Methodology

The Development Process Schematic Design Review of program with Client Preliminary design concepts Landscape consultant input Presentation of design concepts to Owner Owner review and input Schematic design finalized

Design Development - Preliminary design of building systems with consulting engineers - Presentation of design development to Owner - Review of project cost estimate with Owner - Owner review and input - Design finalized Construction Documents - Working drawings and specifications production - Owner review Bidding & Negotiations - Competitive bidding - Bid evaluation - Contract awarded Construction Construction begins with on-site construction observation Substantial completion Owner occupancy One-year building review by Architect

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The Architectural Design Process

To better understand how an architect works, it is perhaps useful to understand the stages associated with the architectural design process. These stages are outlined below.

Phase 1 Outline Proposals/Schematic Design This phase covers the conceptual work needed to define a project. Typically, the architect will prepare outline/sketch proposals based on the characteristics of the site and the requirement of the brief. These sketch proposals would normally be in the form of Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations and a Site Plan sufficient to define the clients general requirements and to place them in t he context of the site. A sense of what the cost of the project will be is discussed with the client at this stage of the process. The sketch proposals and preliminary cost might iterate until a design solution and associated budget are agreed between the client and architect. Phase 2 - Design Development/Design Stage The sketch proposals agreed above are worked to a greater level of detail sufficient to delineate in spatial terms the relative relationships of the several parts of the structure. Similarly, the physical appearance and characteristics of the structure are defined: its elevations, the materials to be used, the nature and its roof, its external windows, solar devices etc. This is perhaps the ideal time for a more accurate budget estimate of the structure to be determined. All of the above is presented to and discussed with the client and approval sought. Phase 3 Final Design Stage The design proposals agreed above are further worked to incorporate additional layers of information this time from other consultants where this is thought necessary. The resulting design proposals are for all purposes complete in that all spatial and skeletal issues are addressed, resolved and incorporated into the structure. Phase 4 Production Information/Construction Documents Detailed construction drawings and specifications based on the final design drawings are then prepared. It is during this stage that clients will have a further chance to work with the architect in the selection of internal materials and finishes. These drawings and other documents will be those that the contractor will be asked to price and from which the structure will be built. Phase 5 Tendering/Bidding and Negotiation The architect will invite tenders for the works and eventually negotiate a price for constructing the structure with or on behalf of the client. He will prepare a contract for signature by the contractor and client prior to the start of construction. This contract will clearly define the work to be done and the responsibilities of all parties during the construction process. Phase 6 Construction Administration During this final phase, the architect monitors the quality of the works and authorizes payments to the contractor. He ensures that the contractor is delivering to the client what the construction/contract drawings demand. This will demand several visits during the construction stage of the works. At the end of the project, when he is satisfied that the structure is practically or substantially complete, the architect will issue a certificate confirming this. In nearly all instances, there are items of works that need to be corrected, tidied, or addressed further and these items are recorded in a snag or punch list that is issued to the contractor for his attenti on. During the early stages of ownership of the structure, there are always additional items that present themselves for further attention by the contractor. These items are issued to the contractor by the architect who will ensure that they are all addres sed to reasonable satisfaction before the contractors responsibility for the construction of the structure is finally discharged.

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Architecture Design Process: How is it Done?

Many issues such as performance, reliability, site specific conditions, costs, governmental and even construction union\'s regulations, etc. must be addressed during the stage of architectural design. The task of managing these properties is very difficult. The following is the design process which architects follow, as defined by architectural organizations:

