Symbols on architectural drawings
This article catalogues some of the more commonly used symbols on architectural drawings and designs.
[edit] Add to the list by clicking the 'Edit this article' button.
![]() |
Single switched wall socket |
![]() |
Double switched wall socket |
![]() |
Double switched wall socket above worktop level |
![]() |
Single switched fused spur |
![]() |
TV aerial |
![]() |
1 gang light switch |
![]() |
2 gang light switch |
![]() |
2 gang 2 way light switch |
![]() |
Dimmer switch |
![]() |
Pendant light |
![]() |
Recessed downlight |
![]() |
Adjustable recessed spotlight |
![]() |
Recessed spotlight |
![]() |
Wall light |
![]() |
Telephone point |
![]() |
Consumer unit |
![]() |
Shaver socket |
![]() |
Ethernet socket |
![]() |
Thermostat |
![]() |
Lamp |
![]() |
Passive vent |
![]() |
Mechanical fan vent |
![]() |
Radiator |
![]() |
Towel rail |
![]() |
Wash basin |
![]() |
Sink |
![]() |
Bath |
![]() |
Shower tray |
![]() |
wc |
![]() |
Rainwater outlet |
![]() |
Soil vent pipe |
![]() |
Boiler flue |
![]() |
Blockwork |
![]() |
Brick |
![]() |
Stonework |
![]() |
Concrete |
![]() |
Hardcore |
![]() |
Sand |
![]() |
Stone |
![]() |
Rubble |
![]() |
Insulation |
![]() |
Sawn timber |
![]() |
Hardwood |
![]() |
Plywood |
![]() |
Window (plan) |
![]() |
Window (elevation) showing direction of opening - point of triangle indicates hinged side |
![]() |
Door (plan) |
![]() |
North point |
![]() |
Existing tree |
![]() |
Existing tree to be removed |
![]() |
Proposed tree |
![]() |
Incline (steps, stairs or ramp) with arrow head at the higher side |
![]() |
Stairway with arrow head at the higher side |
Add more. | |
Add more. | |
Add more. |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Archidict.
- Architect.
- Architectural reprography.
- Common mistakes on building drawings.
- Common spelling mistakes in the construction industry.
- Concept drawing.
- Drawings.
- Drawing board.
- Elevations.
- Hatching.
- How to draw a floor plan.
- Manual drafting techniques.
- Notation and units on drawings and documents.
- Paper sizes.
- Scale drawing.
- Schematic.
- Section drawing.
- Shop drawing.
- Technical drawing pen sizes.
- Techniques for drawing buildings.
- Types of drawing.
- Visualisation.
- Working drawing.
- Writing technique.
Featured articles and news
The average kinetic energy of molecules
Temperature in buildings, explained on DB
Women and unequal pay in project management
Main barrier to entering the profession, new study reveals.
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.
Comments