The process of developing an architectural project from its inception to its completion is a very long and complex task.
This process includes many influences, regulations and external forces that must be taken into consideration.
In addition to the interaction of different internal elements that contribute to the design team.
As a result of these complexities, completing projects successfully and efficiently requires a basic set of drawings and documents.
These stages are divided into what is often known as the architectural design process.
But, why do we need these stages and do they really matter?
The architectural design process allows the project to be developed and analyzed in specific time periods.
This division works to provide an organized system for project programs, determine review periods,
Create a structured release of design information, and define the normal stages of billing.
Managing the design and construction of buildings is a responsibility of great importance,
and strict regulation in this profession is essential.
Because there are not many opportunities for auditing during construction,
the need for auditing comes after the project is completed.
Therefore, the architectural design stages are of great importance in organizing project management and ensuring that the design goal is achieved in an integrated manner.
Following a set of design phases can bring efficiency and transparency to production information,
and ultimately significantly reduce potential risks.
In this context, the architectural team explains each stage of this process,
from gathering information to the construction phase.
If you are an architecture student, the design process is similar to the procedures of architects.
In this article, we will highlight the main steps that must be followed to complete your project in an organized manner.
This process usually depends on seven stages,
and contributes to setting clear expectations by setting deliverables and deadlines.
A multi-professional team, from architects to contractors and engineers,
is involved in developing the building.
The architectural design process also facilitates the smooth interaction of these different parties.
Ultimately, these phases set clear expectations by setting realistic project deliverables and deadlines.
Which contributes to achieving the maximum possible benefit and effectively reducing risks.
Pre-design stage
The pre-design (PD) phase, or programming phase,
is concerned with understanding the project brief and customer needs,
researching information relevant to the project, and exploring ideas.
Defining the problem is an essential step at this stage.
- Problem definition: First, the project requirements need to be carefully defined,
as the client may face constraints such as a limited budget or limited time to complete the desired outcome.
This requires developing an initial design summary to define the project, analyze its characteristics, and determine its objectives.
- Research and gathering information: After determining these matters,
it becomes necessary to collect information that will support the development of the project.
The collected data can help in making design decisions at later stages.
Here is some important information to research about the project:
- Project scope
- Client’s wishes
- Size
- Construction use
- Surrounding buildings
- District
- Site conditions
- Building numbers
- Zoning laws
A dedicated site analysis provides relevant information, such as site boundaries and benefits, and thus makes the architect think about how he or she will respond to these conditions.
This stage is essential to provide a strong foundation that paves the way for the design and implementation stages effectively.Top of Form
- Brainstorming/idea analysis: After gathering information about the project, the next step in the design process is creating and analyzing solutions.
Using your knowledge of architecture, you can sketch and design possible designs that meet site conditions and client needs.
This also encourages thinking about different elements that can be incorporated into the project.
- Review and refine ideas: After coming up with initial design ideas, it’s time to review them and analyze what works well.
For example, you may find that shade conditions suit one idea better, while another idea’s layout may be more effective.
This analysis can lead to the development of a more comprehensive design that combines characteristics of several initial ideas.
- Schematic design and programming stage: After submitting the revised and improved ideas, comes the schematic design and programming stage.
At this stage, designs are developed in more detail and presented to the client for review and approval.
Developing design proposals:
During the schematic design phase, architects develop site plans,
floor plans, and building elevations to represent their designs.
This phase also includes consideration of the structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Sharing Ideas:
Architects rely on multiple meetings with the client to present drawings and models with different possibilities, where the proposed ideas are discussed.
The goal seeks to agree on a design that meets the client’s expectations.
Analysis and modification:
After submitting ideas, the architect takes into account comments and feedback from the client.
Careful analysis is done to understand how well the design fits the client’s needs.
There may be discussion about the design or a specific feature, and modifications may need to be made.
Taking into account the client’s wishes:
Occasionally, disagreements about the design or specific feature of a building may arise between the architect and the client.
Therefore, it is important to consider the client’s wishes and take them into account during design,
and at the same time the architect must be able to convince the client of the best solution.
Final analysis:
After design meetings and consideration of feedback,
the architect performs a final analysis to ensure that the design meets needs and expectations.
This allows modifications to be easily made early in the architectural design process.
Compatibility and agreement:
Finally, the architect and client meet to reach a final agreement on the approved design direction for the next phase.
Design development stage:
At this stage, the architect prepares a detailed plan for the design that has been agreed upon with the client.
This includes determining the locations of doors and windows and making adjustments to the appearance of the building.
This phase also includes engaging a structural engineer to provide project estimates and provide advanced designs.
Review and improve:
The architect presents interior and exterior finishes to the client,
discussing elements such as materials, fixtures and finishes.
In case of disagreements, the architect must negotiate and mediate with the client.
