CAD DRAFTING
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CAD Drafting & Measured Building Survey (MBS)
DerrickSteven Design (DSD) offers professional CAD drafting and Measured Building Survey (MBS) services from Nairobi, Kenya. We create CAD technical drawings, Revit BIM models, and as-built documentation for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
What Is A Measured Building Survey (MBS)?
A Measured Building Survey (MBS) is a precise physical measurement and documentation of an existing building. The output is a set of accurate architectural drawings — floor plans, elevations, sections, and roof plans — that reflect the building as it currently stands, not as it was originally designed.
When you need an MBS:
- Renovation or refurbishment of an existing property
- Extension or addition to an existing structure
- When original drawings are unavailable, incomplete, or inaccurate
- Landlord-tenant fit-out negotiations
- Building sales, valuations, or due diligence
- Heritage or conservation documentation
- Pre-demolition recording
DSD offers two MBS methods:
Manual Measured Survey — The DSD survey team visit the site, takes hand measurements using tapes, laser distance meters, and levels. Data is then drafted in AutoCAD and delivered as DWG and PDF files. Ideal for straightforward floor plans, elevations, and site layouts.
3D Laser Scanning Survey — Using 3D scan technology, DSD captures a full point cloud of the building interior and exterior. This data is processed into a Revit BIM model and AutoCAD DWG drawings. Ideal for complex geometries, heritage buildings, and projects requiring high accuracy or clash detection.
Our CAD Drafting & MBS Services
CAD Conversions (Sketch to 2D/3D)
CAD Technical Drafting Production of 2D technical drawings in AutoCAD (.dwg) format. Services include:
- Architectural floor plans, elevations, and sections
- Site plans and layouts
- Working drawings and construction documentation
- Approval/county submission drawing sets
- Coordination with structural, MEP, and civil consultants
- As-built drawing updates from mark-up or site measurements
- Conversion of sketches, PDFs, or scanned drawings to CAD
BIM Modelling (Revit) 3D
BIM Modelling (Revit) 3D Building Information Modelling using Autodesk Revit for architecture, structure, and MEP. Services include:
- Revit model creation from 2D CAD drawings or point cloud data
- BIM coordination and clash detection
- 3D model creation from existing 2D drawings
- Quantity take-offs and material schedules from BIM
- LOD 100–350 modelling for design and construction stages
- Family/component creation in Revit
Measured Building Survey (MBS)
Measured Building Survey — Manual On-site physical survey and CAD drafting of existing buildings. Deliverables include:
- Floor plans at 1:50 or 1:100 scale
- Elevations (all four facades)
- Cross-sections
- Roof plans
- Site/block plans where required Output: AutoCAD DWG + PDF drawings
Measured Building Survey - 3D Scanning
Measured Building Survey – 3D Scanning Point cloud capture and BIM/CAD production for high-accuracy or complex building surveys. Deliverables include:
- Registered Point Cloud
- Revit BIM model (Architecture)
- AutoCAD DWG floor plans, elevations, and sections
Suitable for: heritage buildings, multi-storey structures, complex geometries, pre-construction due diligence
Remote Drafting Support (International)
DSD offers dedicated remote CAD and BIM drafting support to architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and all around the world. Services include:
- Ongoing hourly contracts
- Project-based CAD drawing production
- Revit modelling support
- Drawing checking and coordination
- Fast turnaround across time zones. DSD operates on Kenyan time (EAT / UTC+3), enabling overnight delivery for UK and European clients.
MEP/ Structural Drafting
Technical drawings for building services and structural systems:
- Mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, drainage layout plans)
- Electrical (distribution, lighting, power layout plans)
- Structural framing and foundation plans (from engineer input)
- Telcom Drafting (data and communication infrastructure)
- Clash detection coordination between disciplines
CAD Drafting & MBS Pricing
Local Pricing (KES):
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard CAD Drafting — Hourly | KES 3,750 / hr |
| Advanced CAD / BIM / 3D Modelling — Hourly | KES 7,500 / hr |
| Basic Package — Simple 2D Drafting | KES 7,500 – 12,000 per drawing |
| Standard Package — Detailed Architectural Drawings | KES 12,000 – 20,000 per drawing |
| Technical Package — MEP / Structural Drawings | KES 20,000 – 35,000 per drawing |
| Measured Building Survey — Measuring by Hand | KES 7,500 / hr field + KES 3,750 / hr drafting |
| Measured Building Survey — 3D Scanning | KES 350 – 600 per sqm (incl. 3D Revit + DWGs) |
International Pricing (USD):
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard CAD Drafting — Hourly | USD 30 / hr |
| Advanced CAD / BIM / 3D — Hourly | USD 60 / hr |
| Basic Package — Simple 2D Drafting | USD 60 – 100 per drawing |
| Standard Package — Detailed Arch. Drawings | USD 100 – 150 per drawing |
| Technical Package — MEP / Structural | USD 150 – 300 per drawing |
| Monthly Retainer (International) | From USD 2,400 / month |
All pricing is indicative. Final fee depends on drawing complexity and turnaround requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
CAD Drafting & MBS
A Measured Building Survey (MBS) is an on-site physical measurement and documentation of an existing building, resulting in accurate CAD drawings. For a typical residential property (200–400 sqm), site measurement takes 1–2 days and CAD drafting takes 3–5 working days. Larger or more complex buildings take longer. 3D scanning surveys are faster on-site but require additional processing time for model generation.
Standard deliverables include AutoCAD DWG (all versions from 2010 onwards), PDF for client review, and Revit RVT for BIM projects. We can also export to DXF, IFC, NWC (Navisworks), and other formats on request.
Yes. DSD regularly redraws from PDF scans, photocopies, hand sketches, or partially complete drawing sets. We can also combine existing drawings with fresh site measurements to produce updated as-built documentation.
Yes. Although DSD is based in Nairobi, Kenya, we provide remote CAD drafting and BIM modelling support to architecture and engineering firms in the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and all around the world. We work hourly, on retainer, or per project. Please Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drafting produces 2D technical drawings — floor plans, elevations, sections. BIM (Building Information Modelling) creates an intelligent 3D parametric model (typically in Revit) from which drawings, schedules, quantities and 3D views are extracted. BIM is more collaborative and data-rich; CAD is faster for straightforward 2D documentation. DSD offers both. Learn more about our BIM services.
We accept files via WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox, or email. For large point cloud or scan datasets, we will share a secure upload link. All file transfers are treated confidentially.
Yes, we do conduct site visits beyond Nairobi. However, please note that travel and accommodation costs for locations outside Nairobi are billed separately. We standardly cover the Greater Nairobi area, and we can also travel to major Kenyan cities such as Mombasa and Kisumu. Additionally, we are able to travel outside of Kenya as well.
If You Need Help With Your Project, Our Designers Are Just A Chat Away.
Our services cater to clients based in Kenya as well as international architecture, engineering, and construction firms seeking cost-effective, high-quality drafting support.