Phase 1: Schematic DesignThe goal of the schematic design (SD) is to clearly define design with a comprehensive scope, budget, and schedule before the project is submitted for approval.In other words, it's about determining the general scope, preliminary design, scale and relationships among the components of the project. During this time, the architect reviews and creates a detailed program with the client in order to define his needs and objectives, such as size, function, and the relationships between spaces, character, and image.It's important during this stage to arrive at a clearly defined, feasible concept while at the same time exploring the most promising alternative design solutions. Prior to the initial design concepts, architects begin by gathering and analyzing information and performing all of the work necessary design a project. For instance, the Architect prepares a series of rough plans, known as schematics, which show the general arrangement of rooms and of the building on the site.The next step utilizes the landscape consultants input where the architect analyzes the site and determines the best placement of the project to ensure the best placement to capture views and sunlight. During this stage, the architect usually establishes the construction scope, budget, and schedule. Models and/or illustrations are prepared to help visualize the project as necessary. The project then proceeds to the next phase whereby the architect presents the design concepts to the owner who reviews it, and then provides his own input and vision for the projects before approving the schematic design. When an agreement is reached between the architect and the owner, the basic layout or the schematic design is finalized. Phase 2: Design DevelopmentArchitects begin by creating basic concept diagrams and rough sketches. Conceptual brainstorming and exploration define this portion of the design process. The architect creates the initial design of building systems, but then expands the approved schematic design studies to develop a more detailed drawing illustrating other aspects of the proposed design, sometimes with help of consulting engineers. During this time, the architect determines the general layout, form, and overall appearance of both the project and the site. Sketches, drawings, and study models are prepared to help evaluate the ideas and concepts and set the final direction for refining the design. Once the size, layout, and character of the project and site are refined, then the architect begins to design feature elements such as stairs, cabinetry, fireplaces, and built-in furniture. Drawings are prepared which describe some of the important technical details. Plans, elevations, and sections through the house are developed. These include floor plans that show all of the rooms in the correct sizes and shapes.These outline specifications are a list of the major materials and room finishes. The architect then verifies that the design complies with building codes and works with engineers to design the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. During this stage, the architect usually presents the design development and reviews the project cost estimation with the owner so that the owner can provide his input. When an agreement reached, this design phase is finalized.By the end of this phase, a large portion of the design work is completed. Phase 3: Construction DocumentationOnce the owner has approved the design development phase, the architect starts working on producing working drawings and on the specifications production whereby the design is translated into detailed working drawings (commonly known as blueprints) and the specificatio ns, which the Contractor will use to establish actual construction costs and build the project. These working drawings or blueprints and specifications are prepared in order to define in detail all of the materials that are to be used in the project and where they are to be located, as well as how they are to be installed.These drawings and specifications become part of the construction contract. Although this phase is primarily intended to work out the technical aspects of the project, some design work also takes place.During this stage, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and finish materials such as tile, carpet, paint colors, etc. are selected with the client. Finally, the owner reviews the project. Phase 4: Bidding and NegotiationDuring the bidding and negotiation phase, the architect may assist the customer in obtaining competitive bids or bid evaluations, as well as invitations to bid, and instructions to bidders.

The architect creates and specifies the conditions of the contract, and the form of agreement between the owner and the contractor and furthermore. The architect prepares and distributes sets of drawings and specifications, answers contractor questions, interprets the documents, and prepares addendational revisions to the original drawings or specifications. Once the bids are received, the architect analyzes the results and prepares the contract between the customer and the selected contractor. Phase 5: ConstructionOf course, the final phase of the process is the construction. During this phase, the architect review the progress of the work and facilitates any changes that may be required by visiting the construction site and observing the construction to determine, in general, if the project is being built according to the plans and specifications. The architect answers questions, reviews submissions and shop drawings (manufacturers' drawings of specific elements to be incorporated within the project), and reviews monthly certificates of payment that are submitted by the contractor and processes change orders. The architect generally keeps the owner informed of the project's progress. However, the contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, schedules, techniques, and procedures. Final selections of finishes and fixtures are also made here. The architect, upon completion of this phase, thoroughly inspects the project to ensure that it has been completed according to the plans.For detailed instruction on Architecture Design Process see the section of this website about designing a home. - See more at: http://www.architecturecourses.org/architecture-design-process#sthash.NYs0KxEP.dpuf

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Design Process Definition

By Landrie Daniels, eHow Contributor

A decision-making process surrounds any design, whether it is architectural, graphic, or something abstract, like a business model. The ultimate goal of every design process, however, is to meet the desired needs of the client and end user. This requires the establishment of a standard objective in addition to project criteria. Additional steps are added to the process in order to achieve design success.

Determine the Problem

To design a successful solution, the problem must first be defined. An appropriate constraint must be established so that time and effort is not wasted on an insignificant issue of the design dilemma.

Conduct Necessary Research

As the project designer, sorting through gathered research and determining what is valid is a crucial part of the design process. Determine the credibility of all sources and carefully document information.

Analyze Project Parameters

Research, customer requests and personal experiences all help determine the criteria involved with the design work on a project. Possible solutions can be compared based on cost, appearance and effectiveness.

Find Alternate Solutions

Create a list of possible solutions and discuss each option rigorously. Massage the solutions in an attempt to produce the most efficient final result. This brainstorming session is an essential way to determine the pros and cons of each option.

