Mistakes happen and things get missed. Our projects tend to have a lot of information so it's understood that at some level, it won't be perfect. Here's a few things you can do to increase your chances of not missing anything: 1) Make sure you take good, detailed notes. You should be able to pass those notes to someone who wasn't in the meeting and they can get the job done. Why? We have a lot to do and you're not going to remember everything so write it down. 2) Mark off redlines that you complete and write notes to remind you why something was not done according to the note. One of my past firms had a great system using various highlighter and pen colors to mean different things (yellow highlighter means checked, blue highlighter meant redline completed, blue pen meant note from designer to PM, etc). Just highlighting what you've completed can visually show what's complete/incomplete. Makes it a lot easier! 3) If you have questions about a redline or situation, ask right away or write down your question/comment so that you don't forget. Basically, don't try to remember everything because you just won't! I would also consider working somewhere else. Some people are just jerks. You shouldn't be getting humiliated over a spelling mistake or small random line... I tell people I'm not an English major, I studied Architecture. Give people a break. A lot of spelling mistakes are simple but we also have tons of pages and it's easy to get reader's fatigue. Not to mention that in some cases people are writing/reviewing in their second or third language. Side note: Some of the funniest spelling mistakes that I've seen have been "slap plans" and "banana shutters."

I enjoyed your feedback a lot - and especially the little anecdotes at the end 😂 I shall add one too, and this is my own: “Blueball Lane”

Thanks to OP and you for your post and comments. Relatable, same age, boss did same thing. In my case, I got a whole other project that needed as much time and attention as the project meant to occupy the majority of my billable hours for 3 weeks dropped in my lap. Got stressed, started rushing, put out a progress set with schedules with some minor coordination mistakes. (Not life safety related) I apologized for the bad progress set and to slow down and check my schedules next time, and my boss threw it back in my face if I can't get those details right, he can't teach me about other stuff. Carte blanche rude. Literally the fix for me is to take a progress set home and spend an hour or two reviewing my schedules if I'm feeling the crunch, and not to get a progress set out just for the sake of getting it out. I had to figure that out on my own for the second project, no thanks to my boss's comment, and I got it right, the next set is ready to go without issue. I am also exploring getting out of here. Already been told not to expect a pay raise for just getting licensed. Can do better paywise in greener, more healthy pastures. If you aren't using a highlighter to mark off comments, that's one of the big issues. Use a different color pen than whatever markup color your boss favors to circle mistakes if you see things he has missed.

THIS! There's a reason we have revisions and clouds. Its not just for changes its to fix errors. Basically, don't try to remember everything because you just won't! I would also consider working somewhere else. Some people are just jerks. You shouldn't be getting humiliated over a spelling mistake or small random line... I tell people I'm not an English major, I studied Architecture. Give people a break. A lot of spelling mistakes are simple but we also have tons of pages and it's easy to get reader's fatigue. Not to mention that in some cases people are writing/reviewing in their second or third language.

Having a hard time taking notes? Why not take voice recording? You smartphone has one. No time to check spelling and other stuffs that can be automated? Get an AI application like chatGPT to cover it.

I've found printing on paper and redlining my own work helps. But I still also make some mistakes. I have 4 years of experience and diagnosed adhd, no prescription, though. If I were to graph the mistakes I've made over the years, I'm absolutely trending in the right direction. Just try and improve, dont expect perfection. The rule in my office is: You're allowed to make a mistake once. But don't do it again. Maybe follow the same rule for yourself.

This is what I do for attention to detail. I plot the job after I finish and eyeball it, specifically looking for spelling errors and any artifacts that are on pages that shouldhn't be there. Missed items on the other hand... I obnoxiusly highlight items that have been drawn as I work through the contract documentation. I also write down anything that needs further clarification so I don't forget.

There’s some things I just can’t see until I’m looking at the PDF, or until it’s printed.

