Drafting Tools for Landscape Design

Sophisticated or simple, the successful landscape project is not an accident. From the initial consultation and taking of measurements to the installation and maintenance, the project requires a discerning eye, a competent hand and proper drafting tools. The list is long, but many of the tools are available in the corner cupboard or the home's art supply drawer. While professional drafting tools are pricey, there are generic substitutes for most every item on the professional landscape designer's list of necessary drafting tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Drafting Table and Architectural Light

A professional draftsperson sits at a desk for long hours, drawing plans to scale for presentation to the client. The table tilts to accommodate the various angles required for correct sketching. The architectural light used at the drafting table is attached to the writing surface with brackets. The neck of the lamp is jointed to accommodate the various angles at which direct light is required. Investigate the policy of the local university on public use of this type of specialized equipment at the student library. In lieu of an actual tilting table, situate the drawing supplies, paper and a desk lamp on the largest available table. Avoid interruption of the drawing process. Schedule a minimum of six hours for initial conceptualization and progressive sketches.

Mechanical Pencils, Pens and Drafting Paper

The professional drafting artist requires the best pencils, pens and paper. The layperson may make a substitute, primarily because there is only one project at hand. There is no need for the layperson to spend precious budget dollars for professional drafting accouterments. Look for practical and affordable mechanical pencils. Buy a set to accommodate the need for different gauges of graphite. Look for the same qualities in a set of water color pens. Substitute a notebook of graph paper for the expensive drafting paper used by the professional landscape artist.

French Curve Templates and Rulers

Very few professional designs of any sort are accomplished without a complete set of templates. A favored template among landscape artists is the French curve. The outdoor space of the garden permits more freedom of visual movement than that of the confined space within four walls. Hence, the French curve template provides a format of sketching flow envisioned in the form of the garden maze, trained shrubbery and lattice work. Look for templates with various sizes of graceful scrolls. Rulers and other measuring devices are necessary from the moment of project evaluation to the sketching process and at the final installation. Purchase at least two sizes of metal rulers for use while sketching.