The initial drawings made by the architect are called rough sketches. These rough sketches are merely diagrams of the proposed building showing the division of the floor space into rooms, closets and halls, and the location of doors and windows. They are not detailed drawings, but they do show the dimensions of the rooms. They are drawn to show how the building can be fitted to the lot and how the space can best be utilized. They are often used for the purpose of figuring estimated costs of the building.

In the preparation of rough sketches the architect takes into consideration the building, tenement and sanitary codes and restrictions on the property, if any (whether imposed privately or by governmental authority). He will also consider the relation of adjoining buildings to the plot in so far as they affect the light and air for the proposed building. It is important that the maximum amount of light be obtained for all the rooms.

The architect often furnishes with the rough sketches, one or more drawings showing how the front of the building will look on completion. These are drawn with the idea of creating a building having not only a well arranged interior but also an attractive exterior appearance.