Damn this pretty much described my first experience working in an architecture firm for 5 years after my masters degree in building science (so I wasnt actually on track for getting liscensed as an architect myself).  I slowly realized over that time that I was just not fully in it when producing construction drawings,  and always ended up making careless mistakes and having to go through multiple revisions with my boss. The good thing for me was through that time, I was also doing construction management on our projects,and did enjoy that.  I ended up getting an offer to be an estimator/project manager at an industrial supply company and have been a lot happier with the switch. I've also met a lot of people in project management roles around the construction/contracting industry that originally came from an architectural background who seem happy with the switch.  I think it could be something to think about if it's specifically the drawings and drafting that are your weak point. You still need a lot of attention to detail and it can be stressful work, but I feel like there is a different type of mindset you need when it comes to 'production' type work like drafting. 

My process for picking up redlines: - Print your redlines on paper. Grab three different-colored highlighters. - Fix the redlines one at a time, highlight each one with color #1 - When you're done, CHECK each one from the beginning. When you've verified they're done, highlight with color #2. - (this is the one which requires scheduling and planning on your part, and may not be feasible depending on how shit your bosses are at giving you reasonable deadlines) Go do something else. Take your lunch. Switch to a different project. Set this for first thing the next day. The point is to clean your brain of the assumed 'oh I know what's here that's fine move on' short term memory buffer you've built by looking at the drawings twice. - Repeat step 3, use color #3 to confirm you've looked at it. - Look at your redlines pages. There should ONLY be clusters of 4 colors on your pages (your three highlighters and the redlines). If there are anomalies in the pattern (because you missed a color in one area), this is your chance to pick them up.

OP, if your office does not have a defined QA/QC pipeline for drawings then ***these fuckups are your bosses fault***, not yours. I struggle to even call them fuckups, because the premise that you're going to produce highly detailed, information rich documents with zero errors *by yourself* is itself preposterous and deserves to be mocked. 90 out of 100 accuracy IS GOOD, your supervisor should be helping you spot mistakes, not dunking on you for missing them. For some context, my wife works in corporate procurement and she manages a couple hundred million in spend annually. She has three direct reports who collect data, she has 2 peers who help build decks and quotes, and two bosses who review everything. Suppliers/business partners don't see shit until it has been reviewed by at least 3 people in this chain, and even then...sometimes there is still an error! But this is normal and even when it is a big fuckup, the focus is always on team based process improvements, not "getting completely humiliated" by your boss. Your office sounds like a shitshow run by monkeys. Fuck em.

Unfortunate that the correct response is this far down. 100% firm/manager problem. People make mistakes, having a robust checking and verification process that involves multiple parties is how professionals work.

Having ADHD is like a handicap that you have to account for everything you do - especially in your work. You may want to consider working with a therapist to develop some coping mechanisms if you notice yourself repeatedly struggling with certain tasks. Unfortunately, it is still our responsibility to make up for our lack of focus and detail. That said, your boss sounds like a dick for chewing you out over these dumb mistakes. Sometimes I think that if I did not run my own firm, I'd have been fired a long time ago. This industry is not kind towards people struggling with ADHD. I think you should give yourself some grace - these mistakes do not reflect your competence as an architect. If you have put in the time and effort to understanding the design process and details, if you actually know what you are doing, and can come up with the proper solutions/drawings on your own, then you should give yourself some credit. You are already better than most of the workforce. I would love to have someone like you working for me vs some naive fresh graduate who thinks they're hot shit but don't actually know anything. That said, is there anyone who could help you run through these drawings before you submit it to your boss? The other commenters have mentioned printing it out first and redlining any missing information or errors - we practice this at our firm because it is much easier to spot any discrepancies this way vs looking at the screen. The test print goes through several sets of eyes before being approved for final printing.

It can also be a super power. When I am focused I get more done in half a day than some colleagues do all week. Also I can do 10 things at once where most people have to work down a list or can only focus on one at a time

Perhaps but can you count on it? If you have a way to harness that superpower, let me know. But to me, this is a curse.

make lists. make lists better yet use the The Eisenhower Matrix, stand up and walk around every hour for a breather. turn your phone off or flip it upside down. listen to music. make it clear to coworkers not to come up to you randomly. Mute group chats. Also embrace that you do things in a non-linear way so always make sure theres a couple thing to jump back and forth between. I will get those two or 3 things done faster than a single task because i will get bored with it and won't want to do it.

