To address the requirements described above, one or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for a project hosting service that a user can access with a web browser. With it, a user can communicate and collaborate with the members of a design team or construction project. Embodiments of the invention let a user share CAD drawing files (DWG DWF, etc.), document files, or any other type of file. A user can add comments or reply to discussion threads about the file or other aspects of the project. A user can view or download files from anywhere in the world to work on them, while locking the file to prevent others from overwriting the file. When the user is done, the file can be uploaded and unlocked while simultaneously notifying other Project members of the change by e-mail.