Posted on October 10, 2022.

You might have wondered what are different stages while providing Architectural Design Services. Be it hotel, residential design architecture, commercial, warehouse, storage, industrial or retail, etc. In this article, we will explain all phases that are involved in a design-build of a new construction/development project.

There are typically 5 stages of architectural design involved in a design-build of any project. These 5 phases/stages are:

PRE-DESIGN (PD): The first objective is to get-together with a client and determines overall project vision and goals. There are some key areas to discuss the project – scope, features, purpose, and functionality.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (DD): This phase involves finalizing the design and specifying items such as materials, window and door locations and general structural details.
CONSTRUCTION: During this phase, we will build as per the design intent. Also if there are any changes, we discuss changes and options with the owner. It ensure that alterations are compatible with owner’s vision for the project.
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS (CD): By now we have a final design. We can begin preparing construction drawings/blueprints, notes, and technical specifications necessary for bidding, construction, and permit application.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN (SD): In this phase, we do series of rough sketches/drawings that illustrate the basic concepts of the design. Also, initial research of local compliance and regulations are completed at this time.

1 – PRE-DESIGN (PD)

The first objective is to get-together with a client and determines overall project vision and goals. Irrespective of the industry being residential, healthcare, industrial, hospitality etc., there are some key areas to discuss the project – scope, features, purpose, and functionality.

In this phase, we carry out

Client consultation
Existing conditions survey and documentation
Photographs
Measurements
Compile existing drawings if any
Prepare high-level base drawings
Statement of probable build/construction cost
Programming space and use
Code review

This phase ends with owner’s decision to move forward with a project.

2 – SCHEMATIC DESIGN (SD)

In this phase, we do series of rough sketches/drawings that illustrate the basic concepts of the design. Also, initial research of local compliance and regulations are completed at this time.

At the end of this phase, we deliver

Floor plans of all levels with generic openings and plumbing fixtures
Exterior building elevations with representative openings and finishes
Building cross-section
Typical wall section

And we move to the next phase with the owner’s approval.

3 – DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (DD)

Design development collects the results from the schematic design phase and takes them one step further.

This phase involves finalizing the design and specifying items such as materials, window and door locations and general structural details.

At the end of this phase, we deliver

Floor plans with a proposed basis of design openings and plumbing fixtures
Overall dimensions
Structural grid dimensions
Interior wall dimensions
Exterior elevations with a proposed basis of design openings and finishes
Additional building sections
Wall sections at all typical conditions
Typical details
Additional details to establish a basis for design products

Now we have given shape to project ’s vision through drawings and written specifications.

4 – CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS (CD)

By now we have a final design. We can begin preparing construction drawings/blueprints, notes, and technical specifications necessary for bidding, construction, and permit application. Construction contractors will use these detailed drawings and specifications to prepare for the construction.

In this phase, we deliver

Floor plans fully annotated
All dimensions
Room, wall, door, and window identification
Section and detail indicators
General notes and detailed notes
Exterior elevations fully annotated
All building sections required for construction
Wall sections at all conditions
Details fully annotated
Structural plans, details, and notes
Plumbing plans, schedules, details, and notes
HVAC plans, schedules, details, and notes
Electrical power and lighting plans, schedules, details, and notes

And we move to the final phase.

5 – CONSTRUCTION

Finally, the construction is underway.

During this phase, we will build as per the design intent. Also if there are any changes, we discuss changes and options with the owner. It ensure that alterations are compatible with owner’s vision for the project. This is the last phase and at the end of this phase, a project is ready for the use/occupancy.

Source: RD

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