Building Design Process
The architectural design process involves a series of phases that are designed to ensure that the project is carefully planned, designed, and executed. The process typically begins with the predesign phase, during which the design team gathers and analyzes information about the project, including the project scope, objectives, site analysis, and budget. The design team then develops one or more conceptual design options in the schematic design phase and refines and develops these options further in the design development phase. The construction document phase involves preparing a set of detailed construction documents that outline all aspects of the project for construction. The permitting phase involves obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities to allow construction to proceed. Finally, the construction administration phase involves overseeing the construction process and ensuring that the project is built according to the design and meets the project requirements and objectives.
Construction Administration Phase
This phase involves overseeing the construction process and ensuring that the project is built according to the design and meets the project requirements and objectives.
These phases typically occur in sequence, with each phase building on the work completed in the previous phase. The output of each phase serves as the basis for the next phase, and the completion of all phases results in a completed project that meets the client's needs and expectations.
Details of Each Phase
Predesign Phase
The predesign phase is the first phase of an architecture design project. During this phase, the design team gathers and analyzes information about the project, including the project scope, objectives, site analysis, and budget.
The predesign phase typically involves the following activities:
Conducting a site analysis: The design team will conduct a site analysis to evaluate the physical characteristics of the site, including the topography, vegetation, soil conditions, and surrounding context.
Defining the project scope and objectives: The design team will work with the client to define the scope and objectives of the project. This may include determining the size and function of the building, as well as the overall design concept and aesthetic.
Evaluating design options: The design team will evaluate the different design options and select the one that best meets the project requirements and objectives.
Developing a project schedule: The design team will develop a project schedule that outlines the key milestones and deadlines for the project.
Identifying any special requirements or constraints: The design team will identify any special requirements or constraints that may impact the project, such as zoning regulations, environmental concerns, or historical considerations.
The output of the predesign phase is a set of project requirements and objectives, as well as a clear understanding of the site conditions, budget, and any special requirements or constraints. This information will be used to guide the development of the conceptual design in the schematic design phase.
Schematic Design Phase
The schematic design phase is the second phase of an architecture design project, following the predesign phase. During this phase, the design team develops one or more conceptual design options that address the project requirements and objectives.
The schematic design phase typically involves the following activities:
Reviewing the project requirements and objectives: The design team will review the project requirements and objectives that were established in the predesign phase and use this information to guide the development of the conceptual design.
Developing conceptual design options: The design team will develop one or more conceptual design options that address the project requirements and objectives. These options may be presented in the form of sketches, diagrams, or other visual representations.
Evaluating design options: The design team will evaluate the different design options and select the one that best meets the project requirements and objectives.
Refining the selected design option: The design team will refine the selected design option, addressing any issues or concerns that have been identified and making any necessary adjustments.
Presenting the conceptual design to the client: The design team will present the conceptual design to the client for review and feedback.
The output of the schematic design phase is a conceptual design that has been developed and refined to address the project requirements and objectives. The conceptual design serves as the basis for the design development phase, where the design is further developed and refined.
Design Development Phase
The design development phase of an architecture design project is the stage where the design team refines and develops the concepts and ideas established in the schematic design phase. During this phase, the design team will:
Review and revise the schematic design based on feedback from the client and other stakeholders.
The design development phase typically involves the following activities:
Develop more detailed drawings and documents that further refine the design concepts. These may include floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D models, and other graphics that illustrate the design in greater detail.
Explore and evaluate different design options and materials to ensure that the design meets the project requirements and objectives. This may involve researching and comparing different materials and systems, as well as considering factors such as cost, sustainability, and durability.
Prepare a set of design development documents that outline the proposed design solutions in detail. These documents may include specifications for materials and systems, as well as details on construction methods and techniques.
Present the design development options to the client and seek feedback and approval to move forward. This may involve conducting meetings or presentations to review the design concepts and gather input from the client and other stakeholders.
Incorporate feedback and revise the design development as needed.
Obtain approval from the client to move forward to the final design phase.
The design development phase is an important step in the design process as it helps to ensure that the design is feasible and meets the project requirements and objectives. The output of this phase serves as the basis for the final design phase, which includes the preparation of construction documents and the finalization of the design.
Construction Document Phase
The construction document phase is the fourth phase of an architecture design project, following the schematic design and design development phases. During this phase, the design team prepares a set of construction documents that detail all aspects of the project for construction, including the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
The construction document phase typically involves the following activities:
Refining the design: The design team will review and refine the design based on any feedback received from the client and relevant authorities during the schematic design and design development phases.
Preparing detailed drawings and specifications: The design team will prepare detailed drawings and specifications that outline the specific materials, systems, and details of the project. These documents may include floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules.
Coordinating with consultants: The design team will coordinate with any consultants that are involved in the project, such as structural, MEP, and landscape architects, to ensure that their work is integrated into the construction documents.
Reviewing and revising the construction documents: The design team will review and revise the construction documents as necessary based on feedback from the client and relevant authorities.
Submitting the construction documents for approval: The design team will submit the construction documents for approval to the relevant authorities, such as the local building department.
The output of the construction document phase is a set of detailed construction documents that outline all aspects of the project for construction. These documents will be used by the contractor to build the project and by the relevant authorities to review and approve the project.