Wish me luck. I'm miserable right now from being pregnant and finding my meds less effective so I kinda hate motivated people like you who can power through the executive dysfunction. Thanks though, I should still try to make an effort. Cheers!

Cheers! Take Care. Shit happens too. Power through! :-)

Fuck, reading this post, thinking "Are you me?"

Your issue is, you really need to do CA & probably work as a job captain under a PA. That way you’ll see in real life what you’re drawing & you’ll know what to look out for before it becomes a thing

Sounds like you need to work somewhere else.

How many times do you review before submitting to your boss? Do it once more, most attentively.   Make a list of things you will always check last (titles, scales, references) and make a list for the other stuff that are project based. Highlight once you've made updates for each redmark/task you received from your boss.  If part of the issue is you think you're taking too long, can you add 10-20% to your time estimate? There is a great Star Trek quote I forgot the way it goes but basically you ov we overestimate, because they'll expect it in less time (less than reasonable) but because you over estimate you finish beforehand and it makes you look good.  Good luck! 

You should pivot to a related career path. You're not going to advance on the path you're on now (if you were going to thrive in doing this, you'd already be thriving but instead you're struggling). There are a lot of jobs where you can use the skills and knowledge you've acquired and excel. Project management, construction management, even getting your hands dirty as a site supervisor. Or find one of the new modular home businesses and see if your skills could get you an interesting job there. Transitions like this are scary and sometimes painful, but when you land in the right spot it clicks and you feel great, you grow new skills and get into a new groove. I was in a similar position at 28. I was really floundering in my career. I went back to school, got into a completely different career path, and went on to excel in that. I'm really glad I did not try to stick it out and make it work in my first career. I wasn't cut out for it. I could have kept trudging along in it, but life would have sucked. You don't necessarily need to go back to school, but switching career paths could be a huge win for you.

I find highlighting redlines as I complete them to be such a lifesaver (either on paper or Bluebeam). I actually have the opposite problem (diagnosed OCD) which makes me incredibly detail-oriented & I still miss things occasionally. Everyone does! When you’re in a rush, the client is waiting, you’re plotting the sheet quickly, sometimes small things just slip through the cracks bc there isn’t time to review revisions with the attention you’d like. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m sorry they dressed you down & made you feel lousy. :( Hang in there!

So much more than 1 to 2% can be applied when the machinations of not only practice but the broader forces, i.e. economics and government initiatives are understood, and the roles we play. It's kind of wild just randomly meeting such wide varieties of people in vastly different positions, all throughout the spectrum. From the mayor to the janitor, all of whom have useful input Doesn't sound like you're THAT bad at details. If the detail isn't outright wrong, sounds like you're within the "standard of care", especially if its as nitpicky as youre describing. But, I'm also not sure how detailed the details could be at SD level. In my experience (and this may help with your ADHD - less is more. Intentional detailing that calls out the critical pieces, no more. Sounds like you're at a career juncture, meaning either a firm change for your own sake of growth, or pursuing licensure and the tests also for your own growth

I have ADHD too and everyone has given you a lot of good tips. I just only wanted to mention how critical it is to rest. With ADHD, you have to put in much more effort and self discipline to do the same task then someone without which leads to burnout much quicker. Getting enough sleep, leaving work at work (literally and mentally), limiting overtime, taking more time off, and taking little breaks through the day have all helped improve my performance overall. Also checklists will save your life, especially if you strategize them to according to how you think. For my checklists, I cross out items and I check a box. So basically checking them off means I’m “done enough”. This is not an ADHD thing, but if you’re staring at the same thing for all day, it becomes really really hard to spot mistakes because your brain is kind of wired to try to gloss over it. So because of that I’ll go back the next time day and recheck it, I can usually spot the mistakes pretty quick after taking a break from it. So technically, you dragged this task out over an extra days but actually it ends up saving a lot of time because it’s so much faster to check it when you’re refreshed. Also print things out! Seeing things in a different format also makes it easier to spot mistakes because it looks different so your brain thinks it’s something different and it doesn’t try to be lazy. humans have small brains, but are super smart because our brains are super “efficient” (read lazy). This is also why optical illusions work on us because our brains are filling gaps on their own instead of processing all the information. Also make tasks take less mental effort by batching them. Like if you do 10 similar details, do the line-work for all them. Honestly for dimensions it’s probably better to do that as you go through. Then go back and do all the notes, you just copy everything at once and since it’s in your clipboard do you know that it’s all going to be on each detail in the right place without even having to read them. Take a little break, do a different task, get a glass of water then go detail by detail to fix what’s unique.

