ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT PROCESS
Project design is the core service of most architecture firms. And though every project will require its own nuanced approach, the general steps in the design process remain the same. There are five main project design phases, starting with the initial vision of how to approach the project and ending with the final construction details. Below is our architectural design process to give you a closer look at what to expect in each phase.
Pre-Design
Phase Objective: Understand the project requirements and priorities.
This first phase of design is actually more of a 'discovery' phase where we gather as much information about the project from the Client, from codes, and from the site. The architect and client work together to develop a program. The purpose of programming is to construct an outline that will establish a foundation for the design phases that follow. Through site research, the architect determines the amount of space the Client needs, how it should be organized and how much additional space may be needed in the future.
Services: Programming, Zoning + Code Review, Site Analysis
Essential Questions: Are my development goals feasible for this site? What are the most appropriate & productive use for this property?
This first phase of design is actually more of a 'discovery' phase where we gather as much information about the project from the Client, from codes, and from the site. The architect and client work together to develop a program. The purpose of programming is to construct an outline that will establish a foundation for the design phases that follow. Through site research, the architect determines the amount of space the Client needs, how it should be organized and how much additional space may be needed in the future.
Services: Programming, Zoning + Code Review, Site Analysis
Essential Questions: Are my development goals feasible for this site? What are the most appropriate & productive use for this property?
Schematic Design
Phase Objective: Utilize the criteria established in pre-design to explore possible design concepts. These are narrowed down to one final design direction.
In this phase, the established program requirements and conceptual designs are translated into preliminary building designs. Conceptual designs are created in this phase to better visualize the scale and characteristics of the project. The architect collaborates with consultants from related disciplines such as civil, MEP, structural, and landscape to obtain feedback.
Services: Site Planning, 3D Visualization, Preliminary Cost Estimation
Essential Question: Which project goals are highest priority and what challenges stand in the way of achieving those goals?
In this phase, the established program requirements and conceptual designs are translated into preliminary building designs. Conceptual designs are created in this phase to better visualize the scale and characteristics of the project. The architect collaborates with consultants from related disciplines such as civil, MEP, structural, and landscape to obtain feedback.
Services: Site Planning, 3D Visualization, Preliminary Cost Estimation
Essential Question: Which project goals are highest priority and what challenges stand in the way of achieving those goals?
Design Development
Phase Objective: Solidify essential design decisions and coordinate with consultants to implement various systems into the building's design.
The design development phase takes the floor plans, elevations, and concept sketches established in the schematic design phase and fine-tunes the details. At the end of this phase, the Client will have a clear understanding of how the building will look, feel, and function.
Services: Materials and Systems Selection, Consultant Coordination
Essential Question: What important decisions need to be made in order to finalize the building design?
The design development phase takes the floor plans, elevations, and concept sketches established in the schematic design phase and fine-tunes the details. At the end of this phase, the Client will have a clear understanding of how the building will look, feel, and function.
Services: Materials and Systems Selection, Consultant Coordination
Essential Question: What important decisions need to be made in order to finalize the building design?
Construction Documents
Phase Objective: To prepare the technical document and drawings needed to obtain building permits and construction bids.
This phase defines all of the technical and specific information about the project and will be used by the Contractor for pricing/bidding and construction. The plans are submitted to the local authority having jurisdiction for review and approval. The are also submitted to general contractors to secure final construction bids.
Services: Engineering Coordination, Quality Assurance, Coordination with Contractor
Essential Questions: How do we efficiently and accurately convey the project's design intent to the city officials and general contractors?
This phase defines all of the technical and specific information about the project and will be used by the Contractor for pricing/bidding and construction. The plans are submitted to the local authority having jurisdiction for review and approval. The are also submitted to general contractors to secure final construction bids.
Services: Engineering Coordination, Quality Assurance, Coordination with Contractor
Essential Questions: How do we efficiently and accurately convey the project's design intent to the city officials and general contractors?
Construction Administration
Phase Objective: To observe project construction and assure hat the design intent remains consistent.
The design team will actively review materials and products to make sure the project is being constructed as intended, while Project Managers establish and maintain records of construction. The architect will participate in meetings & site visits, respond to requests for information, and proactively solve construction related issues concerning the design intent.
Services: Field Observation, Shop Drawing Review, Design Intent Clarification
Essential Question: How do we successfully navigate necessary design changes and unexpected field conditions during construction?
The design team will actively review materials and products to make sure the project is being constructed as intended, while Project Managers establish and maintain records of construction. The architect will participate in meetings & site visits, respond to requests for information, and proactively solve construction related issues concerning the design intent.
Services: Field Observation, Shop Drawing Review, Design Intent Clarification
Essential Question: How do we successfully navigate necessary design changes and unexpected field conditions during construction?