Make a Decision

Once a sound research base has been established, selecting one design solution over another will not be so difficult. Evaluating the product fairly and efficiently will naturally expose the trade-offs of one option versus another.

Present the End Result

Visual presentation is the most effective means of communication, particularly for individuals in a nondesign-related field. A combination of written, spoken and visual communication will cause interaction with the client and produce an accurate understanding of the design being presented.

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Stages of the Design Process

By Carol Reeves, eHow Contributor

There are five stages in the design process that every designer or architect follows. It is a natural progression that helps take you from the beginning of the design to final built completion of the project, whether it is an house or an art piece. While design can be very artistic and free flowing, the design process can be seen as very scientific. It allows for checks and balances at each stage of the design process so that you know when you are drifting in a different direction.

Schematic Design
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The first stage is called schematic design. This is when the ideas are laid out and the potential problem that needs to be solved with the design is set forth. An architect will use this stage to get an understanding of the client's needs and wants and try to really understand what it is they are looking for in their design. It is at this stage that an architect will use such tools as an adjacency matrix and a bubble diagram to help understand the potential design requirements while putting together the criteria that are required.

Design Development
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The second stage is design development. This is when the design is starting to take shape and the spaces are understood and recognized. This is also when an architect will start picking out the materials and the structural system that will be used in the design. The style and direction of the design will start to be developed at this stage.

Construction Documents
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The third stage is construction documents. This is when the details of how to build the project are put together in a concise and thorough set of plans. A set of construction documents consists of the drawings and a set of specifications such as electrical diagrams. They are kept together so that a contractor has all the information needed to build the project.

Bidding and Negotiations

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The fourth stage is the bidding and negotiations stage. This is when the construction documents have been approved and an owner gets estimates, or bids, from potential contractors.

Construction Administration
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The last and final stage is construction administration. This is when the project is being built and the architect is in charge of interpreting and clarifying the drawings for the contractor. Many times this is the most time-consuming aspect of the process, because many different variables come into play when putting a project together. Sometimes materials that were available 6 months ago during the construction documents stage are no longer available during the construction administration stage, so substitutions have to be found, approved and ordered.

References

Architectural Drafting & Design; Alan Jefferis & David A. Madsen; 2004

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Phases of the Design Process

By Matthew Schieltz, eHow Contributor

The process and stages of design vary depending on several factors, including the type of project youre working on, how big or small it is and for whom it is being completed. Phases associated with graphic design differ greatly from those associated with building and architectural design. However, each type of project includes a common thread of stages that builders, designers and artists, mechanical engineers and others go through, such as research, planning and project conceptualization phases.

Research
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The design process begins with research. Almost all projects require the builders or makers to ask a series of questions--of themselves or clients--about the purpose of the project and the needs to fill. For example, architectural designers or home builders ask clients questions concerning the size of interior spaces, the types of people for whom the building is being built and any custom-tailored requests. Questions of style come into play during this phase as well. Other questions during the research phase concern a project's budget and time line for completion. The maker or client may examine similar projects that have been successfully completed.

Conceptualization
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The conceptualization phase of the design process involves outlining the project. During this phase, designers may have a list of features or requirements that the project will include. They conduct brainstorming sessions to generate additional ideas. Some designers draw a rough paper-and-pencil or computer-generated sketch of what the result will look like, encompassing all project requirements and features. When conceptualizing, designers often modify the rough sketch or outline to satisfy a change in needs or preferences from clients.

Design Development
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The design development phase involves a closer, detailed look at the project. This phase involves creating detailed plans, drawings and drafts and devoting attention to each feature or specification. For example, architectural designers and builders use computer-aided design programs to model a new building to scale, ensuring the design, measurement and placement of doors, stairways and hallways. Art project designers, such as graphic and logo design artists, construct several drafts or proofs. Design development allows additional feedback from clients and last-minute changes to be made and approved. During this phase, designers or builders often assess final costs for the project.

Development and Completion

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The development stage involves creating and building the project itself. The designer gathers supplies to complete the project. Large designs and projects require continual involvement from all team members, including project managers, leaders and engineers, to ensure work goes according to plan. An architectural project may require on-site visits from a property owner to ensure satisfaction. Any lastminute changes or added requirements during this stage might result in additional expenses. When development is completed, the designer evaluates the project and shows the result to clients.

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