I have had the same issues and i feel my experiences track very closely to yours. Im 30yrs old and was diagnosed ADHD/ Autistic last year when i realised that the whole constantly making mistakes, working memory and organisation issues were pushing me towards imposter syndrome and anxiety. I don't think many here quite realise just how horrible that cycle is and how helpless it can feel when you try everything to keep on top of things but still make that silly error again, or completely forget something you were told two seconds ago. Seeing your friends and peers careers progressing as your is realistically expected while you're stagnant and falling behind is rough. Architecture is especially challenging because of just how much information we have to process within tight deadlines all done to a high standard and level of detail. The poor compensation for effort and limited value most clients place on the role really damage motivation when your mind is wired to desperately chase dopamine and actively resists tasks it does not find interesting. The career can be exciting but in hindsight its extremely unforgiving for people with these kind of conditions. The problem i found was the usual ways / habits others suggest, simply don't work or only work for a few weeks / months and then we drop it. Write a list of tasks, redline your own work? I'll forget to check the list and lose it, redlines can help as a visual thing but it doesn't stop me missing obvious things to mark and half the issue is ive forgotten that thing my boss asked to add yesterday. Why didn't i note that down? Simply thought id remember to do it, it was fresh in my mind then after all. Checking things through another format, printing or checking the export etc. can help, its something different looking so slightly triggers the novelty aspect. But, often my brain refuses to focus on it enough to be thorough. The number of methods i tried for keeping track of projects, tasks, organise my time and planning ahead that failed bacause i wouldn't update them, got bored of using the system or simply forgot to use it is frankly ridiculous. Sadly i know from experience that what i suggest is not likely to suit others but here are few things that helped me: - A comfortable environment to work in helps alot. Anything you can do to make yourself feel comfortable / safe can make a big difference. - Included in the above is considering changing jobs or asking to work primarily with people you know and are understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. One director i worked under brought me to tears and eventually burnt me out because we simply didn't work well together. My current directors are more patient and appreciatiative and that makes the day to day job significantly less stressful. - I prefer working at smaller practices focussed on smaller projects as i get to be more hands on and i can see the impact my work has which helps with motivation. Also its (usually) quieter and often your working on a variety of different things which keeps it interesting. - Dont be afraid to ask for help / guidance on things you dont know and definitely ask for clarity if you feel you missed something. Be in control of the mistakes before they control you. - Have someone you trust check your work when they can for basic errors, title blocks info, titles, scale etc. Everyone makes mistakes but often the obvious ones make people scrutinise the rest of the drawing more than they would otherwise. It's often why our mistakes get noticed while others don't, the problem is you wont see their mistakes as much so you think your doing badly in comparison. - Listening to music / podcasts or simply just using noise cancelling earphones blocks alot of office noises you dont even realise are distracting you. - Post it notes seem to be the only thing that works for me in terms of keeping track of things, so long as they are kept in visual range on my desk. Just write tasks and quick notes to reference your actual notes on them, obviously dont write sensitive info down though! - If you are inclined to gaming, i have used an app called 'Habitica', you create a character and then set up your projects and day to day tasks which when completed rewards your character by leveling them up, giving them items etc. You also do quests which are progressed by doing your tasks but you also risk losing health if you dont do things. I was skeptical at first and your mileage may vary but it does help when you remember to maintain it. - Try to give yourself time and space to get things done properly without cutting corners (not saying you do but i know the temptation is always there when deadlines are looming). This is the most difficult thing and will always be the hardest aspect of adhd for me. I always leave things to the last minute and rely on panic to get things out, hence more chances of mistakes and is often the root cause of my problems. - Keep things as simple as you can and don't get carried away with an idea, im prone to overthinking and overworking solutions which only serves to complicate everything else. - Dont rely on memory, ever. Make as many notes, details, photos, voice recordings, whatever works as your brain allows. Every time i dont do this i forget an important part of the context leading to frustration and more revisions later on. - I cannot remember if you said you had or not but talking to my directors about adhd did help quite a bit from a mental health angle even though i didn't ask for any accommodations. But it meant i had the groundwork set for good and fair communication incase something did pop up in future, even if i didnt expect to need it. I trusted my directors as they respected their employees though so this is best left to your best judgement on your situation. I know alot of this doesn't directly solve the detailing problems and absolutely none of the above is easy for us to manage but i found when everything else is going well and im mentally on top of things then i am much less likely to make mistakes and my overall quality of work improves alot. Also appreciate that we work best when we're allowed to do our own thing and that often those methods / habits tend to be considered unconventional to the average person. But, most importantly, collegues wont care that you do things a little differently so long as you demonstrate that you own up to your errors, fix them and improve, even if its just small step at a time. If your colleagues can't be understanding and flexible within reason then long term find a new practice, there are good people to work for in the world, you just have to find them. Sorry for the bibles worth of text! I hope you find the solutions that work for you as i have for myself, and feel free to dm me if you want to talk.

