Architectural Coordination Review
Why Architectural Drawing Review Is a Critical First Step
Most Deck Problems Start Before Structural Review Even Begins
Structural drawings define capacity and support conditions, but architectural drawings define how the finished building must function. When architectural requirements are overlooked, deck layouts may technically satisfy the structure while still creating major coordination failures during construction.
The Coordination Iceberg
FIELD PROBLEMS
What Gets Seen
RFIs
Change Orders
Field Modifications
Installation Delays
Hidden Architectural Review Gaps
Slab Thickness Conflicts
FFE Mismatches
Curtain Wall Edge Conditions
Missing Pour Stops
Deck Direction Issues
Penetration Conflicts
Architectural Elements That Directly Affect Deck Layout
DECK
LAYOUT
Finished Floor Elevations
Wall Systems
Penetrations
Ceiling Clearances
Slab Thickness
Cost of Missing Architectural Coordination
Drawing Review
→
Coordination Issue
→
Field Discovery
→
Rework
Critical Coordination Rule
Architectural Review Comes Before Layout Decisions
Floor elevations, slab depths, wall interfaces, façade systems, and penetrations should all be verified before finalizing deck orientation, edge details, closures, or pour stop locations.
ARCH
Review Principle
Review Architecture Before You Detail Structure
Architectural drawings reveal the coordination requirements that structural drawings alone cannot. A thorough early review prevents slab-depth conflicts, elevation mismatches, penetration issues, and edge-condition failures long before they reach the field.
Review Framework
Establish the Framework Before You Open the Set
Before diving into individual sheets, organize the review around four core coordination disciplines so nothing falls through the cracks.
01
Cross-reference architectural floor plans against structural framing plans. Confirm beam lines, column grid, and bearing walls align with architectural partition layouts and load paths.
02
Verify finished floor elevations, slab thickness callouts, and topping slab depths match the structural deck profile selected. Note any raised floor or depressed slab zones.
03
Identify all deck edge terminations at exterior walls, floor openings, expansion joints, and transitions. Each condition requires the correct closure, pour stop, or angle detail.
04
Flag architectural penetrations, shafts, skylights, and equipment pads. Confirm they are structurally acknowledged and will not bisect deck ribs without reinforcement.
Review Rule
Start with the framework, then move sheet by sheet. A disciplined review path catches coordination issues early and keeps the drawing set aligned from the beginning.
Step 2 • Architectural Drawing Review
Sheet-by-Sheet Review Checklist
Read the Architectural Set Like a Detective
Every sheet type reveals a different layer of coordination information. Floor plans show layout intent, ceiling plans reveal overhead systems, sections expose vertical relationships, and enlarged details uncover construction conditions hidden elsewhere. Reviewing them in sequence builds a complete deck coordination picture.
What Each Sheet Reveals
Floor Plans
Review room layouts, partition types, equipment zones, wet areas, and grid dimensions. Compare architectural spacing against structural bay layouts to identify early coordination conflicts.
Reflected Ceiling Plans
Examine lighting grids, HVAC diffusers, sprinkler layouts, and ceiling elevations. These systems influence hanger locations, insert placement, and deck attachment zones.
Architectural Sections
Sections expose slab build-ups, finish depths, parapets, floor-to-floor heights, and structural space constraints that cannot be seen in plan views.
Enlarged Details
Focus on stair cores, elevator pits, toilet rooms, curtain wall interfaces, depressed slabs, and reinforced openings where custom deck treatment is typically required.
High-Risk Coordination Hotspots
FIELD
CONFLICTS
Elevator Pits
Curtain Walls
Roof Steps
Stair Cores
Wet Areas
Review Strategy
Start Broad. Finish Detailed.
Floor plans establish the overall layout. Ceiling plans reveal building systems. Sections explain vertical relationships. Details resolve the exceptions. Following this sequence ensures no critical coordination requirement is overlooked.
A2→A8
Checklist Principle
Every Sheet Answers a Different Coordination Question
Effective architectural review is progressive. Move from overall layout intent to detailed construction interfaces, gathering coordination requirements at each stage before beginning deck detailing and modeling.
Coordination Flags
Cross-Discipline Coordination Flags
Architectural drawings alone do not tell the full story. Use this matrix to confirm which conditions must be checked with other disciplines before deck detailing proceeds.
Architectural Condition
Check Against
Coordination Risk Priority
Flag
Depressed slab at wet areas
Structural drawings + plumbing
Deck profile depth vs. depression depth
High
Curtain wall / storefront base
Facade shop drawings
Edge angle, pour stop anchor conflicts
High
Mechanical shaft / louver openings
Mechanical + structural
Framed opening size, deck rib orientation
High
Roof hatch / skylight curbs
Roof plan + structural
Curb framing, blocking, deck continuity
Medium
Raised access floor zones
IT / electrical plans
Slab flatness tolerance, insert layout
Medium
Expansion joint locations
Structural + civil
Deck termination, cover plate detailing
Medium
RFI
When in Doubt, Issue an RFI Early
A single coordination question answered in design costs far less than a field modification to installed deck. Resolve uncertainty before detailing moves forward.
Conclusion & Action Plan
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Coordination Is a Habit, Not a Milestone
The most successful steel deck projects are not the result of a single review session. They are built on repeatable coordination practices that begin before detailing and continue through fabrication, construction, and project closeout.
The Coordination Compass
COORDINATION
FIRST
Build Your Own Checklist
Customize verification steps for each project.
Schedule a Kickoff Meeting
Align structural, architectural and MEP teams.
Document Every Deviation
Capture RFIs, sketches, responses and approvals.
Coordination Across the Project Lifecycle
Design
→
Detailing
→
Fabrication
→
Erection
→
Closeout
The Three Practices That Prevent Most RFIs
✓
Verify Early
Confirm drawings before layout decisions begin.
✓
Coordinate Often
Keep all disciplines aligned throughout the project.
✓
Document Everything
Maintain a complete record of decisions and revisions.
Continue Learning
Explore Additional Deck Coordination Resources
For more advanced detailing guidance, coordination checklists, and steel deck best practices, visit:
consac.com/blogs
QC
Final Takeaway
Great Deck Coordination Prevents Problems Nobody Ever Sees
The most successful projects rarely make headlines because the biggest issues were prevented long before construction began. Consistent review, proactive communication, and disciplined documentation transform coordination from a reactive activity into a competitive advantage.
