M1.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS AND METHODOLOGIES

The question of the actual design process and methodologies of design is more confusing when dealing
with architectural design because architectural design is more often involves in a team work.

Before, most architects are considered more of an artist; they can design but was not able to explain or
defends the need to add a significant amount of funds for the particular design. In today's architectural
trends, there are set of rules and guidelines to be followed that could affect or help in making a design.

THE PROCESS SHOULD INVOLVE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

1. Assemble the team - As stated above the architectural design involves a team of people. At the
outset of the project there should be a scheduling or at least a tentative assembly of efficient
architects and consultant who identify the project's scope and purpose. There should be a project's
team leader who holds the overall responsibility and identifying the right person/s in their fields.

2. Clear Communication - As again stated before, the design part involves a team. The
communication should be always available for any enquiry of the different involves, especially for
the owner or their representative/s. The Project Architect coordinates regular meeting to design
staff, specialists and the Owner's representative.

3. Budget and Cost Control - Cost and control is critical to all the success of any project. This is true
not only for initial construction, but also when considering the cost of operation. The project's budget
is developed during the schematic design phase. It's monitored and updated during the design
development phase, and finally confirmed during the preparation of construction documents. The
Architect performs construction cost estimating, which involves confirming current unit costs for
materials and equipment with contractors and suppliers.

4. Staying on Track - Hold regularly-scheduled job progress meetings with the Owner's
Representative and contractors. These meetings help establish and maintain good communications,
assure smooth progress and result in the project's timely completion.

METHODOLOGY

Phases of architectural design process

Designing and building a home or planning and constructing a space for a new or growing
business is a complex task. One way to make a complex task seem more manageable is to
break it up into smaller tasks, and architects apply a similar strategy to the des ign and
construction process. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defines Five Phases of
Architecture that are commonly referred to throughout the industry: Schematic Design,
Design Development, Contract Documents, Bidding, Contract Administration.
PRE - DE SI G N (PD)

Pre-design is an information gathering phase that will be the foundation for the design
phases to follow. The main goal during this phase is to learn everything possible about our
clients’ personality, lifestyle, and needs as well as dete rmine how much space you need now
and likely to need in the future, and how that space should be used, organized, and arranged.
This information is organized into a document called the Program, which describes all the
rooms and spaces for the project, their approximate sizes and any specific qualities or unique
features you are looking for. The other part of Pre -design phase is observing and
documenting the existing conditions at the project site. This usually entails a survey of the
land to determine the property line locations and/or measurements of any existing
structures. We also do background research to better understand how the site relates to the
surrounding area, climate, people, and the regulations that affect the project. We track these
regulations in a Zoning Summary document and talk to city planning staff if questions arise.
Clients should expect to be very involved and ready to answer personal questions during this
phase.

In this phase, we carry out

• Client consultation
• Existing conditions survey and documentation
• Photographs
• Measurements
• Compile existing drawings if any
• Prepare high-level base drawings
• Statement of probable build/construction cost
• Programming space and use
• Code review
This phase ends with owner’s decision to move forward with a project.

PD Deliverables: Program, Zoning Summary, Existing Condition drawing(s)

PD Duration: usually 2-4 weeks

SC HE MA T I C DE SIG N (SD)

In this phase, we begin the process of translating the Program into an efficient building
design. This is when we start exploring design concepts; it is the time for testing options and
getting a general idea of the look and feel. The floor plans and shape of the project will begin
to take form, but the specifics about materials and details will come later. The Schematic
Design phase includes several meetings where we present ideas to our clients using images
of other projects, hand sketches, and models to help visualize the size, shape, and
relationship of spaces to each other. We listen and observe your reactions, then refine the
ideas according to your feedback until we reach an agreed upon design direction to develop
further in the following phases. Clients can expect to be quite engaged throughout this
phase and to be asked for approval of the Schematic Design before work proceeds. Make
sure to let your design professional know if you don’t understand something and take the
time necessary to give thoughtful feedback. It is always possible to make changes later, but
it is easiest during this phase when the design is most fluid.

At the end of this phase, we deliver

• Floor plans of all levels with generic openings and plumbing fixtures
• Exterior building elevations with representative openings and finishes
• Building cross-section
• Typical wall section
And we move to the next phase with the owner’s approval.

SD Deliverables: Preliminary Site and Floor Plans, Preliminary Exterior Concept (if
applicable)
SD Duration: usually 4-8 weeks

DE SI G N DE VE LO PMENT (DD)

During Design Development, we advance the design significantly based on the floor plan and
exterior concept approved in the previous phase. The first priority of this phase is to define
and develop all the important aspects of the project and produce a set of drawings and
outline specification to show potential contractors for preliminary cost estimating. If
adjustments are necessary to bring the project scope in line with the construction budget, it
is most efficient to do this sooner than later. Once we k now we are on track, we will talk
more specifically about the interior and exterior materials and functionality. As we dial in
the layout of the indoor and outdoor spaces, we will refine the window and door placements
and make adjustments to the building form. This phase is usually when our clients feel the
project coming to life and it becomes possible to see themselves in the new space. By the
end of the Design Development phase, the building exterior will be more fully designed, the
interior layout completed, dimensions of all spaces finalized, and most materials selected. A
structural engineer will be added to the team, and consultants for HVAC, plumbing, and
electrical systems may be needed depending on the complexity of the project. The
deliverable will be a more detailed set of drawings that communicates the overall layout and
volume of the building or space, all significant equipment, and the type of material or finish
for every surface of the project.