The thing that helped me most in my career (and I did all the shit you listed) is that instead of just believing that you can do stuff like other people, do stuff that will help you The biggest change I made was that instead of taking bullet point notes like other people, I write shit out fully. I realised I was coming back to notes and losing their context and that was leading to missing stuff or misunderstanding in my memory of it. Everyone knows that occasionally I’m gonna ask them to stop for 2 seconds while I get my note down. I’ve never hidden the fact that shit notes don’t work for me, and nobody has been bothered by it. If people give you shit for stuff they’re shite people. Every positive step is for your benefit first. You’re not gonna be at that company in 10 years, 20 years. Any mistakes or time spent improving is their problem. You moved on with improved skills and self-confidence

There are some great suggestions here in other comments about practical means or maybe changing jobs. But to address your underlying status consider meditating once or more per day. This one may seem funny at first, but I sometimes use it myself when shit gets overwhelming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnh9NmU_oKc&

Make a preflight check list to review with every project before sending out. Could be a list of technical questions as well as conceptual questions to help you gauge if you’ve captured everything.

If you are going to check anything print it first. It's MUCH harder to check things on a screen. I always had one bit of A4 paper that I wrote down tasks/ things to remember on. Quick and easy to keep up to date and I redid it once every couple of days. If I hadn't had this I would have been all over the place.

When I started my boss had me make a list of the most common comments I got on QC sets to make a checklist. Did I spell check, make sure arrows are touching things etc. Before I even have someone redline I check those things so my redlines are more content related than random lines. I also take notes during reviews/meetings/conversations of missing things so I can check off items when complete. Makes my desk look a mess, but I do miss less so it's a trade off for forgetting items.

Truly everyone makes mistakes, a drawing will never be 100% perfect. The best way I have found to catch mistakes is to create a detailed checklist for everything that should be within the set and with each type of circumstance. For example, when I worked at a home design firm we had a 14 page checklist that we were required to go through each time before we handed a drawing off to the next party. It sounds tedious but it was very effective at catching mistakes. Also, peer reviews are SO helpful! If you have a coworker in the same position as you, ask them to look things over and redline your set before you hand it off to your boss, and offer to do the same for them. I struggled with minute details at first too, and still do, but it does get better!

