Always walk round the building first inside, outside, upstairs downstairs. Look at the surrounding environment. What is the building what is its function, what story is it telling you from the materials used in the structures and the way the spaces have been used. Have an idea of these things first only then start recording. How you do it will depend on the size of the building and the level of record required.
For me its a mixture of photography and drawing and I always draw on site with pencil on perma trace (not every one can do this and you may want to use rectified photos in the office but always take some field measurements, more than you think you will need). Obviously with large complexes a total station may be needed and a basic frame work produced.
Use the digital camera as a aid memoir take snaps of everything ( I work round a building in a very set order once I start recording).
Stand and stare at the wall for some time before drawing let it talk to you. And always remember your interpretation may be one of the many possible from the evidence. I personally love building surveys
If possible field check your final drawings, above all have fun but dont forget all those health & safety issues, still have nightmares about the bird lice infestation yrrggghh xx(
For me its a mixture of photography and drawing and I always draw on site with pencil on perma trace (not every one can do this and you may want to use rectified photos in the office but always take some field measurements, more than you think you will need). Obviously with large complexes a total station may be needed and a basic frame work produced.
Use the digital camera as a aid memoir take snaps of everything ( I work round a building in a very set order once I start recording).
Stand and stare at the wall for some time before drawing let it talk to you. And always remember your interpretation may be one of the many possible from the evidence. I personally love building surveys
If possible field check your final drawings, above all have fun but dont forget all those health & safety issues, still have nightmares about the bird lice infestation yrrggghh xx(