Consultants
There are a variety of consultants that may be necessary in an architecture design project, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Some common types of consultants that may be involved in an architecture design project include:
The consultations phase typically involves the following activities:
Structural engineer: A structural engineer is responsible for designing the structural systems of a building, including the foundations, beams, columns, and other elements that support the weight of the building.
MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineer: An MEP engineer is responsible for designing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems of a building, including heating and cooling, lighting, power, and water and waste systems.
Landscape architect: A landscape architect is responsible for designing outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and other green spaces.
Interior designer: An interior designer is responsible for designing the interior spaces of a building, including layout, finishes, and furniture.
Geotechnical engineer: A geotechnical engineer is responsible for analyzing the soil and rock conditions at a site to determine the suitability of the site for construction.
Environmental consultant: An environmental consultant is responsible for evaluating the environmental impacts of a project and developing strategies to minimize any negative impacts.
Energy consultant: An energy consultant is responsible for analyzing a building's energy use and developing strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Acoustical consultant: An acoustical consultant is responsible for analyzing and improving the sound quality and acoustics within a building.
Accessibility consultant: An accessibility consultant is responsible for ensuring that a building is accessible to people with disabilities.
These consultants work with the design team to provide specialized expertise and knowledge that is necessary to design and build the project. The specific consultants needed will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the project.
Plan Check Phase
The plan check phase is a process that occurs after the construction documents have been prepared in the construction document phase of an architecture design project. During this phase, the construction documents are reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities to ensure that they meet all necessary codes and regulations.
The plan check phase typically involves the following activities:
Submitting the construction documents for review: The design team will submit the construction documents to the relevant authorities, such as the local building department, for review and approval.
Reviewing the construction documents: The authorities will review the construction documents to ensure that they meet all necessary codes and regulations. This may involve reviewing the design of the building, the materials and systems specified, and the details of the construction.
Requesting revisions: If the authorities identify any issues or concerns with the construction documents, they may request that the design team make revisions to address these issues.
Approving the construction documents: If the authorities are satisfied with the construction documents, they will approve the documents and allow construction to proceed.
The output of the plan check phase is a set of approved construction documents that can be used to build the project. The approval process can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important that the design team works closely with the authorities to ensure that the construction documents meet all necessary codes and regulations.
Permitting Phase
The permitting phase is a process that occurs after the construction documents have been prepared in the construction document phase of an architecture design project. During this phase, the design team obtains the necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities to allow construction to proceed on the project.
The permitting phase typically involves the following activities:
Identifying the necessary permits and approvals: The design team will identify the permits and approvals that are required for the project, such as building permits, zoning approvals, and environmental permits.
Submitting the necessary documentation: The design team will submit the necessary documentation to the relevant authorities, such as the local building department, to obtain the required permits and approvals. This may include the construction documents, as well as any other required documents or fees.
Reviewing the documentation: The authorities will review the documentation to ensure that it meets all necessary codes and regulations. This may involve reviewing the design of the building, the materials and systems specified, and the details of the construction.
Issuing the permits and approvals: If the authorities are satisfied with the documentation, they will issue the necessary permits and approvals.
The output of the permitting phase is a set of approved permits and approvals that allow the project to proceed to the construction phase. The permitting process can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important that the design team works closely with the authorities to ensure that all necessary permits and approvals are obtained.
Construction Administration Phase
The construction administration phase is the final phase of an architecture design project, following the construction document phase. During this phase, the design team oversees the construction process and ensures that the project is built according to the design and meets the project requirements and objectives.
The construction administration typically involves the following activities:
Reviewing the contractor's construction schedule: The design team will review the contractor's construction schedule to ensure that it aligns with the project schedule and timeline.
Reviewing the contractor's shop drawings: The design team will review the contractor's shop drawings, which are detailed drawings of the materials and systems specified in the construction documents, to ensure that they comply with the design.
Visiting the construction site: The design team will visit the construction site to monitor the progress of the work and to ensure that it is being completed according to the design and the construction documents.
Responding to requests for information (RFIs): The design team will review and respond to any RFIs (requests for information) that are submitted by the contractor during construction.
Certifying payment applications: The design team will review and certify payment applications from the contractor to ensure that the work has been completed according to the construction documents and the contract.
Reviewing and approving change orders: The design team will review and approve any change orders that are submitted by the contractor to make changes to the scope of work, or the materials specified in the construction documents.
The output of the construction administration phase is a completed project that meets the project requirements and objectives. The design team will work closely with the contractor to ensure that the project is built according to the design and the construction documents.
The Importance of a Careful and Thorough Building Design Process:
The architectural design process is a complex and multi-faceted process that involves a series of phases that are designed to ensure that the project is carefully planned, designed, and executed. Each phase of the process plays a crucial role in ensuring that the project meets the project requirements and objectives, and that it is built to the highest standards of quality and durability. The process involves a range of activities, including gathering and analyzing information, developing, and refining design concepts, preparing detailed construction documents, obtaining necessary permits and approvals, and overseeing the construction process. The success of the project depends on the design team's ability to effectively coordinate and manage these activities, and to work closely with the client, consultants, and contractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.