Glossary Terms

Backfill refers to refilling an excavated area with soil, gravel, sand, or other materials after construction or underground work, such as foundation installation, utility placement, or trenching, has been completed. The purpose of backfill is to restore ground level, provide support to structures, and ensure proper drainage and compaction. What is Backfill in Construction? Backfill is a critical step in

As-built drawings are revised architectural or engineering drawings that reflect all modifications made to a structure during construction. They represent the final, exact dimensions, layouts, locations, and materials of a completed building or project, documenting how it was built, not just how it was initially designed. As-built (record drawings) are created after construction to show any deviations from the original

Architectural style refers to the specific characteristics and design elements that define the visual appearance and structure of a building or group of buildings. It encompasses form, materials, construction techniques, decorative details, and overall aesthetic philosophy rooted in a particular historical period, culture, or movement. What is Architectural Style? Architectural style is more than just appearance; it reflects the cultural,

An architectural scale is a specialized measuring tool that architects, designers, and builders use to interpret and draft scaled drawings accurately. It enables professionals to convert real-world dimensions into scaled representations on paper, typically as part of floor plans, elevations, sections, or site layouts.   What is Architectural Scale? In architectural drawings, structures and spaces are too large to be

Architectural rendering is the visual representation of a building or space, created using specialized software to illustrate how a design will look once built. These renderings can be 2D illustrations or highly detailed 3D visualizations, and they often include elements like lighting, textures, landscaping, furnishings, and surroundings to give clients and stakeholders a realistic preview of the final design. What

Architectural plans are technical drawings that visually represent a building or space’s layout, structure, and design. Created by licensed architects or architectural designers, these plans serve as the foundational documents that guide a structure’s construction, remodeling, or renovation.   What Are Architectural Plans? Architectural plans translate a vision into a buildable blueprint. They include precise details on dimensions, room layouts,