What term refers to the manual drafting and traditional tasks of the designer?

The term "On the Boards" refers to the traditional practice of hand drafting and manual design tasks that interior designers and architects engage in. This expression historically denotes the process of executing design work on drawing boards, where physical tools like pencils, rulers, and T-squares are used to create plans and elevations. This phase emphasizes the hands-on, artistic aspect of design, prior to the adoption of digital drafting tools.

Sketching generally involves informal and quick drawings that capture ideas and concepts but does not necessarily denote the structured process associated with more formal drafting on drawing boards. Technical drawing, while closely related, refers specifically to the methodical representation of dimensions and details of an object or space, often with precise measurements and conventions, which goes beyond the broader practice of manual drafting. Design planning encompasses the overall concept and strategy for a project, including elements such as space optimization and user experience, but is not specifically tied to the manual drafting techniques performed “on the boards.”

Thus, "On the Boards" uniquely encapsulates the traditional and manual aspect of the designer's craft in a way that distinguishes it from these other terms.