Architectural design is an important aspect of the entire building planning. Architects are the ones who are required to provide design and planning services so that the client can enjoy the end result of what they wanted from the architects.

These people play a crucial role in the whole process of building design and elevation.

Given below are the 7 architectural design phases that people should know about:

Pre Design

One of the main stages which serve as a stepping stone for the building design and elevation is the pre-design phase. This architectural design phase is one which is promptly taught to the students when they are gaining their degrees. From brainstorming ideas to sketching the sites, this phase is all about designing and planning.

An important thing at this point is understanding and comprehending the client’s requirements and needs. Knowing what they are asking, and requiring is what makes up most of this stage. The resulting designs are in direct accordance with what the client originally wanted from the architects.

Time Taken

2-4 Weeks to complete

Main Highlights

• Aligning the Goals With the Client’s Needs and Requirements
• Learning About the Client’s Aspirations for What They Have In Mind
• Thorough Site Study
• Land Use, Local Zoning, Restriction, Surrounding Areas, Site Conditions, Building Codes, and Neighborhood

Schematic Design

The schematic design is the next step in the architectural design phases. This phase is where the architecture mostly solidifies the future plans regarding the buildings and what they are planning to do with the designs.

The phase is often termed the translation of ideas into reality. Design proposal development and presentation to the client also happen during the schematic design phase.

Time Taken

4-8 weeks to complete

Main Highlights

• Exploring Different Ways to Execute the Design Concepts
• Designing Site Plans, Floor Plans, and Building Designs
• Development of a Design Proposal
• Presentation of the Design Proposal

Design Development

The third stage of the architectural design phase is design development. Design development is the stage where the architects are responsible for producing and formulating set drawings. These drawings differ from the previous ones because they also include the outline specifications.

The clients can also provide their feedback at this stage so that the design can be further improved and refined. The architects will then make the right and necessary adjustments accordingly. Often at this stage, a structural engineer also joins the team. He or she will further help to provide the right estimates for the project.

Time Taken

8-12 weeks to complete

Main Highlights

• Accurate Cost Estimation
• Client Feedback
• Incorporation of Client Feedback

Construction Documents

This is the fourth stage of the architectural design phases. The design is pretty much in place and architects can now focus on making drawings that are translatable into practical structures. At this stage, the architects expand the team by inviting the in-house construction contracts to commence the development of the project.

Time Taken

8-12 weeks to complete

Main Highlights

• Producing and Managing a Confidential Set of Building Records and Construction Documents
• Supplying the Construction Contractors With Materials to Finish, Fix, and Other Essential Appliances

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Building Permits

This stage comes after the construction document stage and is highlighted by the production of building permits. These building permits offer the clients a chance to deliver the details of the project to the management authorities and the permitting parties.

The people who are in management then check whether the project or structure is sound or not. This stage also involves other codes integration such as building codes, energy codes, and applicable land use.

Time Taken

There is no definite time period for this stage. Depending upon the jurisdiction and the complexity of the project the time cannot be decided.

Main Highlights

• Acquiring Approval for the Project
• Procuring a Building Permit by Providing the Data and Information About Land Use, Energy Codes, and Building

Bidding and Negotiation

The second last stage of the architectural design phase commences with the bidding for a construction company to provide their services for the company. Sometimes the clients do have an idea about who they want to hire for their project.

Time Taken

3-6 weeks to complete

Main Highlights

• Hiring a Construction Company That Fits the Business Model the Best

Construction Administration

Last but not least, construction administration is the process by which the architecture is providing inspection and guideline services to the site. Architects are required to visit, take photos, and then write field reports.

This is when and where the entire construction process concludes.

Time Taken

3-6 weeks to complete

Main Highlights

• Site Visits, Location Photos
• Verification of the Client’s Billings With the Completed Work
• Material Confirmation

The Bottom Line!

Listed above is a detailed analysis of the architectural design phases that make up most of the project. Learning about these things is essential because it provides an outlook on how these things happen in the real world.