Architectural Review

PRE-DESIGN TASKS
1. Gather Building Program Information

Determine collection methods
1. Best methods to collect each type of material from owner identified: interviews, meetings,
questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails, website visits
Gather building program info
1. All architectural program requirements identified: size and types of spaces, functional
relationships, environmental requirements, design requirements and expectations,
integration with existing facilities, demolition of existing facilities, future uses, tenant uses
Gather building program requirements
1. Methods to collect and record program requirements identified: interviews, meetings,
questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails, website visits
2. All architectural program requirements documented: size and types of spaces, functional
relationships, environmental requirements, design requirements and expectations,
integration with existing facilities, demolition of existing facilities, future uses, tenant
uses, budgets
3. Documentation format agrees with requirements: contract, owner preferences, office
standards
4. Program requirements approved by all parties: owner, tenants, review boards, consultants

Gather building type requirements
1. All apartment requirements identified: number and types of units, parking requirements,
room sizes
2. All office facility requirements identified: number and types of offices, ancillary spaces,
parking requirements, room sizes
3. All single family residence requirements identified: types and sizes of rooms, parking
requirements
4. All school facility requirements identified: number and types of classrooms, ancillary
spaces, parking requirements, room sizes
Gather specific requirements for each room type
1. All bathroom requirements identified: number and types of fixtures, accessories
2. All kitchen requirements identified: number and types of appliances, cabinets
3. All other room type requirements identified

2. Gather Site Information

1. Best method to collect site information identified: interviews, meetings,
questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails, website visits, photos, existing
drawings, computer simulations, site visits
Gather site information
1. All environmental conditions identified: sun loads throughout day, shadows
throughout day, seasonal changes, temperature changes, rain loads, snow loads,
wind loads, prevailing wind directions
2. All adjacent conditions identified: site access, adjacent landforms, adjacent
buildings, road and traffic systems, transit systems, drainage features
3. All positive site features identified: views
4. All negative site features identified: noise, poor views, traffic
5. All features to be protected identified: trees, vegetation, existing structures
Gather site design requirements
1. All spatial requirements identified: size and types of site areas, functional
relationships, design requirements and expectations, integration with existing
facilities, demolition of existing facilities, future uses, tenant uses
2. All ways to adapt design to existing physical conditions identified: traffic, existing
buildings, existing landscaping, soil types, bearing capacities, adjacent conditions,
slopes, drainage, native plant populations, geologic and seismic conditions, utility
easements, utility lines, smells
3. All special access requirements identified: pedestrian, wheelchair, automobile, fire
department, deliveries, trash removal
4. All security and safety requirements identified: defensible space
5. All proposed future development identified
6. Design considerations documented: traffic flow, design character, design features
Comments
This task is about gathering information about the site, not visiting the site.
See visit site for the latter.
Most subtasks listed here are incremental. Additional material is added during
each design phase as it is required or becomes available.
Most tasks can be facilitated by using checklists or questionnaires based on this
test list.

3. Gather Parking Information

1. Best methods to collect parking requirements identified: interviews, meetings,
questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails, website visits, photos, existing
drawings, computer simulations, site visits
Gather parking design requirements
1. All parking requirements identified: owner, tenant, accessibility, building code,
zoning code
2. All parking design standards identified: stall sizes, types, driveway widths
3. All recommended parking ratios identified: based on unit types, building types
4. All parking requirements identified for: cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, busses
5. All loading requirements identified for: deliveries, pedestrians, trash, busses
6. All requirements identified for: on-site parking, off-site parking, on-street parking
7. All information about existing conditions identified: landscaping, traffic
Comments
Most subtasks listed here are incremental. Additional material is added during
each design phase as it is required or becomes available.
test list.

4. Gather Project Information

1. Best methods to collect each type of material identified: interviews, meetings, site
visits, questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails, website visits
Gather owner info
1. All special services identified: needs assessments, requirements programming,
financial feasibility studies, planning surveys, site evaluations, site selection,
comparative studies of prospective sites, special studies for governmental
authorities, LEED certification, traffic studies, future facilities, measured drawings,
verifying drawing accuracy, coordinating construction by owner's forces or
construction manager, detailed cost estimates, quantity surveys, inventories, cost
analyses, interior design, tenant spaces, appraisals, as-built drawings, assisting in
using equipment, services after final completion, special consultants
2. All presentation requirements identified for each phase: perspectives, models,
samples, color boards; timing, quantities, formats, meetings
3. All required submittals to owner identified for each phase: drawings,
specifications, cost estimates, schedules, calculations, reports; timing, quantities,
formats, meetings
4. All budget and financial constraints identified: architectural fees, construction
costs, consultant fees, special assessments; availability, timing
5. Owner's preliminary project schedule created: architect selection, pre-design,
design, bidding, construction, owner reviews, agency reviews, permits
6. All special bidding requirements identified: number of bidders, public or private
bids, bidding alternatives, bid timing, negotiation processes
7. All special construction requirements identified: construction management, single
or multiple bids, construction schedule, use of facilities during construction
8. All required consultants identified: structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire
protection, landscape, security, food services, interiors, lighting, civil, joint trench,
acoustic, geotechnical, energy conservation, cost estimator, construction
manager, waterproofing, environmental impact, traffic engineering, hazardous
materials
9. All available reference materials collected from owner: existing drawings, as-builts,
surveys, soils reports, design manuals, sample drawings, sample specifications,
reference details, reference standards, front end documents, photos, materials
and equipment selections
Gather review agency info
1. Best method to collect each type of material from review agencies
identified: interviews, meetings, questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails,
website visits
2. All involved review agencies identified: building, planning, zoning, design review,
accessibility, energy, environmental reviews, lending agencies, HUD, DSA, fire
marshal, design review, neighborhood groups, utilities, water departments, sewer
departments
3. All review agency design and submittal requirements identified: drawings,
specifications, reports, calculations; timing, format, presentations
4. All reference materials available from review agencies collected: code
requirements, code amendments, existing drawings, reference drawings,
reference specs, photos, diagrams, design manuals
Gather services info
1. Best method to collect each type of material from service providers
identified: interviews, meetings, questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails,
website visits
2. All potential service providers identified: utilities, post office, trash removal, fire
department
3. All available service provider reference materials collected: cut sheets,
specifications, diagrams, photos, manuals
4. All service provider design and submittal requirements identified: access
requirements, space requirements; timing, format, presentations
Gather user info
1. Best method to collect each type of material from users identified: interviews,
meetings, questionnaires, form letters, phone calls, emails, website visits
2. All potential project users identified: tenants, staff, co-owners, neighborhood
groups, students, teachers
3. All project user requirements and preferences identified and collected: site usage,
building usage, schedules; timing, format, presentations
File collected info
1. All required materials reviewed, organized, filed
2. Information obtained is sufficient to prepare architectural fee proposal
Comments
test list.
Agency and service provider tasks can be broken down further. Consider contacts
with each agency or service provider as a separate task.
Many subtasks listed here are incremental. Additional material is added during
each design phase as it is required.

5. Visit Site

Prepare for visit
1. Best methods to collect site information identified: checklists, video recordings,
photos, sound recordings, aerial surveys, interviews, handwritten notes, redlines
2. Best time to visit identified: appropriate parties available, no other interfering
activities
3. All required travel arrangements have been made: car rental, plane tickets
4. All participants have been notified: team members, owner, consultants, building
occupants
5. Meeting time and location has been confirmed: team members, owner,
consultants, building occupants
6. All required subtasks have been listed: questions to ask, questions to answer,
measurements to take, photos to take, conditions to observe
7. All required materials for visit are at hand: drawings, reference documents, survey
forms, camera, voice recorder, clipboard, notepad, pencils, PDA, GPS, keys,
flashlights, hand level, chalk, measuring instruments, tools and equipment
Visit site
1. Site visited and required information acquired: photos, field measurements, noise
impressions, traffic impressions, neighborhood impressions, environmental
conditions, physical conditions
2. All required conditions have been documented: photos taken, measurements
taken, observations recorded, problems identified
3. All required discussions have been completed: owner, consultants, occupants
4. All documents to be left at site have been delivered: photos, drawings
Document results
1. All observations have been documented and stored: photos downloaded, notes
and recordings transcribed and filed
2. All appropriate drawings have been prepared or updated: site plans, floor plans,
elevations, sections, details
3. Formal reports have been prepared and filed
4. Reports have been distributed to interested parties: owner, consultants, attendees
Comments
A project will often require multiple site visits -- an initial visit and several follow-
ups.
Budget and schedule should identify each visit.

