Hi there,
I am an Architect and I am an AIA - International Associate since 2004. I agree about the requirements for permits and other building documents, however, things work differently with current CAD programs, like Punch.
Originally Posted by: zigfrie09 
working with architectural plans requires to set the drawing scale from the beginning, scales like 1/8", 1/4' and 1/2' are vastly used in creating 2d plans, specially if those are going to be submitted to Building and Safety for plans check to get the approval.
For current CAD programs, the first rule is: the drawing scale is
always 1:1, meaning you draft objects at their true, real-world size. Printing scale is the reduction or ratio applied to that full-size model so it fits onto a standard piece of paper, not the workspace (as it was in previous versions).
So, for example, if you draw a wall with length=10 ft you will see 10ft on your Punch screen => Your units (inches, ft, or meters) represent real-world objects, not paper size.
Now, regarding your second question:
Originally Posted by: zigfrie09 Any idea how to scale a drawing from the beginning
The basic option is => visualize the floor plan => Print => PDF => Select the scale, paper, etc and calculate the
necessary paper size for your project. Or you can use the Sheet Layout.
If you are interested, my collection (
Printing Solutions Collection), includes a set of templates for floor plans and elevations with different paper sizes. In this way, you will place the frame in your drawing and the PDF printing will be scaled and clearly visible on the screen or paper. The collection also includes tutorials.
Hope this helps.
