Once again, I have realized that we need drawings for every little renovation on our century-old house, even when all we’re doing is replacing something existing with something that is new and (nearly) identical.  Last night I drew a soffit detail for the guys doing repairs on our soffit in preparation for painting the exterior of the house.  I am glad I still know how to draw with a lead holder and trace and triangle and parallel rule.  I still tear drafting dots in half to conserve them.  It’s been a while, but I did my best.

I do not mean to make light of the complex issues of international politics and human rights, but Aung San Suu Kyi said something this week that made me think of construction documentation.  “Unless we aim at achieving the best that is possible we will have to make do with the least that is tolerable.” 

Tolerable:  Telling people to take down what they installed yesterday, because it won’t work. 

The best that is possible:  Giving those workers a clear, concise, correct, and complete drawing before they install.

Onward!