The process that each building must go through to be built is a simple one. Either the project is commissioned to a single architect, or there is a competition between designers to see who is issued the commission. Competitions are rare. Most of the buildings that are built today are commissioned to a single designer. This means that limited presentation materials are required. If the client has already chosen you as the designer of his building, you need not impress him further with a fancy presentation. During the initial design phase, simple sketches are sometimes drawn, but usually the project quickly moves on to the construction document phase. The documents that are produced during this phase are just that, documents. Drab and confusing, to the untrained eye, they only slightly allude as to what the project may turn out to look like.

Drawing supplied by Fuller Architects.

Prior to the establishment of this process, it was rare that the architect was even involved with issues such as detail or small aesthetic issues. Simple scaled plans or elevations were given to a builder who was told to construct the building to the best of standards.

“Typical of many working drawings of the time (1735), this only shows basic dimensions, with locations of stairs windows, and doors. The details were filled in by the builder" (Roth 98).

Guide books were later used by designers or builders themselves. These books included plates with elegantly drawn elevations and plans that were supplied as guides for potential projects.

Construction methods were not given; an experienced builder was still needed. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that aesthetic drawing style prior to a project’s construction was not introduced until well into the 19th Century.