In honor of AC9, I renovated the project folder scheme. The old one had too many divisions at the top, and too many squirrelly folders, e.g., 'Reference'. I mean, what is that? I also thought it was wise to promote the layout book to the top level, which left the CDs folder somewhat bereft.
So here's the deal. Discussion is welcome.
The top level looks like this:
• The project file and the layout book are at the top level. If you are using hotlinked (not merged) modules, they can go at the top too, as long there aren't dozens of them.
1 Design. Everything that is part of the project, whether in the documents or in reality.
• Consultants: Files from landscape, HVAC, interiors, etc. (Not the topo survey; that goes in 4 Site & Existing Conditions / Site Info.)
• Modules: Temporary modules for passing data between projects, stuff like that. Hot-linked modules should be placed at the top level.
• PMKs: There are still some. Schedules, perspectives, etc.
• Product Info: Finishes, fixtures, appliances, etc. Manufacturers' information.
• Schedules: Excel spreadsheets and Archicad lists. Note the distinction with the PMKs folder.
• Schematics: All the files associated with Schematic Design, including the project file and layout book.
• Specifications: Specification documents.
• Teamwork: All teamwork files. Save the shared project (PLP) here. Save drafts (PLC) here too.
2. Output: All the files used to communicate the project to anyone.
• DWG Out: DWGs to send to others.
• Movs & Pics: VR Objects, renderings, etc.
• PDF Archive: PDF output. Use dated folders as needed.
• Plot Archive: Plot files. Same as the plot archive in the current setup. Use dated folders.
• Web Docs: Files for the website.
3 Contract & Correspondence: Administrative documents, including contracts and proposals.
4 Site & Existing Conditions: Site information, and existing conditions if applicable. Includes the project file and layout book for the existing structure.
• Site Info: Surveyor data.
5 Construction & Completion Images: Images from the construction in progress, and of the completed project. Perhaps it is odd to have such a specialized folder at the top level, but I think it makes it easier for people to find.
6 Old Files: Old files.