An Inside Look at the Architectural Design Process
Every building should be well-designed and function as imagined. That means every component must undergo meticulous planning to complement and support the facility.
To achieve that goal, architects and builders must follow the steps of the architectural design process in a specific order. This process begins in the preliminary stages, long before picking up the first raw material.
In fact, architectural plans are like a recipe. Architects start from scratch and gather all the ingredients required to build the structure that the client needs and wants.
So how is an architect able to picture an end goal clearly, and then plan it out with such precise detail and focus?
It doesn’t happen overnight.
From start to finish, it’s a complex process, and we’ll give you an inside look at the phases of that process here.
This article details what steps occur throughout the various design and construction phases. We'll also discuss what you can expect before the design process starts.
The Pre-Design Phase
The architectural design process starts with a pre-design phase which consists of three main goals:
Understanding the client’s needs and scope of work
Assessing the feasibility of the project
Creating a program for the build
Here’s a closer look at each piece of the pre-design phase:
Understanding the Project Scope
The first aspect of the pre-design phase is to meet with the client and learn about their visions and goals.
Part of the architect’s role is to create plans for the project. But to meet the client’s needs, they’ll need to understand the client’s design intent.
The architect cannot proceed unless they have a clear understanding of the building’s purpose (i.e., manufacturing, healthcare, office buildings). Architects also need a sense of what the client wants it to look like.
Assessing Feasibility and Function
Not all construction build requests are realistic. For example, a client's vision may not suit the environment, elevation, or property measurements.
Architects will conduct a site analysis and check the existing conditions of the structure (if one already exists). They also assess city and state zoning regulations to ensure that they can meet the building codes and secure the building permits required.
The first visit to the job site usually involves taking measurements and photographs.
Programming
“Programming” is documenting all the interior spaces (and the uses of those spaces) inside the structure. It approximates the sizes and features of each interior space.
This phase also calls attention to any specific design elements the client wants to include.
Architects begin creating an initial set of drawings and discussing cost estimates with the client at this point in the process.
What does it take for the programming phase to be successful?
First, the architect must have an open dialogue with the client. They also need a clear understanding of their needs and whether the project is realistic.
The schematic design phase can begin once the client approves the program in this pre-design phase
See Also: A Project Owner's Quick and Easy Guide to Industrial Architecture
The Schematic Design Phase
The schematic design phase is a crucial part of any construction project. After all, it’s the first concept design phase that translates the pre-design program into scaled floor plans.
Architects start by creating a rough draft of the design that combines both the architect’s vision and the client’s goals.
These floor plans include design elements like doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, cross-sections, and walls. All of which must comply with all local and state regulations and laws.
The schematic design phase is often a back-and-forth process. Usually, it involves creating many iterations before the client approves.
From there, the build can move on to the next phase.
During this phase, architects sometimes present several options with cost estimates for each. This allows the client various ways to reach their goal and meet their budget.
Design Development Phase
The next phase of the architectural design process is the design development phase. For most clients, this is the fun part.
During this phase, architects start creating more detailed drawings of your initial schematic design.
It’s also where you'll select finishes, materials, and interior and exterior design options. That includes windows, fixtures, flooring, and doors.
Now's also the time to decide exactly where every window and electrical outlet will go. You'll also choose the location of exit points, entry points, and plumbing systems.
Design development drawings include the exact dimensions of design elements, like walls, windows, and doors.
Your architect will provide you with renderings to illustrate what the finished project will look like.
These drawings make this part of the process so satisfying for clients — it’s the moment at which you can finally start seeing your vision come to life.
The client and architect will hammer out the aesthetic details of the project. Meanwhile, structural engineers, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC experts will develop the building systems.
All these elements are then integrated into your schematic design to create a much fuller picture of the final result.
Cost estimates will update to reflect changes or specific selections the client makes. That includes selected fixtures, finishes, and building systems.
Building a factory? Learn about the planning process in our latest post, The Get Started Guide to Factory Planning: Where to Start.