6. Prepare Fee Proposal

Define scope of work
1. Every phase of project is listed: pre-design, schematics, design development,
contract documents, bidding, construction, post construction
2. Every special service is included
3. Every expected task is included
4. Every consultant task is included
Calculate project fee
1. Time or fee is estimated for every task
2. Fee for every consultant is included
3. Fee includes markup for managing consultants
4. Fee includes reimbursables: printing, travel, communications
5. Fee includes contingency
Write cover letter
1. Cover letter explains proposal
Package proposal
1. Proposal format and content conforms to owner request
2. Proposal includes appropriate supporting material: description of scope, fee
calculations, project schedule
3. Proposal material checked for accuracy and completeness: spell check, grammar
check, calculation totals
4. Proposal sent to appropriate parties: owner, agency, CEO
5. Proposal delivered to correct address: hand deliver, mail, special handling, email
(PDF version)
6. Proposal verified as received
7. Copies of proposal properly filed
Comments
Email PDF versions, not word processing or spreadsheet versions, of legal or
other important documents. PDF versions can't be readily changed and don't
include historical editing information that word processing files include.

7. Negotiate Contracts

Negotiate owner contract
1. Proposals revised to conform to requirements of all parties
2. Scope of work and schedule clearly defined for each project phase
3. Deliverables clearly defined for each project phase
Negotiate consultant contracts
1. Proposals revised to conform to requirements of all parties
2. Scope of work and schedule clearly defined for each project phase
3. Deliverables clearly defined for each project phase
4. Special services clearly defined for each phase
5. Responsibilities for structural gray areas defined: stair stringers, handrails,
guardrails, interior bearing partitions, miscellaneous attachments
6. Responsibilities for electrical gray areas defined: site lighting, joint trenching, Title
24
7. Responsibilities for mechanical gray areas defined: joint trenching, Title 24
8. Responsibilities for landscape gray areas defined: flatwork, site lighting, ancillary
structures, signs
Sign contracts
1. Contracts reviewed and approved by all parties: architect, office manager, project
manager
2. Scope of work, budgets, schedules agree with proposals, or have been modified
by mutual consent
3. Contract revisions approved by attorney
4. All required signatures are in place, signed by authorized legal representatives
Verify contract conformance
1. Owner insurance requirements have been met
2. Consultant insurance requirements have been met
File documents
1. All contracts and related documents properly filed
Comments
Negotiate consultant contracts task can be broken down further. Consider
contacts with each consultant as a separate task.

8. Do Accessibility Assessment
Clarify scope of work
1. Contract reviewed and important points identified
2. Scope of work for this phase clearly understood: deliverables, schedules,
meetings, budgets
3. Roles of involved parties clearly understood: client, architect
Create release plan
1. Release plan (task cards) created for entire scope: deliverables, support,
coordination, research, meetings
Hire consultants
1. All required consultants are on board: structural, mechanical, electrical, civil,
landscape, hazardous materials, cost estimator
2. Consultants understand and agree to scope of work: deliverables, schedules,
meetings and presentations, budgets
3. Contracts with appropriate consultants signed
Prepare for AA kickoff meeting
1. All attendees notified: team members, owner reps, consultants
2. Meeting info distributed: time, date, location, attendees, what to bring
3. Meeting agenda prepared: objectives, topics, issues, schedules
4. Supporting documents available: drawings, photos, reports

Hold AA kickoff meeting
1. Scope of work understood and agreed to by all parties: project team, client,
consultants
2. All project goals and objectives identified: office objectives, project objectives,
client objectives, team member objectives
3. Office objectives identified: financial gain, fill-in project, establish reputation
4. Project objectives identified: quality, cost, schedules, staffing
5. Action items assigned
6. Important decisions documented: recorded, noted, distributed
Set up filing systems
1. Initial filing system for electronic documents and reference materials set
up: drawings, specifications, photos, notes, email
2. Central location for physical project reference materials identified: original
drawings, hard copies, specifications, samples, product binders
3. Product reference binder set up: organized by specification sections or office
standards
Gather assessment background information
1. All required existing drawings obtained and available: original building drawings,
remodeling drawings, shop drawings, as-builts, surveys
2. All available reports and reference materials are available: geotechnical reports,
historical landmark status reports, hazmat reports, plot plans, site descriptions,
special owner surveys
3. All appropriate existing drawings converted to electronic format for reuse: Site
plans, plot plans, building plans
4. All applicable accessibility standards identified: ADA, local standards
5. All other project scope requirements identified: contractual requirements
6. All building-related hazardous materials have been identified: lead, asbestos
7. All accessibility assessment checklists are available: client checklists, agency
checklists, reference checklists
8. All accessibility survey forms have been created: site items, room items
Obtain existing drawings
1. Locations of existing drawings identified: owner, prior architect, contractor,
building department, planning department
2. All required existing drawings identified and obtained: plans, elevations, sections,
details, engineering drawings, surveys
3. Other required documents identified and obtained: investigative reports prepared
by client or client's agents
Convert existing drawings to CAD
1. Required drawings to convert identified: site plans, floor plans, roof plans, ceiling
plans, elevations, sections; structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil,
landscape
2. Most effective conversion method identified: scanning, digitizing, outsourcing
3. Every aspect of converted drawings agrees with existing drawings: compare using
overlays, spot checks
Verify accuracy of existing drawings
1. Drawings reflect existing conditions: verify by site visit, survey
2. All deviations from existing conditions noted: redmarks, notes, voice recordings,
photos
Visit site
1. Initial and follow-up site visits completed and documented: See visit site.
Update CAD drawings to conform to actual conditions
1. All revisions have been made: site visit notes, survey notes, redmarks
2. All sheets conform to current office standards: sheet layout, numbering system,
line weights
3. All unnecessary material has been removed: reference notes, comments, errors
Print relevant documents for in-house use
1. All relevant documents printed and filed for easy access: originals, progress sets
2. All team members know where materials are located
Deliver reference materials to consultants
1. All required reference documents delivered to consultants: existing drawing sets,
specifications
2. All required background sheets delivered to consultants: plans, elevations,
sections
Meet with review agencies
1. Meetings with review agencies held: meetings set up, agenda prepared, meetings
held, important issues documented and distributed
Start progress set
1. Minimal set of documents started: drawings, specifications

Start scope of work list
1. Initial scope of work list started: spreadsheet-like format, project and office
identifiers included, can be easily modified
Determine cross-reference system to tie scope of work list to drawings
1. System covers all aspects of work: keynotes, symbols; for interior work, for
exterior work; for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, landscape
work; doors, hardware, signs
Finalize scope of work list
1. All architectural work included: tied in to keynotes on drawings
2. All consultant work included: structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, landscape
3. Project reference information agrees with other documents
Coordinate with consultants (iterative task)
1. Consultant coordinators selected by team members: one or more team members
agree to accept task
2. All communications to and from each consultant dealt with efficiently: team,
client, agency comments
3. All important dates transmitted to each consultant: due dates, meeting dates,
review dates

