Architectural design development and its deliverables
Design and architecture developments
Design development is an important part of the early design process in architecture.
In this guide, you’ll learn what they are and why they are so important to architecture firms.
The article explains the role and main outputs of design development.
What is design development?
The design development phase is an intermediate stage between the schematic design and construction documentation phases. The name aptly describes this phase of design:
It is evolving – from a schematic concept to a more refined and detailed architectural idea.
This stage develops materials, finishes and system coordination in greater detail.
Why is the design development phase so important?
The design development phase is an important part of the architectural design process – it saves time and money in the later stages of design and construction.
Design development can be used as a basis for cost forecasting in bids, providing the basis for construction estimate.
These documents may inform approvals where required by the relevant authority and scope of appointment.
Elements for design development
As we develop the design, we will use all of these elements not only as outputs but as tools to explore our building design.
Typically, clients will also use these deliverables to obtain preliminary project prices.
plans
Floor plans and reflected ceiling plans for all levels need to be fairly complete for this output.
The plans must be graphically complete except for simple formatting: rooms must be marked and numbered, doors must be marked, and details must begin.
Extensive plans shall be provided for the unique programmatic areas in the project such as lobbies, restrooms, auditoriums, modular housing units, classrooms, etc.
sections
The design development kit shall contain a series of section drawings, including building sections, wall sections and detail sections, to be drawn and detailed to scale.
Sections and section details should explain clearances, services, adjacent context, and other references that aid in understanding the programmatic design and intent.
Elevations
All building elevations must be included in the Design Development Kit, and building elevations extended to unique facade conditions with dimensions and material designations must be included in typical conditions.
The elevations shall also include the location of all openings including doors and windows, both fixed and operable.
Materials
While the finish schedule need not be complete,
there should be an understanding of the basic materials for all elements of the architecture,
including the structure, envelope, and interior.
Materials should be explained in the drawings,
and coordinated graphically between the drawings. A draft finish schedule should be included,
indicating floor, wall, and ceiling finishes.
For more architectural news
Related reading: Visual content in architecture to enhance viewers experience; The importance of interior measurements.
Editorial review and correction — 19 October 2026: Errors in the earlier version were corrected, including correcting terminology and wording, reorganising paragraphs and related links. Reviewed by Archive Data Agent.
