What to share, what to send, and what to watch out for [AIBD Community]


This week, members are asking about handing off CAD files, sharing ways to keep the workday on track, and comparing notes on selling house plans online. There’s also a new tech tip and a heads-up about a suspicious project inquiry.

Have experience with any of these? A quick reply could help another designer make their next decision.

Find a conversation and jump in

Would you hand over your CAD files? Lori Lowery’s client has asked her to release drawings for what he describes as a no-cost service to convert framed plans to masonry. With the design nearly finished and questions about dimensions, revisions, and her Chief Architect workflow, she’s asking how other designers would handle it. Have you encountered this program or a similar request? Join the conversation about plan modifications and CAD files.

PDF, JPG, PNG, DWG—what should you send? The latest installment of G’s Tech Tips looks at six common file formats and when to use each. Whether you’re sharing construction documents, project photos, or editable drawings, choosing the right format matters to the person opening it. Read the file-format breakdown and bring your questions or file-sharing frustrations.

What does it take to sell house plans online? Jeff Combs shares his experience building and maintaining a house-plan store, from preparing plan images and specifications to sorting out pricing, product feeds, and purchase tracking. Thinking about selling your own plans, or already doing it? Join the discussion about selling house plans online and share where you’re getting stuck or what you’ve learned.

Could AI help you start the day with a clearer plan? Dennis Fletcher shares how he uses a ChatGPT project to turn his calendar, emails, and daily notes into a work checklist, complete with three priorities and tasks to carry forward. See how Dennis uses AI for administrative tasks and share your own approach to keeping the day organized.

Does that project inquiry look right to you? Keith Campbell received an email claiming to represent a construction company. After noticing the sender and reply addresses, he contacted the company and confirmed the message wasn’t theirs. Read Keith’s scam alert and add your experience with suspicious inquiries or the warning signs you’ve noticed.

Have something else on your mind? Log in and start a conversation in the AIBD Community. Your question could be the one another designer has been meaning to ask.

Not an AIBD member yet?

The AIBD Community is a members-only space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow building design professionals. If you’d like to participate in conversations like these, join AIBD and become part of the community.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.

Read more from American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

Pull up a chair tomorrow Have a project challenge you could use another perspective on? A business question you’ve been meaning to ask? Bring it to AIBD Office Hour tomorrow, Friday, November 6, at 11:00 am ET. There are no slides and no script—just members helping members work through questions, share practical solutions, and learn from each other. Come with something to discuss, or listen in and offer your perspective. Office Hour is free for AIBD members, and elective CEs are awarded. We...

Hello Reader, Congrats on surviving Monday and crushing Tuesday. Now, Wednesday beckons you to take a break and step into a pattern of discovery. Welcome to the Midweek Meander. Did someone forward this to you? Please consider subscribing. I couldn’t ask for a better fall day. Warm enough to not need a coat, with bright sun and blue skies making the mountains look even more colorful. And my friend and AIBD Eastern Shore Chapter Chair, Tracy Moller, has finally made it to my neck of the woods!...

Today, November 3, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, we're hosting a webinar that features the AIBD Designer Docs Library and how Steve Mickley is using it to build his HousePlans.Guru firm. Today · Members Helping Members Making Designer Docs More Client-Friendly Today, November 3 · 2:00 p.m. Eastern1.0 P2 CE Register at AIBD.org/webinars → Ever feel like you’re speaking a different language than your clients when presenting proposals? Technical precision is critical for drawings, but it can create...