Start formal code review
1. Format for code review documents have been set up: spreadsheet-like, easily
changed
2. Appropriate forms have been set up for collecting data: floor areas, room
information, doors and hardware, ramps and stairs, occupant loads, plumbing
fixtures
3. Agreement reached on code information to be included on drawings: reference
notes, code sections, schedules, area calculations
4. All appropriate code review information is available: drawings, specifications, code
books, checklists, survey forms, photos
5. All required code sections have been reviewed and documented
Finalize formal code review
1. All required code sections have been reviewed and documented
2. All consultant code review items included: structural, mechanical, electrical, civil,
landscape
3. Code review documents distributed to interested parties: client, consultants
Transfer code-related items to drawings
1. Appropriate code-related items transferred to drawings: exit paths, occupancy
loads, floor areas, plumbing fixture counts
2. Code information shown on drawings agrees with code review documents
Show path of travel (accessible route)
1. Path of travel from all appropriate locations shown: site plans, building plans, floor
plans
2. All design solutions based on path of travel issues have been identified in scope of
work and keyed in on plans
Develop design solutions
1. Design solutions shown to provide access to all required facilities: parking,
passenger loading zones, exterior accessible routes, curb ramps, drinking
fountains, telephones, ramps, stairs and handrails, platform lifts, entrances and
exits, doors and gates, building lobbies and corridors, elevators, rooms and
spaces, assembly areas, toilet rooms and bathrooms, bathtubs and showers,
lockers, dressing and fitting rooms, counters, casework, signs, seating areas,
alarms, detectable warnings, assistive listening systems
2. Design solutions shown resolve all additional issues related to providing
access: egress changes, occupancy changes; structural, mechanical, electrical
changes; smoke door, fire alarm system, fire sprinkler system changes
Discuss design solutions with appropriate parties
1. All interested parties have reviewed the proposed design solutions: owner,
occupants, consultants, review agencies
Update progress set (iterative task)
1. All required sheets set up
2. All required re-usable blocks created and used
3. Cover/title/index sheets set up
4. All required schedules set up: room finishes, doors, hardware
5. Title blocks consistent throughout set

Create/update required documents
1. All required documents have been created or updated: title sheets, site plans,
building plans, floor plans, enlarged plans, elevations, sections, door and hardware
schedules, room finish schedules, specifications, sketches, renderings,
mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, landscape drawings
2. Documents show all required information: contractual requirements, construction
requirements, code requirements, building summary requirements, demolition
requirements
3. Site plan shows all accessible features: bus stops, drinking fountains, parking and
loading zones, curb cuts, detectable warnings
4. Site and floor plans show all modifications required: existing, demolition, new
work
5. Site plans show all ancillary work resulting from demolition and new
work: changes to paving, structures, underground utilities
6. Floor plans show all ancillary work resulting from demolition and new
work: changes to walls, floors, ceilings, casework, mechanical, electrical, and
structural systems
7. Door and hardware schedule shows all doors requiring modifications
Update scope of work
1. All scope of work notes identified and keyed in on drawings
Update drawing notes and names
1. All room names and numbers shown
2. Room names and numbers are coordinated: agree with room, finish, and door
schedules, agree with client requirements, agree with phone system identifiers,
agree with fire alarm system identifiers
Prepare cost estimates
1. Estimated cost provided for each item in scope of work
Prepare required reports
1. All reports and supplemental documents required by contract are
provided: proposed construction schedules
Package accessibility assessment documents
1. All required documents have been included: drawings, specifications, cost
estimates, title sheets, cover sheets, supplemental reports
2. All documents dated with same date
Do QC review of accessibility assessment package
1. All AA documents reviewed and coordinated
Get approval of accessibility assessment package
1. All required parties have reviewed and agree to proposed design solutions: owner,
occupants, consultants, review agencies
2. Appropriate parties have signed off on the AA package

Modify design solutions based on issues raised during reviews
1. Modifications have been made to proposed design solutions to accommodate all
concerns: functional issues, costs, code requirements
Issue accessibility assessment set
1. All appropriate sheets have been printed, bound and delivered
2. All interested parties have received AA package
3. Record sets of all documents have been filed for future reference
Comments
This checklist describes some of the tasks and tests required to perform an
accessibility assessment or accessibility survey. Tasks actually required will
depend on the architect's contract with the owner.
The objective of doing an accessibility assessment is to define, in a general
manner, the construction work required to bring an existing building up to current
ADA standards. Deliverables typically include drawings, specifications, scope of
work lists and cost estimates. The construction work will be further defined in DD
and CD phases.
The construction work required by the accessibility assessment will often trigger
the need for additional building modifications so the new work conforms to
existing seismic, building, fire, and life safety codes and standards.
The new construction work may also require abatement of hazardous materials
like lead and asbestos.
USAF Accessibility Checklist contains survey forms for a variety of different
spaces and facilities.
For a more detailed checklist for meetings, see host meeting.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN

1. Do Pre-Schematic Work
Hold SD kickoff meeting
1. All attendees notified: team members, owner reps, consultants
2. Meeting info distributed: time, date, location, attendees, what to bring
3. Meeting agenda prepared: objectives, topics, issues, schedules
4. Supporting documents available: drawings, photos
5. Meeting held: see host meeting
6. Office objectives identified: financial gain, fill-in project, establish reputation
7. Project objectives identified: quality, cost, schedules, staffing
8. Selected tasks assigned
9. Important decisions documented: recorded, noted, distributed
10. Important decisions implemented
Confirm client submittal requirements
1. All SD submittals to client identified: sketches, calculations, reports, diagrams,
schedules
2. Dates for SD submittals agreed to by all parties: owner, architect, consultants,
outside reviewers
3. Formats for SD submittals identified: quantity, delivery, email, hard copy
4. Arrangements for required SD meetings agreed to: attendees, agendas, dates,
locations
5. All special services required during SD identified: needs assessments,
requirements programming, financial feasibility studies, planning surveys, site
evaluations, comparative studies of prospective sites, traffic studies, special
studies for governmental authorities, future facilities, measured drawings,
verifying drawing accuracy, inventories, cost analyses, appraisals, as-built
drawings, special consultants
Research code requirements
1. Critical code issues identified and documented: zoning, floor area ratios,
accessibility
Research special construction requirements
1. Special construction requirements identified and documented: construction
phasing, use of existing facilities, future expansion
Obtain existing drawings
1. Locations of existing drawings identified: owner, prior architect, contractor,
building department, planning department
2. All required existing drawings identified and obtained: plans, elevations, sections,
details, engineering drawings, surveys
3. Other required documents identified and obtained: specifications, calculations,
geotechnical reports
Convert existing drawings to CAD
1. Required drawings to convert identified: site plans, floor plans, roof plans, ceiling
plans, elevations, sections
2. Most effective conversion method identified: scanning, digitizing, outsourcing
3. Every aspect of converted drawings agrees with existing.

Verify accuracy of existing drawings
1. Drawings reflect existing conditions: verify by site visit, survey
Verify adequacy of existing services
1. All utilities and services are sufficient to handle requirements of new
building: sewer system, septic tank system, water pressure, gas pressure

2. Do Pre-Design Studies
Prepare special pre-design studies
1. Required special studies identified and completed: circulation diagrams, spatial
diagrams, adjacency matrices, massing studies, traffic diagrams
2. Number and types of studies agree with contract requirements
3. Special studies conform to office standards: format, date, identification
4. Special studies reviewed and approved by appropriate parties: principal, project
architect, owner, consultants
5. Iterate until approved
Comments
Objective of this task is to complete, and get approval for special pre-design
studies
This is an iterative task. It may require several passes before being completed.

