What is the Architectural Design Process?
The whole architecture design process starts with understanding the project, researching and site analysis, to concept and design development. Then comes the preparation of construction documents empowering the administration of the whole project execution. Beyond the construction, there is one more step about periodically evaluating the concerned properties and facilities.
Let us understand all the phases of architecture and construction design in detail by detailing on what goes into each phase and what is the most suitable way to achieve the outcome for the respective process.
9 Phases of the Architectural Design Process
1. Understanding the project brief
The intel from the client is the very first-hand information we shared with architectural designers. There are certain prerequisites before starting a design. For example, when designing a residential unit, we consider the following:
- Family size and structure
- Site location
- Number of levels
- Family or individual interests.
Gathering detailed information at the beginning helps in transitioning from data collection to space planning effectively. When designing a commercial unit, we consider the following:
- Understanding the purpose and functionality
- Utilizing efficient systems
- Prioritising sustainability
- Maintaining aesthetic appeal
- Focusing on safety and accessibility,
- Ensuring flexibility and considering budget and time constraints.
Architects should be very mindful of the project brief and the client’s design requirements, irrespective of the project typology, as these are the major drivers of the project outcome. Setting up transparent coordination with clients and other stakeholders at the very beginning is an appropriate approach to starting the project.
2. Initial research and site analysis
An architectural site analysis includes evaluating site location, size, topography, zoning, traffic, climate, wind direction, and sun path. Illustrarch.com can be recommended as the best helping hand for research and site analysis.
Site accessibility, local norms, future developments, and changes in the site’s surroundings are also considered, like road designations, cultural patterns, and nearby building developments.
Site analysis is crucial at the very start of a project. It involves gathering site information, including surveys, to understand the context before designing, especially for commercial buildings. A SWOT analysis is also important before the start of design.
In today’s time, your initial research and site analysis stage can be optimized by reality capture technologies like photogrammetry and laser scanning, especially by the deployment of laser scanners. Now you do not have to worry about manual site documentation as well as going back and forth between your office and the site.
Your site can be digitally mapped using high-resolution scanners, which will enable you to further work on it comfortably at your desk. It does not only make things easier but also makes them more accurate and precise than a human judgment.
3. Design Concept
A concept is an idea, theory, or notion that guides the direction or approach of how the design process is approached in architecture. The art develops like a living thing, beginning with grasping the essence of the project—its soul!
Showing client driven concept development using the program chart. – Source: linkedin
Concept development is not a straightforward process; thus, several approaches should be considered during this stage. We can also take help from AutoCad to make the process more straightforward.
For example, one may find inspiration in secondary sources such as research philosophy, cultural context, neighborhood fabric, building materials and techniques used for construction, personal experience, and geometry.
These factors are significant in making our design unique from other designs.
Architects usually adopt a traditional concept approach by sketching ideas behind their concepts. It could just be one simple sketch, an imitation of a real object, or a complete metamorphosis from concept form into building form.
The sketching approach is commonly recommended for concept development because it affords more room for design creativity.
Nevertheless, given the availability of AI-based tools, humans should lean on the capabilities of machines to facilitate their design thinking process.
Midjourney and stable diffusion are some of the common text-to-image AI prompting tools that can help you in concept generation. On another note, if you need something for the architectural domain related to your concept generation, then look at Veras from Evolve Labs.
4. Schematic designing
Schematic design is a preliminary phase of the design process involving initial sketches, diagrams, and rough plans meant to determine the building’s idea as well as its spatial organization. It sets up the basis upon which further development in designs will build on before going into detailed stages.
5. Design development
This stage occurs when a chosen concept has been refined, which involves making technical considerations and developing drawings that include specifications and refining, complemented by feedback. The design, acting as a bridge between early concepts and final construction documents, ensures adherence to all requirements.
The whole design development process includes drafting plans, developing orthographic drawings, detailing design with other disciplines, etc.
- Detailed Floor Plans: refining the arrangement of spaces by providing comprehensive floor layouts that include measurements, room names, and functional connections.
- Elevations and Sections: Creating detailed views of both the exterior and interior of the building, showcasing the finishes, materials, and heights used.
- Structural Design: Collaborating with structural engineers to incorporate the building’s framework seamlessly into the overall design.
- Systems Design: Integrating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems harmoniously into the design.
- Material Selection: Determining the appropriate materials, finishes, fixtures, and fittings required for the project.
- Client Sign-Off: Ensuring that the client approves the developed design before proceeding to the next stage, ensuring clear communication and client satisfaction.
All the given steps can be easy to implement if we use major tools or software like AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit, etc.
6. Construction documentation
Construction documentation involves creating detailed drawings, specifications, and documents to communicate design to contractors and builders for construction. These documents offer detailed project information and assist siding contractors in pricing, scheduling, and executing construction work accurately.
Construction documentation usually consists of plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, specifications, and legal or regulatory documentation. Construction documentation detail varies based on project complexity and local building regulations.
Major online platforms like Procore and PlanGrid could make your work easier if you use them accurately.
7. Bidding and negotiation
The bidding and tendering process involves businesses inviting third-party contractors to bid for a project through a tender document. Businesses can express their interest in a project by submitting a proposal in response to an invitation to bid once it has been offered.
There are many tools and software available online that could ease your work with bid management. Contractor foreman, Archdesk, Procore, and so on, you can choose for easing your construction bid management ops.
8. Construction administration
The final phase of the architectural design process is construction administration. Once construction documents are permitted, the project moves to the construction administration phase to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
The architect will visit the construction site, provide additional information, and review contractor payment applications during the ongoing work.
The owner is only provided with a Certificate of Occupancy when construction is completed and all required inspections are performed. This certificate allows the project owner or their tenants to occupy and utilize the building.
9. Post-occupancy evaluation
Post-occupational evaluation(POE) involves gathering feedback from occupants through surveys like questionnaires, interviews, or focus groups. It assesses a building’s functionality and comfort after occupants have been using it for some time. Typically conducted after six months or longer for more data.
It assesses occupant satisfaction, space use, and resource consumption in a completed facility to pinpoint any building performance issues. It could be carried out by many personnel, like consultants, independent client advisers, or an in-house team established by the client.
As shown in the picture below, the evaluation process creates a feedback loop for continuous improvement.
Schematic representation of the different phases of the Post Occupancy Evaluation study.
Final Words
Hence, we learnt that developing a successful architectural design requires considering several factors to guarantee that your project output aligns with the client’s requirements. It should operate efficiently and complements its surroundings.
By carefully considering and addressing the aspects mentioned in the article, architects can craft designs that are not just visually appealing. It will also be functional, eco-friendly and significant to the communities they serve.
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