Understanding The 5 Architectural Design Process Steps

When hiring a Dallas architect for your project, there are various things to consider. Apart from reputation and industry reputation, you have to understand their architectural design process. This involves 5 steps each with various expectations when making a custom home, remodel, or commercial project. Below are the various steps involved during the design process by architects.

Step 1: Pre-design phase

This step involves though and systematic assessment of interrelated goals, values, facts, and your needs. Having a well-conceived plan encourages a high-quality design. The pre-design stage allows the architect to gather information required for the process. The architect will work with you to form a cohesive relationship and concept for the final project. This stage also requires defining the purpose, scope, functionality, and features. The architect will help you explore your needs to meet your needs.

During this phase, you will have the choice to choose between functionality and aesthetics of your project including the project timeframe. Additionally, this is the moment to define your indoor and outdoor requirements for future interactions. Your responses will give the architect insight to use when creating a project to exceed your expectations while fitting your budget. All these will depend on your structure, specifications, size, and site.

Step 2: Schematic design

After determining your program requirements, the best architect in Dallas  will begin the design phase. Through drawings, the architect will give your vision shape. Additionally, the architect will evaluate, schedule, and come up with a budget. A schematic illustration of your project is then made for you to review.

The design lays out the site program while addressing the schedule and budget for the project. This offers a glimpse of how your home is taking shape and getting more defined. After your approval, the drawings become sufficient for review in relation to the neighborhood. At this moment, you can begin working on the construction process by getting an estimate of the costs.

Step 3: Design development

An extension of the schematic design phase, the architect here translates the project design from multiple ideas into physical form. The design development phase works on the approved schematic design until completion demonstrating project construction.  This schematic design has more details from various consultants and members on the team. You have to evaluate systems, preliminary structure, material choice, and details reflecting the design concept.

At this point, your architect  will prepare to scale floor plans and building elevations for initial review and approval. This is where your design idea is brought out in 3D and you might be asked to regularly review your design. After approval of design development, any significant changes involving project structural components will come with additional fees. To avoid these, always speak your mind before moving to the next design phase.

Step 4: Construction drawings

This is a continuation of the design process where the architect prepares permit submittal drawings. The construction drawings communicate the project to anyone likely to be involved in any construction stage by setting the building process parameters. Construction drawings describe the details regarding your project components for fabricating and assembling. The tasks involved in this phase include:

  • Developing elevations
  • Beginning structural analysis
  • Interfacing with other tradesmen

Step 5: Construction observation

This is the time to begin on actually building your project. The phase includes design services from the actual project construction including:

  • Visiting the site for project observation
  • Communicating with other tradesmen
  • Material selection when not previously selected
  • Creating additional project detailed drawings as required
  • Creating a punch list for the contractor’s final touch-ups

This critical stage requires the architect to ensure that progress is as made in the drafts. It also ensures checking for issues that might pop up. The architect has to document all construction documents  to save time and making it easier and efficient when verifying construction details. Great care is required at this stage to lessen chances of drastic fee increment for construction documents. Getting these right increase chances of getting outcomes meeting your expectations while sticking to your budget.

Keep this in mind

The project design process allows transforming ideas and visions into a 3D impression of your project. After completion of the design process, building or remodeling your structure begins. The role of the architect will vary depending on their expertise and experience. You should work with the best architectural team focused on always being available during the whole construction project. This will ensure that you end up with a project outcome meeting your expectations and needs.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you have a residential, commercial, or remodeling project, working with a professional architect can’t be ignored. You need to understand the basic architectural design process to ensure that you get a project exceeding your expectations. Collaboration with a reputable architectural firm is the trick to a successful project regardless of size and type.