3. Evaluate Building Alternatives
Update building program requirements
1. See gather building program information
Prepare schematic design evaluation criteria
1. Design considerations documented: traffic flow, design character, design features
Prepare alternative building design schemes
1. Required schemes are completed: plans, sections, elevations, models,
perspectives
2. Schemes meet all requirements: program requirements, special construction
requirements, building treatments, code requirements, evaluation criteria, budget
criteria.
3. Schemes meet requirements from gather site design requirements
4. Number and types of alternatives agree with contract requirements
5. Schemes conform to office standards: layout, format, identification, date
6. Schemes reviewed by appropriate parties prior to sign-off: principals, project
architects, consultants, owner reps
Discuss alternative design schemes with consultants
1. Consultants have reviewed each alternative: landscape, civil, mechanical,
electrical, structural, acoustical

Select engineered systems
1. Major engineered systems have been selected: structural, mechanical, electrical
2. Selected systems meet requirements: program, code, cost
Research special building treatments [put in DD]
1. Desired exterior treatments identified and documented: exterior envelope, roofing
2. Desired interior treatments identified and documented: finishes, lighting, utilities
Comments
Tasks listed here are iterative. They may require several passes before being
completed.

4. Evaluate Site Alternatives
Update site information
1. See gather site information
Establish site design criteria
1. Environmental impact minimized
2. Building orientation takes advantage of natural features
3. Meets requirements identified in gather site design requirements
Prepare alternative site design schemes
1. Required alternative schemes are completed: site layouts, parking layouts,
circulation, access, ancillary structures, site improvements, grading alternatives,
on-site equipment locations
2. Parking stall types, sizes, and numbers conform to criteria in gather parking
design requirements
3. Number and types of alternatives agree with contract requirements
4. Schemes conform to office standards: layout, format, identification, date
5. Schemes reviewed by appropriate parties prior to sign-off: principals, project
architects, consultants, owner reps
1. Consultants have reviewed and commented on each alternative: landscape, civil,
mechanical, electrical
Comments
Objective of this task is to complete the schematic design phase work
completed.

5. Evaluate Parking Alternatives
Gather parking design aids
1. All parking design aids obtained: reference information, prior project layouts,
photos
Establish parking design criteria
1. Locations of stalls and driveways permit easy access to parking: adequate turning
radii, appropriate slope, no dead ends
2. Large parking areas broken up by planting, screening
3. Unobstructed lines of sight maintained at intersections: for pedestrian traffic, for
vehicular traffic
4. Loose materials not used where they might create hazards or maintenance
problems: gravel, pebbles, stones
5. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic separated
6. Planting and pedestrian areas protected from traffic: curbs, bollards
7. Shielding provided for headlight glare: planting, fencing, earth berms
8. Meets requirements identified in gather parking design requirements
Prepare alternative parking schemes
1. Required schemes are completed
1. Consultants have reviewed each alternative: landscape, civil
Comments
completed.

6. Do Post-Schematic Work
Prepare reports on alternatives
1. Each alternative evaluated against all criteria: design, cost, program requirements
2. Report discussing alternatives is complete
3. Report discussing alternatives conforms to office standard: format, identification,
signatures
Prepare outline spec
1. All major systems listed and described: site, building, framing, cladding, roofing,
interiors, mechanical, electrical
Prepare SD cost estimates
1. Costs for all major systems included: site, building, framing, cladding, roofing,
interiors, mechanical, electrical
2. Cost estimate conforms to office standard: format, layout, identification, date
Assemble SD package
1. All required docs in package: alternative studies, drawings, specs, reports, calcs,
renderings
2. All docs identified per office standard: title, firm name, date
3. Dates on all documents agree
4. All docs listed in cover letter or transmittal
Get SD approvals
1. SD documents approved by appropriate parties: owner, building committees,
review boards, review agencies
3. Celebrate success
Comments
Objective of this task is to get required approvals for the schematic design work.
Most tasks listed here are iterative. They may require several passes before being
completed. For example, if drawings are not approved in the first iteration, then
schemes must be revised; specs, reports, and cost estimates updated; and
meetings held again, perhaps for two or more iterations. When budgeting,
scheduling, or preparing fee estimates, don't forget to add such tasks once for
each iteration. Iterative tasks are indicated by the test "iterate until approved".

DESIGN DEVELOPMENTS

1. Select Paving Materials
Prepare paving evaluation criteria
1. Code considerations documented: slip-resistance, accessibility requirements
2. Cost considerations documented: initial cost, maintenance costs
3. Availability considerations documented: available locally, can be installed locally
4. Character considerations documented: patterns, colors, textures
5. Owner requests documented
Select paving materials and products
1. Driveway, parking lot materials selected: asphalt, concrete, permeable pavers
2. Playground materials selected: rubber tiles, poured in-place rubber surfacing
3. Sidewalk, pathway, patio materials selected: brick, pavers, concrete (exposed
aggregate, stamped, colored), asphalt (colored, stamped), stone, cobblestone,
sandstone, bluestone, limestone, slate, quartzite, tile, gravel, pebbles, permeable
pavers
Select paving edge materials and products
1. Driveway edging materials selected: wood, concrete curbs, asphalt curbs
2. Sidewalk edging materials selected: wood, concrete curbs, none
Assure selections meet evaluation criteria
1. All selections meet design evaluation criteria: code, cost, availability, character,
owner requests
Comments
Covered in other sections: design tasks, finishes, patterns, color selection.

2. Draw Enlarged Floor Plans
Lay out sheet
1. Sheet includes appropriate cross-reference information: title block, north arrow,
drawing date, approval stamps, sheet number, legends, notes
Create viewports
1. All required enlarged floor plans are shown: existing plans, demolition plans,
alteration plans
2. Viewport sizes are adequate to show all required information
3. Space is provided for information not yet shown: dimensions, notes
Add views from model
1. All required information from model is shown: walls, adjacent construction, toilet
partitions, plumbing fixtures, grab bars, counters, dimensions, grid lines and
bubbles
2. Only appropriate layers are shown
3. Information is shown at appropriate scale: walls, notes, symbols, dimensions,
room names, room numbers
4. Graphics is shown at appropriate scale: hatching, symbols
5. All demolition information is shown: items to be removed, replaced, patched,
repaired
Add supplemental information
1. Required supplemental information has been added: floor plan titles, building
identifiers, room types, dimensions, grid bubbles, door symbols
2. Supplemental information is shown at appropriate scale
Comments
This task is usually started in DD phase and completed in CD phase.
Work prior to completing the enlarged floor plans, like drawing the CAD-based
floor plan model is covered as a separate task.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

1. Show Legend
Show abbreviations
1. List shows one abbreviation per line, followed by reference term
2. Every abbreviation shown on drawings is included in list
3. List is sorted by abbreviation, not reference term
Show text symbols
1. List shows one symbol per line, followed by reference term: centerline, angle,
degree
2. Every symbol shown on drawings is included in list
3. Text symbols are sorted by reference term, not symbol
Organize text and symbols
1. List of text symbols precedes list of abbreviations
Coordinate with office standards
1. Layout and formatting conform to office standards: location, layer, font, size
2. Each symbol and reference term agrees with UDS recommendations
Comments
This is an incremental task. It's usually started in DD phase and completed in CD
phase.
The legend includes text symbols and abbreviations, all in the same list. It is often
titled "abbreviations" instead of "legend".
Other types of symbols that might be included in a legend are covered under other
tasks.
UDS refers to Uniform Drawing Standards, which are part of the National CAD
Standard.