Final improvement:
At the end of the design development phase, the exterior of the building is completed and its layout and dimensions are determined.
Most materials are also selected, and final minor changes are made to the building design.
This step is a critical step towards achieving final alignment to achieve the client’s vision and ensure quality and consistency in the design.
Construction drawings and documents stage:
At this stage, the architect converts design services to producing working construction drawings to implement the project.
Careful planning:
This step is the longest in the architectural design process,
as architects undertake the task of ensuring their design is carefully planned for implementation, and await approval of the created documents.
Cooperation with the contractor:
An in-house construction contractor may join the development team at this stage, as preparations are made to submit the two required sets of drawings: the permitting set and the construction set.
Permit approval:
The building permit package is sent to the local permitting authority for approval.
This process can take some time, so it is best to complete and submit it early.
Build kit version:
The construction kit contains all the details and dimensions necessary to transform the design into documentation that can be implemented during the construction process.
These documents are sent to ensure that the builder is properly guided through all phases of construction.
Building permit stage:
After the architect submits a building permit package,
the local authority reviews it to verify its structural integrity and compliance with zoning and building codes.
This procedure is necessary to protect projects from potential errors and ensure compliance with local laws. Permits must be obtained before any construction begins.
For small projects, approval may take several days, while large projects or buildings in historic areas may need months for approval.
Bidding and negotiation stage:
This step applies to architecture firms that do not build the project themselves.
In the bidding stage, architects locate a construction company to implement their design.
The architect advises the client in choosing the appropriate contractor.
He then conducts a negotiated bidding process, during which construction documents, materials, and completion schedules are reviewed.
In competitive situations, the architect searches for local construction companies and invites them to submit competitive bids on the project.
Once construction documents are submitted, contractors usually have about three weeks to prepare their bids.
Cost is the main factor to consider when deciding to hire a building contractor.
However, quality and experience must also be considered.
In addition, the construction company contracts directly with the client, not the architect.
Therefore, clients like to ensure that they hire a professional and experienced building contractor to carry out the project.
Contract documents and management stage:
In the final design phase, the architect visits the site frequently to answer any inquiries from the construction workers and to address any problems that may arise,
in order to avoid delays in implementation.
Architect site visits can be weekly or monthly, depending on the size of the project.
At this stage, the construction team is primarily responsible for the progress of the project,
and this stage can take several years until the building is completed.
Steps in the architectural design process for students:
In architecture students, although they may not actually undertake projects, they must follow a similar design process.
This helps in planning the schedule and improving the quality of the design.
Define the task:
Students must decide which task they will do.
The assignment sheet may provide this information, as well as the project location and required deadlines.
A physical scale model and presentation must be prepared, as well as a certain number of printed drawings.
Data collection:
When tackling your project, you should collect important data that helps guide the design process.
Here are some points you can gather information about:
- Sun Direction: Understanding how a site is affected by sunlight throughout the day will be helpful for window positioning and interior design.
- Weather Conditions: Study of local weather conditions can influence the selection of materials and systems.
- Tree locations: Tree locations surrounding a site can influence the design and provide shade.
- Dimensions: Site measurements and determining key distances play a crucial role in project planning.
- Surrounding Buildings: Understanding the surrounding infrastructure affects how your project integrates into the community.
- People Movement: Understanding how people interact with a site can lead to better design.
Brainstorming and analyzing ideas:
When information is collected, you can use brainstorming techniques and analyze ideas to generate solutions.
Think about what elements you would like to incorporate and how they could enhance the design.
Solution development:
Sketch your idea and develop design concepts.
Use quick sketches to document your ideas and try out different directions.
After that, you can use various software to develop 3D models and detailed drawings.
Design a virtual model:
Use programs such as Rhino, AutoCad, or SketchUp to design a virtual model that shows the details of the design.
These tools can help better present your ideas to the team and clients in later stages of the design process.
Collect feedback
- Record Comments: Document all the comments you receive from professors and peers.
You may need to bring your own notebook and pen to record your thoughts and comments.
- Talk to experts: Don’t hesitate to talk to teaching assistants or older students if you need help or if you’re not confident with some ideas, they may give you valuable insights.
- React to feedback: Take feedback as an opportunity for improvement, react to it positively, and consider how to integrate it into your design.
- Improvement: Based on feedback, improve your design, look for opportunities to improve the observed aspects and make your design stronger.
- Resubmit and edit: You may need to submit your design for evaluation again and again, and you may need to make adjustments based on new feedback you get.
- Develop drawings and models: Move toward developing additional drawings and 3D models to better illustrate the design.
This may include axial drawings and explosion models to illustrate details and concepts.
- Utilize resources: Utilize the references and resources available to you, such as the Architect’s Guide to Architectural Drawing, to develop your skills and understanding of the project.
- Gradual Improvement: Continuously working on improving your design will make you a more honest and experienced designer over time.
