re: Price per sq. ft. for a draftsman

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Is this an interior build-out?

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Yes.

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Foundation, structural?

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From what I know, I believe this will be handled by the general contractor that is overseeing the exterior shell of the build-out for this building and another building that is under construction.

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How about construction details, interior elevations, finish schedules, door/window schedules and details?

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I don't have enough information to answer your question at that time. My buddy is at lunch and hasn't responded.

Interior build outs will have to have fire rated walls and Fire Marshal approval. Depending on the shell now, he will have to do foundation plans.
Like others have mentioned, he will need lots of information on the plans and we would need to know more about the business and the existing building.

Commercial is a whole different ballgame when it comes to plans. Your friend really needs to cover his arse here and make sure hes getting everything he needs.

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Interior build outs will have to have fire rated walls and Fire Marshal approval. Depending on the shell now, he will have to do foundation plans. 
Like others have mentioned, he will need lots of information on the plans and we would need to know more about the business and the existing building. 

Commercial is a whole different ballgame when it comes to plans. Your friend really needs to cover his arse here and make sure hes getting everything he needs.

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This and more. When something goes wrong, and it will, you'll be tied up in a legal battle to see who's going to pay for it. Get an architect.

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This and more. When something goes wrong, and it will, you'll be tied up in a legal battle to see who's going to pay for it. Get an architect.

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I'm not an expert on this (or much of anything), but what I have read on here in the past (and of course almost any information is worth what you pay for it) ...

If it is an empty suite (and it is), the general consensus has been a commercial building contractor should be able to take care of build-out once plans are stamped. And the individual trades will take care of their permits and/or inspections.

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To design a "box" type space, we've always thought that while an architect can certainly be worth their weight in gold, it would be overkill for this type of project.

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Is your draftsman able to properly do heat load calcs to size the HVAC system correctly as well as assess all code requirements so you aren’t chasing the stamp from the engineer on the mechanical system?

If so, then he’s definitely worth what you’re paying him. Architects can be overkill, but you’re designing a building, not adding a room or building out a space.

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Preliminary consultation 
Scheme and general concept 
Floor Plans 
Heat, A/C, Electrical and Plumbing layout 
Construction details for permit codes 
Professional of Record Certification (Engineer Stamp) 

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As someone who works in a field that uses draftsmen, and even used to do it myself when I was younger, you'll need more than a draftsman for most of that. Most of that will need to be looked over by an architect or engineer, depending on what you're doing.

If you need some suggestions, just let me know and I can give you my email address and a few businesses to check out.

Eta - I reread it and just realized that a good draftsman should be able to do most of that. I was in traffic and on here at the same time and misread most of it. My question is, is this someone y'all personally know and he's doing it on his own time at home, or is it going to be someone doing it at their place of business?

If they're working out of a good office, pretty much all of this should be able to be accomplished. Even the stamp, if it's a good company. However, when most people think of draftsman, they don't think of all the abilities you listed, although the good ones are capable.

Not trying to be a dick, but you are basically trying to get out of paying an engineer and an architect. So shouldn't any price under what they would cost, be a good price?

Some parishes will allow you to design it yourself as long as it is done exactly how the draftsman would have done it. Talk to his planing and zoning to see if it's allowed.

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Eta - I reread it and just realized that a good draftsman should be able to do most of that. I was in traffic and on here at the same time and misread most of it. My question is, is this someone y'all personally know and he's doing it on his own time at home, or is it going to be someone doing it at their place of business?

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From what I understand, a relative of my friend has a relationship with this draftsman and recommended him to my friend. The relative says he does very good work and has used him numerous times for different projects, residential and commercial.

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If they're working out of a good office, pretty much all of this should be able to be accomplished. Even the stamp, if it's a good company. However, when most people think of draftsman, they don't think of all the abilities you listed, although the good ones are capable.

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I just rechecked what I typed and everything that listed, supposedly this gentleman can do.

Ultimately, not my call - it is my friend's call. But he is supposedly reading this thread, so many thanks to you for offering to help.