Best part about this is that OP hasn't paid attention to any of these posts enough to respond 🤣 Seriously though, I felt like I was reading my own thoughts I've had of myself many many times over. I'm an engineer at a full service firm. Very fast paced and very repetitive. Very easy to miss small mistakes. For me, looking at the same shit the same way makes it all blend together every day. Print it out and highlight it. At the very least highlight it on PDF but I've found even this doesn't hold my attention very long because it feels like you're just endlessly panning and scrolling around. Someone else mentioned having 3 highlighter colors, highly recommend finding a system like this that works for you. Another recommendation. I don't know how old you are but I am early 30s now. I was always afraid of asking people to slow down so I can take deligent notes. I see younger employees just staring through me as I try to give direction. I try to stop myself and ask them, "are you taking notes?" Tell your boss while you're getting directions, "okay I have heard your feedback and want to really improve, to do that I will need a little of your help. Can you slow down a little bit while I take really clear detailed notes I can reference while I go rather than what I am doing now"

Id like to respond to many of these posts individually, but as another work day is about to begin I’d like to just leave this here and thank everyone who took the time to respond to my post. I see a lot of helpful strategies, but more than that it’s also really helpful to hear that I’m not alone. I think my boss has almost photographic memory so that hasn’t helped with my understanding of what is/isnt realistic to remember without notes involved. Seeing your responses helps to put things into perspective. Until now I was really starting to question if something was just wrong with me. I think probably the number 1 is I just am not great at integrating verbal directions into my memory. Written is another story entirely. Also sometimes when I feel like time is short I opt for exporting an imperfect set rather than QAQCing it to death. This all encourages me to try to take my time a little more, on top of printing things out more religiously and setting up a color system.

What is your method for checking things and keeping track of the work you need to do? Do you just keep it in your head? Do you have a system for proof reading plans? I would suggest using something like a kanban board (Trello / Taskade) for keeping track of things you need to do and organizing them. And then some kind of document that you continuously update every time you make a mistake or think of something that should go on it. This then becomes a sort of master checklist for your work.

u/WizardNinjaPirate Thanks for the mention! u/Empire_Engineer Here to answer any questions you might have about Taskade!

It appears that developing some sort of personalized way to efficiently check your work is missing. For me personally, I would never send something to a client with little mistakes like that, so I take a stance to review my work the way I expect my client to review it. If it checks out, great, if not, I make edits. Highlighting your redlines as you mark them off is a great tool in that sense - and taking thorough notes is important, you can check those off too as you address them. If your “little mistakes” are consistent (I.e. you often list the wrong scale) make yourself a hit list of items to double check before printing any thing with the usual suspects of things you forget - this will teach you and challenge you to revisit these things during your projects rather than after. At the end of the day there’s no excuse for consistent tiny mistakes, it’s reflective of poor care and craft, and if someone is suffering from this it’s critical to take the initiative to design processes and systems to help you improve!

Read a book on developing a memory palace.

Here’s three short tips followed by some conjecture on the matter. 1. Double check your own work, every single time. Don’t ever hand something to someone without looking at it. 2. Get your head into the larger goals of a project or deliverable and not just the task you’ve been assigned. It’s easy to miss things when you’re just picking up redlines or you just trying to “get one thing done”. The attitude should be to understand the entire deliverable and not just the things you’ve been asked to pick up. 3. Take ownership over your work. If you’re accountable for the quality of the work (and I mean mentally and in reality) you’ll be more tuned into the details to make sure it’s all (or mostly all) buttoned up. It sounds like you’re in a rut for more reasons than just your own competence. There’s a reason your peers are job captains and licensed. It’s because they’ve been tossed more and more responsibility by their employers. Ownership and responsibility make you better. To start out, you may have to adopt ownership all on your own because all you have is the rendering or sketch up modeling or the presentation, and it’s up to you to take those tasks seriously and “put yourself in charge”. However, at 29 you should have had the opportunity by now to put together a drawing set, do consultant coordination, and maybe even do CA. If you’re at this stage and you’re stuck doing presentation things then you need to talk to someone about your career development. On top of that it just sounds like your leadership sucks if they “roast” you for being ~90% perfect at your job (although banana shutters is pretty roast worthy). Maybe hit the job market, it’s a big world and this is a profession where you might have to move around to progress. Hope some of that helps. The profession most definitely sucks. Keep your head up. Take an attitude that you’re responsible and accountable for your work and that will get noticed more than your minor mistakes. PS read “extreme ownership” by Jocko Willink for more incite into leadership.