Cy Owens Architectural Cad Drafter – Steel Detailer and Designer

Cy Owens architectural cad drafter, steel detailer and designer, provides clear, accurate drawings for builders, architects, and manufacturers. Because projects depend on solid plans, I focus on producing drawings that reduce delays and prevent confusion. As a result, your team can move from design to construction with confidence and fewer surprises.

I am an experienced independent CAD drafter, steel detailer and designer with more than 25 years of hands-on CAD work. During this time, I have supported many teams by turning rough concepts, field notes, and quick sketches into detailed, buildable drawings. Additionally, I bring a practical mindset and a sharp eye for detail, which helps every project run smoothly.

For 12 years, I worked in construction as a carpenter in the historic William Land Park area in Sacramento. Because of that experience, I know how drawings get used in real job-site conditions. Therefore, I create plans that are simple to follow, easy to read, and ready to build. I also understand that even small drafting choices can affect construction, so I work carefully from start to finish.

Before becoming a full-time drafter, I studied Art and Design at San Francisco State University with an emphasis in Photography. As a result, I approach drawings with a stronger sense of proportion, accuracy, and visual balance. This blend of art, construction experience, and CAD skills makes Cy Owens Cad Drafter, steel detailer and designer, a valuable partner for any project.

Experience You Can Count On

Over the years, I have worked on many different project types. Because of this wide range, I can easily adjust to new styles, new standards, and new expectations. Additionally, I stay flexible with software, schedules, and formats so your team receives exactly what it needs.

For three years, I provided structural steel detailing for Rankin & Rankin Steel in Rocklin, California. During that time, I created shop drawings, connection details, and erection plans for fabricators and installers. Furthermore, I coordinated closely with engineers and project managers to ensure accuracy at every step.

I also spent 10 years detailing architectural terra cotta for Gladding McBean in Lincoln, California. In that position, I worked on restoring classic and historic buildings, mainly in New York City and Chicago. Because these projects required precise matching of old profiles and new materials, I learned to measure carefully, interpret old plans, and recreate classic designs with modern methods.

CAD Drafting and Steel Detailing Services

Cy Owens Cad Drafter, steel detailer and designer, offers a full set of drafting services. Because I take pride in communication and clarity, every drawing set includes clean layouts, simple notes, and logical organization.

I prepare site plans, floor plans, elevations, roof plans, and building sections. Additionally, I produce enlarged details, electrical layouts, and clear annotation notes so your team understands the design immediately. Since the field relies on these drawings, I make sure they read well and flow naturally.

For steel detailing, I create beam layouts, column drawings, stair systems, and connection details. Furthermore, I check dimensions, hole locations, and fit-up conditions so installers can work confidently in the field. This careful approach often reduces questions and prevents costly changes later.

For manufacturers and custom shops, I produce prototypes and production drawings. Because these drawings must match real fabrication methods, I adjust layouts based on shop feedback. As a result, the final documents help teams produce accurate parts without confusion.

Architectural Terra Cotta and Historic Restoration

Architectural terra cotta restoration requires patience, skill, and experience. Because older buildings include unique shapes and patterns, I study each profile before drafting. Additionally, I review field measurements, reference photos, and historic documents to match original designs.

I prepare shop drawings that show each terra cotta unit, its profile, its joints, and its exact placement. Furthermore, I include anchors, backing systems, and connection details so installers know exactly how to place each piece. This approach helps restoration teams protect the building’s original character while still meeting modern codes.

Many of these projects took place in major cities like Chicago and New York City. Therefore, I understand strict review timelines, tight job-site conditions, and detailed approval processes. When you need someone skilled in historic detailing, Cy Owens Cad Drafter, steel detailer and designer, can step in and support your work.

Construction and Design Background

My years as a carpenter shaped the way I draft today. Because I dealt with real framing, real measurements, and real problems on site, I learned what builders actually need from a drawing. Therefore, I keep sheets simple, clean, and clear.

While remodel jobs often revealed hidden problems, I learned to think ahead. Additionally, I learned how important it is for drawings to communicate clearly. If a detail is unclear, the job slows down. If a plan is clean, the crew works faster. Therefore, I focus on simplicity, clarity, and accuracy.

My art and design training also helps me organize drawings so they read naturally. Because I studied visual balance and composition, I place text, dimensions, and line weights in a way that guides the viewer’s eye. As a result, my drawings remain easy to understand even under job-site stress.

Working With Architects and Contractors

For the past seven years, I have supported a select group of clients, including a Bay Area architect, several general contractors in Southern California and Reno, and a custom stair manufacturer in the South Bay. Because I work closely with these professionals, I understand their expectations and drafting standards.

I usually begin with your redlines, sketches, or notes. Then I ask key questions so we stay aligned on scope and priorities. Additionally, I send drafts for review and adjust them based on your feedback. This step-by-step approach keeps communication clear and prevents misunderstandings.

Because I am an independent CAD drafter, I can support your team during busy seasons or when you need extra drafting power. Furthermore, I respond quickly, keep files organized, and maintain consistent quality across every sheet.

Why Choose Cy Owens Cad Drafter

Many drafters offer basic skills, but Cy Owens Cad Drafter, steel detailer and designer, brings deeper experience. I understand how architects think, how engineers calculate, and how crews build. Because I bridge all three worlds, I catch problems early and help prevent delays.

Additionally, I work in active partnership with my clients. If I find conflicts, unclear notes, or missing information, I bring it to your attention right away. As a result, your drawings move forward with fewer issues and better accuracy.

I also take accuracy seriously. Because even small errors can cause big problems in the field, I check dimensions, alignments, and details before sending final drawings.

Service Areas and Typical Projects

Most of my work comes from California, including the Bay Area, Southern California, Sacramento, and Reno. However, because CAD work can be delivered digitally, I can also support projects in other regions.

Typical projects include residential additions, custom homes, small commercial buildings, steel stairs, railings, structural steel packages, and historic restorations. Additionally, I help manufacturers with prototypes, product development, and production drawings.

Therefore, whether you are an architect who needs reliable support, a contractor who needs clean as-builts, or a fabricator who needs accurate shop drawings, I can help.

Let’s Work Together

I am now looking to build new working relationships with professionals who need dependable drafting support. Because I handle each project personally, you always work directly with the person doing the drawings.

If you need experience, reliability, and strong communication, please reach out. Additionally, feel free to send sample drawings, project notes, or redlines so I can respond with a clear plan.

You can contact me anytime at. I look forward to showing you how Cy Owens Cad Drafter, steel detailer and designer, can support your next project.