Process
I made this page after finding that often building owners were unsure about parts of the process of building or remodeling a building. Apologies if this is old news, or if it confuses you more, but here’s an overhead view of the design process, whether it’s a shed or a sky-scraper.
The Architect’s design process starts with collecting known information, then distills, edits, and adds layers of decisions to build a set of drawings. The process is more all-at-once than linear, with decisions building on each other, starting with the most fundamental and moving towards finer details. The point of this coarse-to-fine focus is efficiency.
The result of this process, the architectural drawing set, usually becomes part of the contract between the Builder and Owner, serves as the basis of Engineering and other consultant drawings, and the Municipality approvals application. At a minimum, architectural drawings will include site information, existing, demolition and proposed plans, exterior elevations, building sections, and enlarged details - with notes throughout describing the scope of work. A map of the building now and the future.
Architect’s Timeline
Time across the top - Tasks on the left margin - Who by color.
The body of the chart combines milestone dates with tasks, so that relationships between the tasks are clear. Time is often as important as cost to a building owner, so a small amount of careful planning can make big impact.
Architect’s Cost Estimate
Architects will sometimes make cost estimates to help the owner make decisions. They’re meant to be a high-level snapshot using square-foot estimates, hi-low ranges, and more about comparing options than predicting the final cost.
Architectural Drawings
A permit & construction set for remodeling a 3-story residence.
Architect’s Role
Pre-Design
Discuss project goals, scope, budget, timeline, & architect's role
Proposal, contract and deposit
Collect code and zoning records, initial code check
Collect Owner's property survey, draw existing site plan
Measure buildings & draw existing plans, sections, and elevations
Create mock-up drawing set, estimate and timeline
Assemble the team (Structural Engineer, Energy, and any others)
Schematic Design
Develop initial design concepts, options, cost studies, timelines
Create proposed floor plans, sections, and elevations
Review with Owner for feedback and revisions
Request proposals from consultants, consultant site visit
Publish Schematic Design with all layout and project scope decisions
Design Development
Begin coordinating Consultants and Planning & Building Departments
Help Owner select equipment, fixtures, materials, finishes
Add secondary drawings and details, estimates
Owner review, feedback, and revisions
Publish Design Development with all product decisions
Construction Documents
Add dimensions, notes, codes, schedules, details
Collect, review, comment and coordinate consultant drawings
Publish final Approval/Bid/Construction Set
Permitting
Coordinate team's submission for Municipality approval
Bidding, Negotiation, and Construction
Help Owner seek bids from Builder & help select Builder
Advise Owner with Builder agreement
Coordinate with Builder and advise Owner throughout construction
Review Builder questions, shop drawings and product info
Conduct regular site visits and progress meetings
Advise Owner on Builder’s invoices and change orders
Notify Owner via field notes any deviations from Construction Documents
Create a final Builder to-do list, collect final documentation