Introduction: Why Glazing Shop Drawings and Submittals Matter
Shop drawings and submittals are not just bureaucratic requirements—they are foundational to the success of any large-scale glazing or façade projects. Done well, they serve as the roadmap for execution; done poorly, they can lead to delays, cost overruns, structural misfits, and frustration for all stakeholders. At JB Design & Permitting, Inc., since our founding in 2014, we’ve aimed for above-satisfactory quality in Glazing Shop Drawings—setting ourselves apart in precision, coordination, and reliability.
In this article, we walk through each critical phase of developing shop drawings and submittals. We discuss practical best practices, common pitfalls, and key criteria that ensure structural integrity, aesthetic coherence, and successful project delivery.
Phase 1: Initial Coordination and Information Gathering
Before any drafting begins, the early stage of coordination and information gathering lays the groundwork for everything that follows. The process often begins with identifying gaps in the architectural or structural documents and quickly issuing Requests for Information (RFIs) to fill those gaps. Timely RFIs are essential; waiting tends to multiply complications downstream. This is also the point where project roles are clarified, ensuring that the glazing contractor, structural engineer, and architect understand what is required from them.
At the same time, it is important to revisit the project’s design intent and scope. This means reviewing aesthetic goals, performance criteria such as thermal efficiency or wind load resistance, and any unique expectations from the owner. Relevant codes and standards must be cataloged to ensure compliance, and practical constraints like budgets and schedules need to be considered. Kickoff meetings or coordination sessions help bring stakeholders together, aligning architects, engineers, contractors, and the internal design team. By agreeing early on dependencies, interface tolerances, and change management processes, the project is set up for smoother execution.
Phase 2: Coordinating Construction Documents
Once the foundation is laid, the focus shifts to aligning construction documents across multiple disciplines. Architectural drawings are checked against structural framing to ensure that window openings, façade features, and load paths align properly. Conflicts can often arise—for example, an oversized glass panel that exceeds mullion strength or a decorative architrave that interferes with a beam. Identifying such issues early prevents costly redesigns.
Integration with mechanical, electrical, and other systems also requires careful attention. Penetrations for HVAC, piping, and lighting must be coordinated with glazing and façade systems, while ensuring that waterproofing, insulation, and thermal performance are not compromised. All of this work must remain grounded in compliance with local building codes. Safety glazing, fire ratings, wind resistance, and seismic considerations must be factored into the drawings so that the finished product is not only functional and attractive but also safe and legally compliant.
Phase 3: Preliminary Engineering
Preliminary engineering focuses on validating feasibility before full-scale drafting begins. Our engineers perform load calculations for wind, dead, and live loads, confirming that the design will withstand real-world forces while meeting deflection and durability requirements. Beyond structural performance, the suitability of materials is carefully evaluated. Glass types, framing alloys, sealants, and anchoring systems must all be selected with environmental conditions in mind, including exposure to temperature swings, moisture, and UV radiation.
This stage also offers opportunities for value engineering. By suggesting alternative materials, modular assemblies, or prefabricated solutions, the team can sometimes reduce costs and streamline installation without sacrificing quality. These adjustments, made before final drawings are prepared, can help avoid expensive changes later on.
Phase 4: Drafting and Design of Shop Drawings
With engineering validation in place, the process moves to drafting. Every line, dimension, and note must be accurate and free of ambiguity, with consistent annotation styles and legends to ensure clarity. The use of advanced CAD and BIM tools allows for precise 3D modeling, enabling spatial conflicts to be identified and resolved before they reach the field.
Equally important is the detailing of interfaces and assemblies. The points where glass meets frame, frame meets structure, and sealant meets joint are the areas most prone to failure. These must be carefully illustrated to show waterproofing details, thermal breaks, anchorage methods, and drainage systems. By capturing this level of precision in the drawings, the team creates a reliable foundation for fabrication and installation.
Phase 5: Internal Quality Control and Reviews
Even the most skilled drafter can make mistakes, which is why multi-level quality control is indispensable. Each drawing is reviewed by multiple professionals—engineers checking for structural soundness, and reviewers ensuring clarity, consistency, and completeness. Standardized checklists covering dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and finish notes help keep errors to a minimum.
These reviews also confirm that the shop drawings remain faithful to the original design intent. A drawing that is fabricable but misaligned with the client’s vision or specifications still represents a failure. Revision control is equally important. Updates must be clearly recorded, and the latest versions distributed to all relevant parties to prevent discrepancies in the field.
Phase 6: Communication and Client/Contractor Coordination
Strong communication is the thread that ties the process together. Regular updates keep clients and contractors informed of progress, while proactive reporting of potential issues allows solutions to be found collaboratively. When RFIs or clarification requests arise, responses must be precise and timely to keep the project on track.
If changes to scope, materials, or conditions are introduced, the impacts on structure, cost, and schedule must be documented and communicated. Submittals prepared at this stage include not only shop drawings but also product data sheets, test reports, and, when necessary, mockups. A coordinated package ensures consistency across disciplines and avoids conflicting instructions.
Phase 7: Timing, Deadlines, and Project Delivery
Meeting deadlines is critical, but it cannot come at the expense of accuracy or safety. Project schedules should outline key milestones, from preliminary submittals and review cycles to final approvals, fabrication, and installation. By building in time for revisions and unexpected changes, the team reduces the risk of delays.
Although clients often prioritize speed, experience has shown that rushing only creates costly errors and rework. JB Design’s philosophy is that it is better to deliver slightly later with accuracy than on time with mistakes. When unforeseen issues arise—whether related to site conditions, code updates, or supply chain disruptions—clear communication and adaptive planning ensure the project remains under control.
Examples and Case Studies
To see how these phases play out in real projects:
- 400 Biscayne Church, Miami, FL — A complex mixed-use and church façade with challenging geometry. JB Design handled design-assist, steel structure design, glazing system design, mock-ups, impact testing, and coordination using tools like AutoCAD 3D, Revit, RISA 3D. JB Design Facade Engineers
- Pier 66 Redevelopment, Ft. Lauderdale — JB Design provided glazing engineering and shop drawing production for curtain walls, storefronts, balconies, and designed supporting steel structures. JB Design Facade Engineers
- The Harbour, North Miami Beach, FL — Focused on exterior entrances, storefronts, glass & glazing shop drawings in a mixed-use high rise. JB Design Facade Engineers
- Loew’s Hotel, Orlando, FL — Involved projects with exterior aluminum storefronts, window walls & operable windows, requiring coordination of architectural, structural, and glazing systems.
Conclusion: Continuous Improvement and Professional Growth
The development of shop drawings and submittals is never a static process; it evolves with every project. At JB Design, we view each engagement as an opportunity to learn and refine our methods. By staying humble, open to feedback, and committed to excellence, we are able to keep pace with the growing complexity of modern construction.
As demands for higher performance, tighter coordination, and more ambitious designs continue to rise, so too must our standards. Our commitment is to support every client in delivering a project that is structurally sound, visually impressive, and executed with professionalism.