Construction Documents Phase
The construction documents phase cannot begin until the client and architect sign off on a finalized design plan.
It is possible to make minor changes to the design during the construction documents phase, but it can affect the overall schedule.
How?
Because this is when architects draft the blueprints and construction drawings that go to those erecting your building. The architect will also submit these construction documents with permit applications.
If you make changes after receiving permits, the permitting department will need to approve those revisions and record them as revisions to the original permit. This can delay the project.
So what if you reach the construction documents phase and decide that you no longer want the flooring or the fixtures you selected in the last stage?
If it’s a matter of swapping out tile floors for sustainable bamboo wood flooring, that’s doable. Minor changes can still be made in this design phase, but extensive changes could require additional services and added fees.
All steps in the design process are essential. Yet, this is the most critical phase. After all, the construction documents will serve as the all-inclusive instructions for your final build.
Construction documents comprise nearly 40% of all your architect's work on your project. It’s also when both architects and engineers work together to finalize your project's technical, mechanical, structural, and architectural elements at a detailed level.
Once the construction documents exist, they are submitted to the local jurisdiction for building permit review. It’s common for clients to get anxious and excited about the start of the build. Just remember, you’ll have to wait for approval from your local building permitting office, and this part of the process often involves back and forth correspondence and document resubmittal in order to obtain the final building permit approval.
Related: Design-Build Benefits
Bidding Phase
During this phase, architects and owners allow general contractors to bid on the project as a whole. General contractors make one project bid that accounts for the subcontractors they will hire out.
The architecture firm assesses the bids and oftentimes communicates with an owner’s representative to manage and evaluate the various bids. They also help the client select the most competitive bid from the contractors and companies capable and available to do the job.
Making the Magic Happen: The Construction Administration Phase
The final phase is of the architectural design process is the one during which your vision will finally come to life:
The building construction.
The construction administration phase refers to the portion of the construction process that the architect is responsible for. This includes reviewing product submittals for general compliance with the construction documents and coordinating specific details that might arise during the construction process.
Before your construction team begins the actual build, your architectural team will review the final design one last time.
They’ll also oversee the construction process and check in with the builders to ensure that everything is going according to plan.
What happens if your construction team hits obstacles?
The selected general contractor is responsible for the construction. However, your architectural team, including engineers, will ensure that the intent of your construction documents are met and address any budgeting issues should they arise.
It’s Best to Hire a Full-Service Architectural Design Firm
If your goal is to erect a new commercial building or industrial facility from the ground up, you must hire an architect. But an architect isn’t enough — it’s a full-service design team you need.
Full-service design firms have all sorts of experts on staff. That includes architects, structural and civil engineers, and construction managers.
Having a team of pros with a broad range of skills makes it easier to get through the architectural design process.
Contact ZP Architects for all your architectural and design needs if you're in the Denver, Colorado area.
How Long Does the Architectural Design Process Take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for how long the design process can take. It all depends on what you’re building, where you’re building it, and how long it takes to secure building permits.
The more complicated your project, the more time it will take. The first few phases of your design-build can take 6-10 months, which doesn’t include the construction process.
That’s a different story.
How Long Does the Construction Process Take?
Again, depending on your build's size and complexity, you’ll need to pack your patience.
Building an entire structure from the ground up takes time, and the bigger and more complicated the building plans are, the longer it will take.
Even when the architectural design phases are complete, the project's construction phases can take even longer.
Unpredictable elements — such as rain or snow — can force contractors to stop working for days or weeks.
Before embarking on a full-scale design-build project, clients should consider how much time they can afford to invest in the project. No matter how much the project costs, certain elements will be beyond even the most experienced architects’ and contractors’ control.
While doing a complete design-build comes with some challenges, buying an existing structure can present a whole host of issues as well.
Building a structure from the ground up requires time and patience, but with the right architectural team on your side, the process is easier than you may think.
To make the process run as smoothly as possible, choose a full-service design firm that does it all. For design-builds in the Denver, Colorado area, contact ZP Architects.
