawings falls to the contractor, who must ensure that all details align with the project's specifications and requirements. This interrelationship ensures that the materials and methods proposed are feasible and in accordance with the overall design intent.