2. Draw Site Plan
Show features from survey
1. Required control lines from survey are shown: property lines, easement lines,
benchmarks
2. Required grading features from survey are shown: contour lines, spot elevations
3. All existing buildings are shown: buildings to be demolished, buildings to remain
4. All existing features to remain are shown: sidewalks, fences, curbs, paving,
trellises, trees, vegetation
5. All existing features to be removed are shown: sidewalks, fences, curbs, paving,
trellises, trees, vegetation
6. All existing features to be repaired are shown: sidewalks, fences, curbs, paving
7. All existing features to be replaced are shown: sidewalks, fences, curbs, paving
8. All existing features to be relocated are shown: fences, signs
9. Every feature to remain, be removed, repaired, replaced, or relocated is uniquely
identified: graphically, by symbols, by notes
10. Required survey notations are shown: street names
11. Survey conditions have been verified for accuracy: by on-site visit, aerial photos,
actual measurements
Show code-required control lines
1. All code-required control lines are shown: setbacks, easements
2. Control lines shown are sufficient to demonstrate that site plan conforms to code
requirements

Show construction control lines
1. All construction control lines shown and identified: construction limits, access
locations, storage areas, staging areas, stockpile areas, construction parking
areas
2. All items requiring special protection identified: trees, shrubs, adjacent structures
3. Every control area is uniquely identified: graphically, by symbols, by notes
Show demolition work
1. All demolition work not already shown from survey features is identified: patching
Show buildings
1. All new buildings are shown
2. All conditions at grade level are shown: building perimeters, doors, windows
3. All conditions below grade level are shown: basements, areaways
4. All conditions above grade level are shown: balconies, decks, bay windows, roof
overhangs, other projections
5. All exterior building stairways at grade level are shown
6. All downspouts at grade level are shown
Show ancillary structures
1. All ancillary structures are shown: outbuildings, garages, carports, covered
walkways, kiosks, sheds, pavilions, trellises, gazebos
Show site improvements
1. All site access features are shown: sidewalks, driveways, roads, ramps, stairways
2. All pedestrian protection features are shown: stair and ramp handrails, guardrails
3. All site separation features are shown: fences, gates, curbs, separation walls,
retaining walls, planter walls, trash enclosures, equipment enclosures
4. All other site-constructed improvements shown: patios, swimming pools
5. All utility and protection pads shown: equipment pads, splash blocks
6. All drainage equipment shown: catch basins, trench drains, manhole covers, traps
7. All site furnishings shown: mailboxes, flagpoles, play equipment, benches, bike
racks, lighting
8. All site signage shown: directories, fire department access, building signs,
stairwell signs, traffic control
9. Every site improvement item is uniquely identified: graphically, by symbols, by
notes
10. New work is easily distinguished from existing: by hatching, shading
Show special finish treatments
1. All special paving treatments shown: patterns, textures, scoring, construction
joints, expansion joints, control joints
2. Every special finish treatment is uniquely identified: graphically, by symbols, by
notes
Show grading requirements
1. All new and existing grades are shown by appropriate symbol: contour lines, spot
elevations
2. Grades slope enough to provide adequate drainage[move to design checklist]: to
catch basins, gutters, drains
3. Slope of exterior finish surfaces are identified by appropriate notes or
symbols: walkways, ramps, roads, driveways, paving
4. Elevation of finish grade at each corner of every building is shown
5. Elevation of every building pad at grade is shown
6. Building pads are high enough to assure adjacent grade slopes adequately to
drain[move to design checklist]
Show on-site equipment at grade
1. All mechanical equipment is shown: HVAC equipment
2. All electrical equipment is shown: site lighting, transformers, meter boxes, power
poles
3. All plumbing equipment is shown: catch basins, downspouts, hose bibbs, water
meters, gas meters, shut-off valves, manholes, storm drains, utility boxes, grease
traps
4. All fire safety equipment is shown: fire hydrants, valve boxes, standpipes
5. All other on-site equipment is shown: playground equipment, irrigation equipment
6. Every on-site equipment item is uniquely identified: graphically, by symbols, by
notes
Show parking layout
1. All parking stalls identified: normal, compact, accessible
2. All parking protection features shown: curbs, wheel stops, bumpers, posts,
bollards
3. All paving materials identified: concrete, asphalt
4. All other parking-related improvements shown: curb cuts, driveway aprons,
directional signs, no parking signs
5. All parking striping shown: stall separators, accessibility lines
6. All parking stripe colors shown: for normal stalls, for accessible stalls
7. All curb colors shown: for accessibility, for no parking, for no standing
8. All parking labels and symbols shown: stall numbers, compact labels, accessibility
symbols, visitor parking, employee parking
9. Parking stall types, sizes, and numbers conform to requirements: accessibility
requirements, planning department requirements, owner requirements
10. Locations of stalls and driveways permit easy access to parking: adequate turning
radii, appropriate slope
Show sheet notes
1. Sheet title is shown
2. Reference north and true north arrows are shown
3. Site plan titles and scales are shown
4. Graphic scale symbols are shown
Show general notes
1. All site plan and grading notes required by governing authorities are shown
Show site plan notation
1. Every building is identified by unique name
2. Control areas identified
Key in building details
1. All details for building conditions at grade level keyed in: building perimeters,
doors, windows
2. All details for building conditions below grade level keyed in: basements, areaways
3. All details for exterior building stairways at grade level keyed in
Key in ancillary structure details
1. All details for ancillary structures keyed in: outbuildings, garages, carports,
covered walkways, kiosks, sheds, pavilions, trellises, gazebos
Key in site improvement details
1. All details for site access features keyed in: sidewalks, driveways, roads, ramps,
stairways
2. All details for pedestrian protection features keyed in: stair and ramp handrails,
guardrails
3. All details for site separation features keyed in: fences, gates, curbs, separation
walls, retaining walls, planter walls, trash enclosures, equipment enclosures
4. All details for other site-constructed improvements keyed in: patios, swimming
pools
5. All details for utility and protection pads keyed in: equipment pads, splash blocks
6. All details for drainage equipment keyed in: catch basins, trench drains, manhole
covers
7. All site furnishing details keyed in: mailboxes, flagpoles, play equipment, benches,
bike racks, lighting
8. All site signage details keyed in: directories, fire department access, building signs,
stairwell signs, traffic control
Key in special finish treatment details
1. All special paving treatment details keyed in: patterns, textures, scoring,
construction joints, expansion joints, control joints
Key in parking details
1. All parking protection details keyed in: wheel stops, bumpers, posts, bollards
2. All other parking-related details keyed in: curb cuts, driveway aprons, directional
signs, no parking signs
3. All parking striping and labeling details keyed in: stall separators, accessibility
lines, accessibility symbols
Show other cross reference symbols
1. Every cross reference is identified by appropriate reference symbol: building
sections, exterior elevations, enlarged plans
Show building dimensions
1. Overall size of each building is dimensioned
2. Location of each building is dimensioned: from benchmarks, from property lines
3. Dimensions are sufficient for contractor to locate and lay out building without
additional information
Show site improvement dimensions
1. All site features and improvements are located and dimensioned: sidewalks,
curbs, parking lots, driveways, roads
2. All curve radii shown: curbs, walls
3. All code-required control lines are dimensioned: setbacks, easements
4. Dimensions are sufficient for contractor to locate and lay out features without
additional information
Show access routes
1. Every required access route is shown: accessibility, fire department, construction
usage
Show vicinity map
1. Vicinity map conforms to requirements of review agencies, code
requirements: size, scale, content
Coordinate with owner requirements
1. Site plan conforms to requirements of owner, lender
Coordinate with code requirements
1. Site plan conforms to requirements of review agencies, code authorities
2. Grading and site information shown conforms to code requirements: drawing
scale, contour interval, extent of off-site information shown, street names, lot
numbers, utilities, storm sewers, grid tics, floodplain information, wetlands
information
Coordinate with legend
1. Every cross reference symbol is listed and described in legend
2. Every material symbol is listed and shown in legend
3. Every abbreviation matches definition in legend
4. Only abbreviations defined in legend are used
1. Site plan scale conforms to office standard
2. Format for notations conform to office standard: sheet notes, building name
3. Every graphic symbol conforms to office standard: style, size, location
4. Every line symbol and line weight conforms to office standard
5. Every item is drawn on appropriate CAD layer, conforming to office standard
Overlay consultant drawings
1. Site plan overlay agrees with every corresponding consultant
drawing: mechanical, electrical, civil, plumbing, fire protection, landscape,
irrigation, survey
Coordinate with other drawings
1. Every stair location agrees with floor plans
2. Location of every projection below agrees with floor or basement plans
3. Location of every projection above agrees with floor or roof plans
4. Location of every opening shown agrees with floor plans: doors, windows
Coordinate dimensions
1. Every dimension is taken to or from a logical control point: benchmark, property
line, existing building, edge of slab, existing wall, column grid line
2. Point where every dimension is taken to or from is identified by notes,
abbreviations or symbols
3. Point where every dimension is taken to agrees with floor plans
4. Overall building dimensions agree with floor plan dimensions
5. Every dimension note, abbreviation and symbol conforms to office standard
6. Every dimension symbol and abbreviation agrees with legend
Coordinate notations
1. Sheet title agrees with table of contents
2. Every building name agrees with floor plans
3. Every cross reference symbol refers to correct reference and sheet
Comments
phase.
Laying out sheet will be covered as a separate task.
Landscaping will be covered as a separate task.
Underground utilities will be covered as a separate task.

