This is how I put my work together. I have been using this system for years and I have had no major issues yet "touch wood".
Each project I start is assigned the next sequential number. My next project will be No 0147.
From now on every reference file to this project all start with 0147, and all go in a sub directory of the project folder 0147. So at a glance I know where any file belongs. This goes for all images, invoices, letters, drawings, models etc etc etc.
I number my drawings as: 0147-AA-13-001-REV-A01
0147 – Project No:
AA – Normally Clients Initials
13 – The year
001 – Drawing No:
REV –A01 – Revision No: A01, A02, A03 – This allows for a lot of revisions on the same Dwg No:
This is how I have it all structured on the PC:
DIR Structure.jpg
On larger projects I keep the Drawing No’s all the same and only update Sheet No’s when Saved/exported/plotted as there are always several drawings on one sheet. I always keep an Excel sheet with the created Sheet no’s on and a brief description of each sheet. This is more a check list for submitting to local authority of what is being submitted.
I don’t have an issue with different consultants having out of date drawings as I tend not to release anything significant until the client has OK’d everything. But if I do update anything of significance I would forward the drawings on to one and all involved as a matter of course. I don't have an issue with people not finding files on my system, as there is only me 😐
The biggest pain “AutoCAD” is to keep an eye on your model space editing. I do not just do one elevation per dwg file or one floor plan per dwg file. I keep multiple instances of each project all in the same dwg file, including all revisions [save as]. This is much better to cross ref your work, but it’s a pain if you have 10x A1 sheets, with 6-8 drawings on each sheet, then trying to find the corresponding drawing in model space of a particular viewport in paper space. This calls for creating a large grid in model space and labelling each one with the paper space sheet no/viewport. Then each drawing goes in its own grid.
This doesn’t happen in SU. I do use more than one model for each project. I think the last project had about 4-5 models? not counting the scrapbook or detail drawings.
[Extensions & Alterations]
Model 01 - The existing Building & site plan
Model 02 - I take model 01 [save as] and edit it to do all the structural work, openings in existing building etc.
Model 03 - I take model 02 [save as] and add the new build parts to it.
Model 04 - I take model 03 [save as] and break it apart to show construction & detailing.
Model 05 – etc etc
Then my LO file will just reference each of these models as and when required.
I only use multiple models when the design is complete as it saves creating lots of extra scenes and hiding layers/components/styles etc. It’s just easier and less of a headache. Plus it's an easy "Start again" method if everything changes drastically.
Gaz...
[Edit]
I forgot to mention I always keep all files in all folders organised as: [Sort by DATE] this way they are all listed in the correct order.
