The construction industry is shifting from rolls of paper blueprints to tablets and large-format monitors. Both have their place — but which is right for your project?

Construction plans are filled with small icons, lines, and abbreviations — and if you don’t know what they mean, you’re guessing. I am creating a quick reference guide to help you understand the most common symbols and abbreviations so you can confidently navigate any set of plans. Here are a few for the time being.

A Request for Information (RFI) is a formal communication tool used to clarify, confirm, or obtain additional details about the project’s plans, specifications, or contract documents when something is unclear, missing, or conflicting.

These project management terms break down key industry language in a way that’s easy to understand, giving you the tools to communicate clearly, follow project conversations, and avoid costly misunderstandings. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, knowing this terminology helps you navigate plans, reports, and meetings with more confidence. It’s not just about learning definitions—it’s about speaking the language of the jobsite.

Becoming a mentor isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about offering perspective, passing on lessons hard-earned in the field, and helping someone avoid the pitfalls you had to learn the hard way. It’s about showing the next generation how to lead, how to think critically, and how to carry themselves with confidence and integrity.