3. Show Floor Plan Graphics
Show walls
1. Width and location of every exterior wall is shown
2. Size and location of every exterior column and post is shown
3. Width and location of every interior wall is shown: full height, partial height
4. Size and location of every operable or demountable wall is shown
5. Size and location of every interior column is shown
6. Size and location of every wall opening is shown: doors, windows, louvers, vents,
cased openings, glazed openings
7. Location of all existing construction features to remain are shown
8. Location of all existing construction to be demolished is shown
Show interior construction
1. Size and location of every floor opening is shown: stairs, elevators, trash chutes,
mail chutes, shafts, chases, ramps
2. Size and location of every raised or depressed floor condition is shown
3. Size and location of every stair run is shown
4. Size and location of every furred or recessed area is shown
5. Location of every attached wall component is shown: signs, chalkboards, bulletin
boards, mirrors
6. Door swing or opening direction of every door is shown: swinging, sliding, pocket,
overhead
Show exterior construction
1. Size and location of every exterior building attachment is shown: stairways, decks,
balconies
2. Size and location of every exterior stair run is shown
Show related exterior conditions
1. Location of every exterior projection below is shown: roofs, trellises
2. Location of every exterior projection above is shown: overhangs, soffits
Show related interior conditions above
1. Location of every interior skylight and ceiling change above is shown
2. Location of every interior soffit and dropped ceiling is shown
3. Location of every dropped header at cased openings is shown
Show related interior conditions
1. Location of every floor material transition is shown
2. Location of edge of floor at every exterior door is shown
3. Location of every seismic joint, control joint, expansion joint is shown
4. Location of all asbestos abatement areas are shown
5. Size and location of every access panel is shown
Show special residential equipment
1. All residential bathroom equipment is shown: water closets, bidets, sinks,
showers, tubs, vanities, grab bars, recessed medicine cabinets, toilet paper
holders
2. All residential kitchen equipment is shown: dishwashers, microwaves, range
hoods, ovens, cooktops, trash compactors, wall cabinets, base cabinets,
countertops, sinks
3. All residential laundry room equipment is shown: washers, dryers, shelving,
laundry chutes, recessed plumbing connection boxes
4. All living room equipment is shown: fireplaces, built-ins
Show special room-related equipment
1. All closet equipment is shown: closet poles, shelves, built-in shelving systems
2. All janitor closet equipment is shown: floor drains, floor sinks, hose bibbs
3. All corridor equipment is shown: fire hose cabinets, electrical cabinets, fire
extinguishers
4. All utility room equipment is shown: HVAC equipment, fire extinguishers, water
heaters, boilers, electrical panels, ladders, transformers
5. All stairwell equipment is shown: fire sprinkler risers, handrails, handrail
extensions, guardrails, floor identification signs
6. All commercial bathroom equipment is shown: toilet partitions, urinal screens
7. All exterior deck, balcony equipment is shown: deck drains, guardrails
Show required sign locations
1. Every required sign is identified and located: stairs, exits, floor numbers, room
numbers, fire-exit requirements
1. Floor plan scale conforms to office standard
2. Every item represented by appropriate abbreviation or symbol. See show floor
plan notations
3. Every graphic symbol conforms to office standard: style, size, location
4. Every line symbol and line weight conforms to office standard
1. Every exterior wall and opening agrees with exterior elevations
2. Every interior wall and opening agrees with interior elevations
3. All interior casework and equipment agrees with interior elevations
4. Every stair run length agrees with stair sections
5. Location of every projection below agrees with plan below
6. Location of every projection above agrees with plan or roof above
7. Location of every skylight agrees with roof plan
8. Every wall and wall opening agrees with structural drawings
9. Every floor opening agrees with structural drawings
10. Location of every seismic joint, control joint, expansion joint agrees with structural
drawings
11. Every floor slope to drain agrees with structural drawings
12. Every raised or depressed floor slab condition agrees with structural drawings
13. Open doors don't interfere with light switch locations
14. Floor drain locations agree with plumbing drawings
15. Floor drain locations don't conflict with structural members or mechanical
equipment
Coordinate firewalls
1. Fire stopping locations agree with firewall locations
2. Fire damper locations agree with firewall locations
3. Fire doors and windows agree with firewall locations
Comments
phase.
This checklist will be expanded to include additional building types later.
Most coordination work can be done by laying one drawing over another.
Coordination with building codes will be covered as a separate task.

4. Show Floor Plan Dimensions
Show building dimensions
1. Overall size of building is dimensioned
2. Size and location of every indentation and projection is dimensioned
3. Location of every grid line is dimensioned: column lines, reference grid lines
4. Size and location of every building appendage is dimensioned: balconies, decks,
stairs
5. Location of every exterior and interior wall is dimensioned
6. Location of every exterior and interior opening is dimensioned: doors, windows,
louvers
7. Size and location of every built-in component is dimensioned: cabinets,
countertops, vanities, shelving
8. Overall size of each room is shown
9. Dimensions are sufficient for contractor to locate and lay out all building features
without additional information
Show stair dimensions
1. All stairwell openings are dimensioned: width, length
2. Number of stair treads for each stair are shown
3. Total length of stair run for each stair is dimensioned
4. All stair and landing widths are dimensioned
5. Distance between each wall and handrail is dimensioned
6. All handrail extension distances are dimensioned: from top tread to end of rail,
from bottom tread to end of rail
7. Dimensions are sufficient for contractor to locate and lay out all stair elements
without additional information
1. Every dimension or dimension string is taken from and to a logical control
point: edge of slab, existing wall, column grid line
2. Point where every dimension is taken from is identified by notes, abbreviations or
symbols: face of stud, face of concrete, face of finish, centerline room, centerline
wall, centerline column
3. Dimension strings are closed or open in conformance with office standard
4. Every dimension note, abbreviation, and symbol conforms to office standard
1. Exterior dimension strings agree with overall building dimensions
2. Interior dimension strings agree with overall room dimensions
3. Ground floor dimensions agree with foundation plan dimensions
4. Overall building dimensions agree with site plan dimensions
5. Every dimension symbol and abbreviation agrees with legend
Comments
phase.
Legend refers to list of symbols and abbreviations, usually on cover sheet.

