Question

What are the steps of design process in architecture and explain each one?

Answer 1

An architectural design process is essential in providing a series of steps so that you end up with the best architect designed house for you.

The steps in the architectural design process take you through your design Brief, your Concept Plan, Sketch design, Town Planning Approval and Building Permit Approval to Tendering and constructing your home.

You want to be involved in every step of the design process so that your house is designed specifically for you.

There are five main steps in the architectural design process. First, there is the Client brief for the house. Once the Client Brief is defined, then we move onto the design of the house. After design approval, we produce construction documents. Builders are then be contacted to provide a tender for building your home. Then during construction, the architect can act as your representative on site.

Each step involves many factors to consider. For example, the first step, incorporates the Client’s requirements, site information and buildability. And other essential aspects of the house such as the aesthetics of the house design. Preliminary discussions on Construction costs and the project’s feasibility occur at this stage as do preliminary studies on the choice of building materials.

The second step, includes the Concept, Sketch and Design development. At Concept Design stage, design ideas are brainstormed to come up with the best solutions for your house. The science of building, technical information and aesthetic design are all considered.

At each step of the architectural design process, we expect and encourage feedback from our Clients. Although this is not a step in itself, input from our Clients is integral to our design process.

THE FIVE STEPS IN THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS

STAGE 1. CLIENT BRIEF & BUDGET

The Client’s Brief and Wish list set the design parameters for the house. These are the house requirements that the client wants in their new home.

At this stage issues are identified that need to be addressed. Such as steep sloping land or repairs that need to be fixed before renovating. Or specific requirements such as using second-hand materials.

STAGE 2. DESIGN

The design is integral to your new home from start to finish. Whether it is putting down ideas in a concept diagram. Or design development in detailing a bookshelf and cabinet. It is a way to get the best solutions for your new home.

And design doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. For example, redesigning the layout of your home might result in you only needing a small addition. So you keep your construction costs down, and you end up with a home that suits you.

DESIGN PROCESS INVOLVES

Step 1: Master planning (Pre-Design Process)

The first step of the architectural design process involves everything before any actual design takes place. To put it simply, architectural master planning is where the goals, values, and needs of a client are defined. This is the stage of the process where an architect will meet with his/her client to discuss and refine a shared “game plan” for the project. Developing a cohesive relationship with a client is a critical piece of the puzzle as it is extremely important for the client and the architect to share the same “vision” before moving on to the subsequent stages.

During this phase of the architectural design process, questions such as: What sorts of features – both functional and aesthetic – does the building require? What is the time frame for occupying your new space? Who will be occupying the space? How will the space be utilized? What are the indoor and outdoor space requirements? What does the budget look like?

Once these questions are fully considered and discussed, the next stage of the architectural design process can take place.

Step 2: Schematic Design

Now that the architect and client are on the same page with the overall vision of the project, the foundation and design elements of the building are brought to life through drawings. The architect evaluates the program, schedule, and budget from the first stage of the architectural design process and prepares a rough sketch of the building schematics to review with the client. The preliminary illustrations will outline the layout, features, and aesthetics of the space, which work to offer a first glimpse as to how the building will take shape.  

During this stage of the architectural design process, honest communication between architect and client is paramount. Establishing a clear decision-making process can make the difference between satisfaction and regret.  

Step 3: Design Development

Now that the schematics are drawn out and agreed upon, it’s time expand those illustrations into a working model of the final project. During this phase of the architectural design process, the schematics from the previous step will be overlaid with far more detailed information provided by team members and consultants.

The design team will work to solve any coordination issues, while at the same time focusing on enhancing the project in order to mitigate the need for major revisions during construction documentation, or even worse, construction itself.

At the same time, the architect will put their minds toward scaling floor plans and drawing out detailed elevations for approval. Here, the design elements and plans that have been decided on along the way will be fleshed out into a three-dimensional form. This is where things start to get really exciting since the schematics for the building will start to become much more vivid and tangible.

It is, however, worthy to note that once the final outline is approved and signed off on, any significant changes made after this stage of the architectural design process will result in costly repercussions – so make sure everything is 100% up to par before moving on to the next steps.

Step 4: Construction Drawings

The final step of the architectural design process involves translating the schematics so that they are suitable for construction and permit submittal. The architect will prepare final drawings that fully communicate the design elements to those who will be involved in the construction process of the space.

Construction drawings take form through large scale, detailed outlines that define the components of the building that need to be assembled and fabricated in order for it to take shape. It is the architect’s task, now, to develop the remaining elevations and preliminary structural analyses before consulting with the team of engineers, designers, landscapers, etc. to ensure a complete and coordinated set for construction.

Step 5: Bringing the Vision to Life

Once the architectural design process is completed and ready for building, it’s up to the construction team to take those ideas and bring them to life.

STAGE 3. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

Construction documents for permits and construction are the next step. These are drawings and specifications based on your architect house design so that the builder can use these to construct your home.

STAGE 4. TENDERING

Tendering is when a select group of builders price your home. It is a competitive process so that you know the amount submitted to build your home is what the market charges.

STAGE 5 CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

Construction administration is when you have selected a builder. You have signed a contract with them as the Home Owner. That’s when we can go on site, as your representative, to inspect the construction and make sure everything is according to the documents.