Fabricators Shouldn't Have to
Manage Their Detailer.
Tectonix is structured to take ownership of the detailing process — managing scope, schedule, communication, coordination, and quality — so you don't have to.
Give us the project. We'll handle the details, communicate proactively, and deliver results that keep your shop moving — without requiring constant follow-up from your team.
Why Fabricators Switch to Tectonix
Not Simply Better Drawings.
The detailing itself is table stakes. What fabricators actually need is a partner who communicates, delivers on schedule, and understands how their shop works.
Fabrication Knowledge — Not Just Detailing
We understand what happens after the drawing leaves the detailer. Our drawings are produced by people who understand shop floor fabrication, not only modeling.
A Named Project Manager on Every Project
No rotating contacts, no anonymous support queues. One person who knows your project and answers when you call.
Proactive RFI Management
We submit RFIs early and track them rigorously. Unanswered questions become schedule problems. We don't let them pile up.
Real-Time Schedule Visibility
Weekly updates during active phases. You know where the model stands, what's open, and what's coming next.
Your Standards in Every Drawing
We learn your shop's preferences and embed them into our project setup. Drawings match your shop's expectations from day one.
Internal QA Before Every Release
A second set of eyes on every drawing package before it leaves Tectonix. Errors caught here don't become your revision cycle.
The Tectonix Process
13 Stages. Zero Black Boxes.
Every stage of the Tectonix detailing process is defined, documented, and communicated to you. You will never need to guess what's happening with your project.
RFQ / Drawings Received
You send us your structural drawings, specs, and project schedule. We acknowledge receipt within one business day.
Scope Review
We review your documents and confirm what is and is not included in scope — tonnage, structural vs. misc, phased releases, BIM requirements, CNC needs.
Fabricator Standards Review
We review your shop preferences, drawing templates, standard bolt patterns, weld conventions, and any special requirements before we build a single connection.
Project Kickoff
Your dedicated project manager schedules a kickoff meeting to confirm schedule, communication cadence, file transfer method, and open questions from the drawing review.
Model Development
We build the 3D model in Tekla Structures, developing framing, connections, plates, hardware, and embedded items from the structural and architectural documents.
RFI / Coordination
We identify and formally document questions, conflicts, and missing information as RFIs. We do not guess or assume on critical items — we document and resolve them.
Internal QA / QC
Before anything leaves Tectonix, a second detailer reviews drawings against the model and against the structural documents. We catch our own errors before you do.
IFA Drawing Submission
We issue the full drawing package (Issued for Approval) per the agreed transmittal method — with a complete drawing log, revision status, and cover letter.
Approval Comments / Revisions
We receive approval comments, log them, and incorporate them systematically. Each revision is clouded and delta-marked so changes are immediately identifiable.
IFC Drawing Release
Fully approved drawings are released for fabrication. We notify you of the release, confirm the package completeness, and provide a current drawing log.
CNC / Data Output
We generate NC1 / DSTV files for your CNC equipment simultaneously with shop drawing release, reducing manual layout and material handling on your shop floor.
Erection Support
We respond to field RFIs, issue field revision drawings, and provide erection drawing clarifications as steel goes vertical.
Project Closeout
We deliver the final as-built model (if contracted), a complete drawing register, and a project summary. Your shop standards and preferences are retained for future projects.
Common Questions
Answers Before You Ask.
These are the questions fabricators ask before selecting an integrated detailing partner.
Who manages our project?
Every project at Tectonix has a named project manager — a single point of contact for schedule, RFIs, drawing submittals, and urgent issues. You will never wonder who to call. Your PM's direct phone and email are on every transmittal.
How does communication work?
Your project manager provides weekly status updates during active phases, covering model progress, open RFIs, and schedule status. For urgent items, your PM is reachable by phone. We don't disappear between submittals.
How do we transfer files?
We work with whatever file transfer method your team uses — shared drives (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, SharePoint), Procore, Bluebeam Studio, or direct email for smaller packages. We do not require you to use a proprietary portal.
What software is supported?
Tectonix works in Tekla Structures as its primary platform. We produce DWG, PDF, IFC, and NC1 output. We can receive and reference SDS/2 models, Revit Structure, and AutoCAD files. If you have a specific software question, contact us before assuming it's a problem.
How are RFIs handled?
We assign every RFI a number, description, reference drawing, and date issued. We track open and closed RFIs in a log shared with your team. We do not make judgment calls on engineering questions — we document the question, send it to the EOR, and do not proceed in that area until we have a formal answer.
How are revisions handled?
Each revision is issued with a revision cloud marking the area of change, a delta marker, a revision number/letter, and a date. We maintain a revision log on every drawing set. Your shop will always know what changed and when. We never issue a drawing revision without a transmittal.
Can Tectonix follow our shop standards?
Yes — and we consider this essential, not optional. Before we begin any model work, we review your standards for bolt patterns, weld sizes, drawing templates, plate naming conventions, piece mark format, and any shop preferences. Drawings that don't match your shop's expectations cost you time.
Can Tectonix use our drawing templates?
We can adapt to your templates, title blocks, and drawing conventions. Send us your template files at kickoff and we'll configure the model to output drawings that match. Many of our long-term fabricator partners have their standards embedded in our project setup files.
How are urgent changes handled?
For schedule-critical revision requests, contact your project manager directly by phone. We triage urgent items the same day and communicate a realistic turnaround. We don't promise what we can't deliver — but we will always tell you what we can do and when.
How is QA/QC performed?
Before any drawings leave Tectonix, a second detailer performs a dimensional check of the model, a review of connection logic against structural documents, and a drawing clarity review. Our project manager reviews the submittal package before it is transmitted. QA/QC is not a checkbox — it is the last step before every release.
How do repeat projects become easier?
After your first project with Tectonix, we retain your shop standards, preferred connection configurations, drawing conventions, file exchange method, and communication preferences in your client profile. Your second project starts with a head start. Many of our fabricator clients see significantly faster project setup by the third engagement.
What should a new fabricator expect in the first 30 days?
Week 1: RFQ review, scope confirmation, kickoff meeting. Weeks 2–3: Model development begins, initial RFIs submitted to EOR, drawing progress updates. Week 4: First drawing package submitted (depending on project size). You will have real, tangible progress in the first month — not weeks of silence.
Getting Started
What to Send Us for a Quote
The more complete your package, the more accurate our scope, schedule, and pricing. Here's exactly what we need to get started.
Start Your Project ReviewReady to Talk About Your Next Project?
Upload your drawings. We'll review the scope, confirm what we need, and respond with a schedule and pricing — no generic quotes, no wasted back-and-forth.