At the end of this phase, we deliver

• Floor plans with a proposed basis of design openings and plumbing fixtures
• Overall dimensions
• Structural grid dimensions
• Interior wall dimensions
• Exterior elevations with a proposed basis of design openings and finishes
• Additional building sections
• Wall sections at all typical conditions
 • Typical details
• Additional details to establish a basis for design products
Now we have given shape to project ’s vision through drawings and written specifications.

DD Deliverables: Drawing Set and Outline Specification document

DD Duration: usually 8-12 weeks

C O N ST RUCT I ON DOCUME NT S (CD)

In this phase we develop the Design Drawings into a thorough and precise set of Construction
Documents. These drawings and specifications have all of the details, dimensions, and notes
necessary to communicate the entire design intent to the builder. We sh ow how the building
components should be connected, specify all of the materials, finishes, fixtures, equipment,
and appliances to be installed, and coordinate our drawings with the structural engineers
and any other consultant drawings. The Construction Documents phase often requires the
most time, which can surprise clients because the design seems complete after Design
Development. However, this is a critical step in the process of successfully and accurately
executing the design you have invested in. Early in this phase there may still be options on
the table for some of the items to be specified. Clients should be prepared to make decisions
during this phase. It is our job to make recommendations and educate you about the options,
but ultimately you will be the one occupying and maintaining the home or building and you
have the final say.

In this phase, we deliver

• Floor plans fully annotated

• All dimensions
• Room, wall, door, and window identification
• Section and detail indicators
• General notes and detailed notes
• Exterior elevations fully annotated
• All building sections required for construction
• Wall sections at all conditions
• Details fully annotated
• Structural plans, details, and notes
• Plumbing plans, schedules, details, and notes
• HVAC plans, schedules, details, and notes
• Electrical power and lighting plans, schedules, details, and notes

Next is processing the building permit

CD Deliverables: Drawings and Specification for Construction

CD Duration: usually 8-12 weeks
B U I L D I N G P ER M I T T I N G ( B P)

During this phase we add to the Construction Documents any additional information required
to get a building permit. This is the information needed to show the project complies with
the applicable land use, building, and energy codes, and any other applica ble guidelines and
regulations required by the city or jurisdiction issuing the permit. We submit these drawings
along with the various forms required for the permit application to the local plan reviewer,
monitor the progress during the review period, and give additional information or
clarifications as requested. Little, if anything is needed from the client during this phase —
except patience. Our goal is to shepherd your project through as quickly and painlessly as
possible, but the length and cost of thi s phase can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction,
complexity of the project, and any special historic district or community design review
processes.

In this phase, we deliver

• Complete Set of Drawings

• Forms for Building Permit Application
• Detailed Estimates
• Construction Specifications
• Photocopy of Professional License and PRT with sign and seal

Then we move to Bidding & Negotiation

BP Deliverables: Drawings and Forms for Building Permit Application

BP Duration: usually 12-24 weeks (varies widely)

B I DD I N G & N EG O T I A T I O N ( B N )

We are happy to introduce our clients to a number of reputable builders we work with and
trust. We can also be available to attend interviews and walk -throughs, help you evaluate
contractor qualifications, and provide a ssistance with obtaining and reviewing bids. Some
clients already have a contractor in mind when they come to us, but many take advantage of
our extensive contractor and relationships to find their builder.

In this phase, we deliver

• Drawings
• Specifications for Bidding

And we move to the final phase

BP Deliverables: Drawings and Specifications for Bidding
BP Duration: usually 3-6 weeks

C O N S T R U C T I O N A D MI N I S T R A T I ON ( CA )

Finally, the construction is underway.

While most of the architect’s work is done before any building begins, our consistent
presence during the construction phase is equally important. During this phase we visit the
jobsite at regular intervals to answer questions from the builder and proactively address
potential issues. The frequency of our site visits could be weekly or monthly depending on
the project and your needs, but it is vital to have us keeping an eye on things to ensure the
finished project meets your expectations. Inevitably, some decisions must be made or
modified in the field, and our involvement and ability to work quickly with your contractor
to solve problems is essential for helping you avoid costly delays and change orders. During
Construction Administration, the architect’s role is advisor to the owner. At our site visits
we will take photos and write field reports to document the progress, confirm the materials
and workmanship are of the quality you agreed to, and verify your contracto r’s billings
accurately reflect the amount of work completed. At the end of the project, we help you
develop your final Punch List to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.

CA Deliverables: Field Observation Reports

CA Duration: concurrent with construction timeframe