Building first evolved out of the dynamics between needs and means (available building materials and attendant skills). As human cultures developed and knowledge began to be formalized. Through oral traditions and practices building became a craft, and "architecture" is the name given to the most highly formalized and respected versions of that craft.

With the emerging knowledge in scientific fields and the rise of new materials and technology, architecture and engineering began to separate and the architect began to concentrate on aesthetics. There was also the rise of the "gentleman architect" who usually dealt with wealthy clients and concentrated predominantly on visual qualities.

Architectural drawings are made according to a set of conventions, which include particular views (floor plan, section etc.), sheet sizes, units of measurement and scales, annotation and cross referencing. Conventionally, drawings were made in ink on paper or a similar material, and any copies required had to be laboriously made by hand.