2D drawings have been a staple in construction projects since the beginning, and for good reason—they provide a clear, standardized method for conveying complex design information.
Over the years, the industry has evolved from hand-drawn blueprints to digital construction drawings, and now we're seeing even more advancements with the integration of BIM (building information modeling) and other digital tools. Some believe that advancements like 3D models can pave the way for drawingless construction—i.e., using comprehensive digital models to communicate all aspects of the design without relying on traditional paper or 2D drawings.
But is that a real possibility today? Can teams be more efficient by eliminating drawings altogether and implementing drawingless delivery?
These questions were recently discussed in The Big Room, Autodesk's online community where construction professionals can collaborate, exchange ideas, and grow their industry knowledge. The Big Room brings folks together to connect, share experiences, and enhance their knowledge of all things construction.
In line with that, we also have this content series—Overheard in the Big Room—which highlights some of the hottest conversations taking place in the community.
This time, our focus zeroes in on drawingless construction.
The discussion started when Christopher Johns, Director of Engineering at MEGI Engineering Inc., asked whether the industry is ready to move away from traditional 2D drawings.
For him, the answer is a bit complicated.
"In my experience as a design engineer, I've yet to see an instance where a client and contractor on a project would both accept model-only delivery," he wrote. "In instances where we have come close, there has still been a need for schematic-type drawings, e.g., electrical wiring diagrams, loop diagrams, and P&IDs. And for documents like P&IDs, I've yet to see a drawingless substitute."
Christopher's thought-starter was met with a variety of perspectives. Some folks in the Big Room believe that drawingless construction is possible and more efficient, while others were in the camp of maintaining 2D drawings.
That said, almost everyone agreed that it's not a black-and-white issue; there's a lot of nuance in deciding whether drawingless construction can be implemented effectively.
Let's take a closer look at what members of the Big Room had to say.
A handful of folks don't see drawingless construction as entirely possible and efficient today. Still, they acknowledge that progress is being made and can become a reality as technology and teams evolve.
"No, drawingless delivery of a design is not yet fully efficient, in my opinion, due to the current lack of capability within the industry. As the saying goes, we are only as strong as our weakest link. However, I'm confident that it will become business as usual in my lifetime." - Steven Bloomer, Regional BIM Lead at GHD
"I definitely believe it could be a possibility in the future, but currently, I don't see it happening very easily. Fab shops and construction sites all would need to be revised to be able to use other deliverables than what they are typically used to dealing with." - Christopher Frank, Piping Designer at Fluidquip Technologies
"If not possible now, it will be in the future. The real question is, do we want it to be? This idea has been floated around for at least three decades. Meanwhile, we (architects) are being asked to provide more and more information in our construction contract documents. It's a question of how much additional scope (plus responsibility and liability) architects want to assume. It's also worth noting that our fees have not grown commensurately." - Jorge de la Cova, Digital Practice Manager, Collins Cooper Carusi Architects
"[Drawingless construction may eventually be possible], but the processes must be implemented across all departments, and everyone must be on board. And even when this process is implemented, it will most likely only be an aspect of major new projects." - Nicholas Walsh, Modelling Coordinator - Integrated Prefabrications at A.G. Coombs Projects
"Drawingless delivery will depend on the request. If this is related to construction and build, then no—you cannot build off a 3D model. That's because the information you need can not properly be identified in the 3D model. Now, I use this to share design data and clashing. In BIM, we have a different way of looking at this file type. We use it to facilitate the design process and to work with design teams for collaboration." - Kristina Youngblut, BIM Coordinator, Autodesk Expert Elite
Other members of the Big Room pointed out that certain stakeholders—like legal and field teams—might still require traditional 2D drawings for clarity, compliance, and practical reasons.
"Drawingless design isn't fully efficient yet because not everyone is trained on the latest software, and legal needs still require traditional drawings. It might become more common in the future, especially in tech-savvy countries, but it's not quite there yet for everyone." - Negar Moghtadaei, Architectural Designer at AECOM
"Not completely paperless. You have to remember the people in the field are not always trained and up to speed on navigating the latest software. Plus, for legal purposes, I would assume there will always be a need for a 2D deliverable." - Derek Wilfong, Sr. VDC Coordinator at Lease Crutcher Lewis
Several construction pros—some of whom have firsthand experience with drawingless delivery—said it's possible and already happening in certain projects. Of course, the success of drawingless construction depends on factors like project type, team expertise, and technology readiness.
"Given that the entire process piping and structural supports for a brewery I worked on were delivered without 2D drawings, it is undeniably possible." - Karina Delcourt, Strategic Initiatives Manager at ETRO Construction Ltd
"I think it is possible. As we work through our structural Revit models, the 2D plans are just representations of what we have in the model. I think that if 2D drawings were not required and all the design time went into just the 3D model, the models would be all that is needed." - Adam Nelson, Designer at BHB Engineers
"If it is modular construction, 3D printing, drone-based mapping construction… then yes, we might see this possibility.” - Keval Solanki, Digital Project Manager at WiiGroup
"Drawingless delivery is feasible with advanced BIM, especially for complex designs. Models can be detailed enough, reducing reliance on traditional drawings. However, efficiency depends on stakeholder readiness and clear protocols." - Tracie Vân-Trang T. Nguyễn, Platinum Student Ambassador at Autodesk
Listen in: The evolution of BIM data
"As long as there is another way to convey design ideas, drawing on paper will no longer be necessary. Considering that the plans and detailed drawings are instructions for whoever is going to build it to do their job, if this transmission of information can be done in another way, it will be the place to put down the paper!" - Juan Yusta, Technical Sales Specialist at Sonda
And that wraps up the latest installment of Overhead in the Big Room. Drawingless construction is just one of the many topics we explore in the community—and we'd love to have you there.
If you have any questions, perspectives, or hot takes about construction, the Big Room is the perfect place for you. Share your expertise, learn from others, and network with industry pros. Whatever your goal is, this is a community you'll enjoy being a part of.
Ready to join the conversation? Head on over to the Big Room!