5. Show Floor Plan Notations
Show sheet notes
2. Reference north and true north arrows are shown
3. Floor plan titles and scales are shown
4. Graphic scale symbols are shown
Show building notes
1. Every building is identified by unique name
2. Every building stairway is identified by unique name or number
Show residential unit notes
1. Every residential unit is identified by unit type
Show room notes
1. Every room or alcove is identified by unique name and number
2. Every room includes room area tabulation
Show cross reference symbols
1. Every cross reference is identified by appropriate reference symbol: building
sections, exterior elevations, interior elevations, enlarged floor plans, details
2. Details not shown elsewhere are keyed in on floor plan: floor transitions and
terminations, handrails, guardrails, corner-guards, access panels
3. Key plans and match lines are shown
Show opening symbols
1. Every opening is identified by appropriate symbol: doors, windows, louvers
2. Every door symbol includes door hardware identifier
3. Location of operable panel shown for all sliding glass doors
Show material symbols
1. Every unique material is identified by appropriate material symbol: partition types,
floor materials, dropped ceilings, roof projections below
2. Each material symbol identifies only one type of material
Show partition symbols
1. Every wall and partition is identified by appropriate partition symbol
Show surface symbols
1. Slope of every exterior surface is identified by appropriate note or symbol: decks,
balconies, walkways, ramps
2. Every overhang or projection above is identified by appropriate note or
symbol: roof overhangs, decks, balconies
3. Every building projection below is identified by appropriate note or
symbol: balconies, decks, roofs
4. Every partial height wall is identified by appropriate note or symbol
5. Every floor material transition and termination is identified by appropriate note or
symbol
6. Every ceiling opening or change in ceiling height is identified by appropriate note
or symbol
Identify fixtures and equipment
1. Every item of building equipment is identified by appropriate symbol: water
heaters and pans, service sinks, floor drains
2. Every item of kitchen equipment is identified by appropriate symbol: dishwashers,
cooktops, kitchen ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers
3. Every item of kitchen casework is identified by appropriate symbol: countertops,
wall cabinets, base cabinets
4. Every bath fixture and bath equipment item is identified by appropriate
symbol: water closets, bidets, sinks, vanities, recessed medicine cabinets
5. Every item of laundry equipment is identified by appropriate symbol: washers,
dryers, built-in shelves, service sinks
6. Every item of closet equipment is identified by appropriate symbol: pole and
shelves
7. Every item of fixed wall equipment is identified with appropriate symbol: signs,
chalkboards, mirrors
1. Format for notations conform to office standard: sheet notes, building name, unit
name, room name
Coordinate with external requirements
1. Floor plan notations conform to requirements of owner, lender, review agencies,
code authorities
1. Every opening reference symbol is listed and described in legend
4. Partition symbol is listed and described in legend
2. Every building name agrees with site plan
3. Every unit type name agrees with enlarged floor plan
4. Every cross reference symbol refers to correct reference and sheet
5. Every partition symbol refers to correct wall or partition
6. Wall and partition thicknesses agree with partition details
7. Every door and window reference agrees with appropriate schedule
8. Every room or alcove identifier agrees with room finish schedule
9. Every plumbing fixture agrees with plumbing plan
10. Every mechanical equipment item agrees with mechanical plan
Comments
phase.
Work prior to completing floor plan notation, like laying out the sheet and adding
title blocks are not included here. They will be covered under other tasks.

6. Draw Exterior Elevations
Show building graphics
1. Every unique exterior building face is shown: north, south, east, west, hidden
alcoves
2. Every building opening and penetration is shown: doors, windows, louvers, framed
openings
3. Every building projection is shown: stairways, balconies, decks, overhangs,
porches, canopies, bay windows, fin walls, awnings, trellises
4. Every exposed roof drainage component is shown: downspouts, downspout
anchors, gutters, scuppers, conductor heads, flashing
5. Every attached building component is shown: guardrails, railings, fences, gates
6. Every exterior control joint is shown: seismic, finish material
7. Every visible wall-mounted electrical component is shown: light fixtures, electrical
panels, exposed service lines, alarms, phones, doorbells
8. Every visible wall-mounted plumbing component is shown: hose bibbs, exposed
pipes, drinking fountains, standpipe connections
9. Every visible wall-mounted mechanical component is shown: exhaust fans, vents,
louvers
10. All exposed rooftop mechanical equipment is shown: fans, coolers, exhaust hoods
11. Every visible wall-mounted security component is shown: alarms, phones,
doorbells
12. Every visible wall-mounted architectural component is shown: signs, building
numbers, flagpoles
13. Every attached decorative building component is shown: trim, shutters
14. Location of finish grade at building is shown: grade lines, sidewalk lines, deck lines
15. Location of new and existing grade at building is shown
16. Location of hidden below grade components at building are shown: basements,
crawl spaces
17. Location of concealed roofing levels are shown
18. Location of every finish material transition is shown: color, texture, material
19. Every building material termination, joint, and junction is shown: vertical and
horizontal
20. Adjacent building construction is shown: buildings, fences, walls, walkways
Show detail cross references
1. Detail for every unique base condition is keyed in: exterior wall to sidewalk, to
grade, to deck
2. Detail for every unique horizontal condition is keyed in: material transitions, deck
projections, roof projections
3. Detail for every unique vertical condition is keyed in: interior corners, exterior
corners
4. Detail for every unique opening condition is keyed in: heads, jambs, sills
5. Detail for every unique roof condition is keyed in: roof eaves, roof rakes, roof
parapets
6. Detail for every unique material transition is keyed in: joints, terminations
1. All building section cut lines are keyed in
2. All column grid lines are shown
3. All key plans and related elevation references are keyed in
Show material identifications
1. Every building material or component is identified by abbreviation, keynote, or
symbol: siding, roofing, trim, flashing, gutters, downspouts
Show sheet notes
2. Elevation titles and scales are shown
1. Format for notations conform to office standard: sheet notes, elevation names
3. Every keynote conforms to office standards
Coordinate with external requirements
1. Elevations conform to requirements of owner, lender, review agencies, code
authorities
2. Elevations conform to requirements of planning departments, design review
boards

1. Every elevation agrees with floor plans, building sections
2. All existing grade conditions agree with survey
3. All new grade conditions agree with site plan, civil, landscape drawings
4. Every structural control joint agrees with structural drawings
5. All sheet titles agree with table of contents
6. Every building name agrees with site plan
7. Every mechanical, electrical, plumbing component shown agrees with
corresponding engineering drawings
8. Every detail and other cross reference symbol refers to correct reference and
sheet
Comments
phase.
Work prior to completing elevations, like laying out the sheet and adding title
blocks are not included here. They will be covered under other tasks.

7. Draw Building Sections
Show building section graphics
1. All building conditions and components at section line are shown: footings,
foundations, walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, openings, decks, parapets, appendages,
gutters
2. Type, location and thickness of thermal insulation envelope is shown: ground
floors, walls, roofs, exterior soffits
3. Space is provided for thermal insulation at roof for ventilation
4. Type, location and thickness of acoustical insulation is shown: walls, ceilings,
floors
5. Location of new and existing grades at section line are shown
6. New grade slopes to drain or away from building
7. Drainage components at section line are shown: drain lines, drainage fill, trenches
8. Types and location of all firestopping are shown
Show building section dimensions
1. Heights for all stories are dimensioned: floor-to-floor, floor-to-roof, floor-to-ceiling
2. Sill and head heights of openings not shown elsewhere are dimensioned: doors,
windows, louvers
Show code-required control lines
1. All code-required control lines are shown: building height limitations, property
lines, setback lines
2. Control lines shown are sufficient to demonstrate that building conforms to code
requirements
Show detail cross references
1. Every unique wall and component detail not keyed in elsewhere is keyed in
1. All building section cut lines are keyed in
Show material identifications
1. Every building material or component at section line is identified by abbreviation,
keynote, or symbol: foundations, walls, floors, roofing, openings, appendages,
insulation types
Show building section notations
1. Every room name of room at section line is shown
Show sheet notes
2. Building section titles and scales are shown
Do interference check
1. Adequate vertical clearance provided for concealed building components: ducts,
sloping sewer lines, light fixtures, structural members
1. Format for notations conform to office standard: sheet notes, elevation names
3. Every keynote conforms to office standards
1. Building section agrees with floor plans, elevations, structural drawings
2. Existing grade conditions agree with survey
3. New grade conditions agree with site plan, landscape, civil drawings
4. Drainage components agree with mechanical, landscape, civil drawings
6. Every detail and other cross reference symbol refers to correct reference and
sheet
Comments
phase.
Work prior to completing building sections, like laying out the sheet and adding
title blocks are not included here. They will be covered under other tasks.

