What is an architect doing when hard-lining the design?

When an architect is hard-lining the design, they are in the process of creating precise and detailed drawings that represent the final design of a project. This involves using tools and techniques to refine the initial sketches into more exact representations. Hard-lining typically includes defining the architectural elements, establishing dimensions, and ensuring that all aspects of the design are clear and accurate for distribution to contractors or clients. This step is crucial for moving from conceptual sketches to actionable plans that guide the construction process.

In contrast, finalizing colors relates more to the aesthetic decisions that come later in the design process, estimating costs involves assessing the financial aspects of the project, and modeling a building refers to creating three-dimensional representations, usually done after the hard-line drawings are complete. Each of these activities serves a different purpose in the overall architectural process, but hard-lining specifically focuses on the detailed representation of the design itself.