8. Draw Stair Details
Show stair conditions
1. Conditions at all landings are shown: bottom, intermediate, top
2. Every unique condition at end of stair tread is shown: fixed end, free end
3. Every unique tread and riser size and shape is shown
4. Every unique nosing size, shape and projection is shown
5. Non-slip provisions at stairs and landings are shown
6. All finish material attachments and terminations at stairs and landings are
shown: carpet, vinyl, wood, stone
7. All special trim and decorative features are shown
Show exterior stair conditions
1. Provisions to divert water from landings are shown
2. Footing for stringer are shown: [in structural foundation plan checklist]
3. Provisions to prevent moisture penetration are shown: at stringer attachments, at
handrail connections
Show stair stringer
1. Stringer size and shape is shown
2. Stringer connection to landings is shown
3. Blocking or backing for attaching stringer is shown
4. Stringer transitions are shown: sloped to horizontal, stringer to base
5. Attachment of stairs to stringer is shown: [in shop drawings checklist]

Show self-supporting stair conditions
1. Connection of stair to support walls is shown: dowels, keys [in structural details
checklist]
2. Connection of stair to landings is shown: dowels, keys [in structural details
checklist]
Show wood stair conditions
1. Wood stair carriages are shown: end, center
2. Required blocking for stairs is shown
3. Stair wedges for wood stairs are shown
4. Housed wall stringers for wood stairs are shown
5. Soffit condition beneath stairs and landings are shown
6. Fireblocking between stairs and soffit is shown
7. Double headers and double trimmers for stairs are shown
Show stair-mounted handrail
1. Handrail connection at landings is shown: bottom, intermediate, top
2. Handrail connection at stair is shown
3. Railing size and shape is shown: top, intermediate, bottom
4. Railing terminations are shown: at walls, at guardrails, at newel posts, at free
standing ends
5. Vertical railing spacings are shown: support rails, intermediate rails
6. Horizontal railing spacings are shown: bottom rails, intermediate rails, top rails
7. Decorative handrail features are shown: balusters, shoe rails

Show wall-mounted handrail
1. Handrail connection to adjacent surfaces is shown: walls, posts, brackets
2. Blocking or backing for attaching handrail is shown
3. Provisions to accept handrail movement at connections is shown
4. Size and shape of handrail is shown
5. Handrail terminations are shown: return to wall
Show stair dimensions
1. Typical riser height is dimensioned
2. Typical tread depth is dimensioned
3. Distance housed stringer projects above stair treads is dimensioned
4. Distance housed stringers extend beyond stair treads is dimensioned
5. Landing overhang distance and radius, chamfer, or bevel is dimensioned
6. Nosing overhang distance and radius, chamfer, or bevel is dimensioned
Show handrail dimensions
1. Height of handrails is dimensioned: front edge of tread to top of handrail
2. Railing spacings are dimensioned: horizontal, vertical
3. Handrail end projections are dimensioned
4. Distance from wall-mounted handrail to wall is dimensioned
5. Distance between stair risers and bottom rail of stair-mounted handrail is
dimensioned
1. Riser height times number of risers agrees with intermediate/top landing heights
shown on building or stair sections
2. Tread depth times number of treads agrees with distance of stair runs shown on
floor plans
Coordinate with code requirements
1. Riser height agrees with code requirements
2. Tread depth agrees with code requirements
3. Nosing projection size and shape agrees with code requirements
4. Warning stripes at stairs and landings agree with code requirements
5. Non-slip edging agrees with code requirements
6. Riser closure for accessibility agrees with code requirements
7. Handrail heights agree with code requirements
8. Handrail railing spacings agree with code requirements: vertical, horizontal, gaps
between stairs and bottom rail
9. Handrail sizes and shapes agree with code requirements
10. Handrail loading agrees with code requirements: [in structural checklist]
11. Handrail distance from wall and projection into stairway agrees with code
requirements
Coordinate with structural engineer
1. Components and connections are engineered to support anticipated
loads: stringers, stringer connections, handrails, handrail connections, landings,
stairs [in structural checklist]
Satisfy related test requirements
1. Detail notation and graphics requirements are satisfied. See draw typical detail.
Comments
Limit tests shown here to those required to complete the stair details.

9. Draw Typical Detail
Show detail graphics and notation
1. Every component shown is identified by keynote or symbol
2. All keynotes are same size
3. Detail scale is shown
4. Detail title is shown
5. Detail title describes what is shown and where detail is taken
6. Keynote text conforms to office standard: size, style, location, layer, format,
content
7. Detail numbers conform to office standard: size, location, symbol, layer, sequence
8. Detail title text conforms to office standard: size, location, layer
9. Detail graphics conform to office standard: line weights, layering system, graphic
symbols
Coordinate with other documents
1. Every detail is keyed in by detail number at least once, on appropriate small-scale
drawing: plans, elevations, sections
2. Every abbreviation and graphic symbol is described in legend: see show legend
3. Every detail symbol is described in legend
4. Every component shown in detail is specified: [in specifications checklist]
Comments
Laying out a sheet for details is covered as another task.

Set Up reference System

1. Set up basic system
1. Project identifiers assigned: project name, number, symbol
2. Project name agrees with name on owner-architect agreement
3. Project number is next sequential number in series
4. Project number format is self-organizing when sorted: 00001, 2004_0001
5. Project symbol conforms to office standard: short, unique, easy to remember
6. Contact database set up: client info, project info, consultant info, bidder info,
contractor info
7. Directory structure set up for computer files: drawings, specifications,
correspondence, photos
Set up filing systems
1. Filing system set up for materials produced in-house during design: contract
agreements, correspondence, memos, meeting minutes, phone records, photos,
cost estimates, drawings, sketches, specifications, log forms
2. Filing system set up for materials produced in-house during
construction: correspondence, memos, meeting minutes, phone records,
construction photos, construction reports, log forms, punch lists, RFI responses,
change orders, certificates of completion
3. Filing system set up for materials provided by owner: correspondence, surveys,
soil reports, sketches, environmental reports, program requirements
4. Filing system set up for materials provided by consultants: correspondence,
sketches, drawings, specifications, reports
5. Filing system set up for materials provided by outside agencies: agency
requirements, code requirements, design-review requirements, correspondence
6. Filing system set up for materials provided by bidders: correspondence, bid forms,
proposals
7. Filing system set up for materials provided by contractor: construction contract
agreements, correspondence, bid forms, proposals, schedules, cost breakdowns,
insurance certificates, subcontractor lists, building permits, shop drawings,
samples, product data, payment applications, change order requests, requests for
information, punch lists, lien releases
8. Filing system set up for materials provided by others: correspondence, product
literature, material samples, research reports
Comments
This is an incremental task. Additional systems are added during each project
phase as needed

2. Handle Project Financials
Prepare invoice for client
1. Invoice amount agrees with contract conditions: timing, amount, percent
complete
2. Invoice format agrees with office standards
3. Appropriate parties have reviewed and approved invoice: project architect,
principal, accountant
4. Invoice sent to correct party, per contract
5. Iterate until project complete
Receive payment from client
1. Payment recorded per office standards
2. Appropriate payments made to consultants
Receive invoice from consultant
1. Invoice amount agrees with contract conditions: timing, amount, percent
complete
2. Appropriate parties have reviewed and approved invoice for payment: project
architect, principal
Comments
This task is iterative. It must be performed as often as required, for the entire
length of the project. It is sometimes considered an administrative task and not
included in project budget and schedule.

3. Monitor Progress
Monitor progress, budget, schedule
1. Actual to-date agrees with expected to-date: dollars, hours spent, tasks completed
2. Appropriate parties have been notified if there is a disparity: principals, project
architects, team members, owner
3. Decision has been made on how to handle disparity: reduce scope, request
additional fee, extend schedule, ignore disparity
Comments
This is an iterative task. It must be done periodically, usually as part of weekly
planning meeting, until work is complete. When budgeting, scheduling, or
preparing fee estimates, don't forget to add this task, once for each iteration.

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PRE-DESIGN TASKS

1. Gather Building Program Information

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