Architecture Design Process

Architecture Design Process 101: How Does the Architectural Design Process Work?

In this free comprehensive course, we'll break down the architecture design process into simple steps, making it easy to understand for everyone, from beginners to experts.

Architecture Design Process Steps: From Concept to Completion

The architecture design process involves several steps to bring a project from conception to reality:

1. Schematic Design: Define the project's scope, budget, and schedule. Create rough plans and layouts to explore design options.

2. Design Development: Refine the design with detailed drawings and specifications. Develop layout, form, and appearance, and select materials.

3. Construction Documentation: Translate the design into working drawings and specifications. Prepare documents for construction contracts.

4. Bidding and Negotiation: Assist in obtaining competitive bids and finalize contracts with selected contractors.

5. Construction: Review progress, facilitate changes, and ensure compliance with plans during the construction phase.

Architecture Design Process for Architecture Students

For architectural students, understanding the architecture design process is crucial for developing skills and completing projects successfully. By following the steps outlined above, students can learn how to approach design projects effectively.

Architecture Design Process Step by Step

1. Schematic Design: Define scope, budget, and schedule.
2. Design Development: Refine design with detailed drawings.
3. Construction Documentation: Prepare working drawings and specifications.
4. Bidding and Negotiation: Obtain competitive bids and finalize contracts.
5. Construction: Review progress and ensure compliance with plans.

Detail:

Architecture Design Process: How is it Done?

The process of architectural design involves addressing numerous issues such as performance, reliability, site-specific conditions, costs, governmental regulations, and construction union regulations. This stage demands careful management of various properties, making it a complex task. The following outlines the typical design process followed by architects, as defined by architectural organizations:

Phase 1: Schematic Design

In the schematic design (SD) phase, the objective is to clearly define the design with a comprehensive scope, budget, and schedule before submitting the project for approval. This phase involves determining the general scope, preliminary design, scale, and relationships among project components.

During this stage, architects collaborate with clients to establish needs and objectives, including size, function, and spatial relationships. Rough plans, known as schematics, are prepared to illustrate the general arrangement of rooms and building placement on the site. Landscape consultants provide input on site analysis and optimal placement. Additionally, construction scope, budget, and schedule are established. The design concepts are presented to the owner for review and approval, leading to the finalization of the schematic design.

Phase 2: Design Development

The design development phase begins with creating basic concept diagrams and rough sketches, fostering conceptual brainstorming and exploration. Architects expand approved schematic design studies to develop detailed drawings, illustrating various aspects of the proposed design. General layout, form, and appearance are refined, and feature elements such as stairs and cabinetry are designed. Plans, elevations, and sections are developed, along with outline specifications listing major materials and finishes. Compliance with building codes is verified, and engineers collaborate on structural, mechanical, and electrical systems design. The owner provides input on project cost estimation, finalizing this phase with a substantial portion of the design work completed.

Phase 3: Construction Documentation

In this phase, the design is translated into detailed working drawings and specifications. Working drawings and specifications define materials, locations, and installation methods, becoming part of the construction contract. Plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and finish materials are selected, and the owner reviews the project. Technical aspects are refined, and the architect assists with bid evaluations, contract conditions, and preparations. Contract documents are prepared and distributed, and once bids are received, the architect analyzes results and finalizes contracts with selected contractors.

Phase 4: Bidding and Negotiation

During bidding and negotiation, the architect assists in obtaining competitive bids, evaluates bids, and prepares contracts between the owner and contractor. Drawings and specifications are distributed, and the architect addresses contractor queries, interprets documents, and prepares revisions. The architect finalizes contracts between the owner and contractor based on bid results.

Phase 5: Construction

The construction phase involves reviewing progress, facilitating changes, and ensuring compliance with plans and specifications. The architect visits the site, reviews submissions and shop drawings, and processes change orders. The owner is kept informed of progress, and final selections of finishes and fixtures are made. Upon completion, the architect thoroughly inspects the project to ensure adherence to plans.

Architecture Design Process Questions & Answers:

What are the 5 stages of architectural design process?

The 5 stages of the architectural design process are:

1. Schematic Design
2. Design Development
3. Construction Documentation
4. Bidding and Negotiation
5. Construction

What are the 7 steps of the architectural design process?

The 7 steps of the architectural design process include:

1. Defining project scope, budget, and schedule
2. Creating rough plans and layouts
3. Refining design with detailed drawings
4. Translating design into working drawings and specifications
5. Obtaining competitive bids
6. Finalizing contracts with selected contractors
7. Reviewing progress during construction

What is the design method for architecture?

The design method for architecture involves a systematic approach to problem-solving and creativity, often including stages such as research, analysis, concept development, and refinement.

Explore Further:

Understand architectural design principles, explore famous projects, learn about sustainable architecture, and discover innovative design techniques to inspire your own creative endeavors.

Architectural Design Principles:

• Form and Function: Explore how architects balance aesthetics with functionality in their designs.
• Spatial Relationships: Learn about the importance of spatial organization and flow within architectural spaces.
• Proportion and Scale: Understand how architects manipulate proportion and scale to create visually appealing spaces.
• Site Context: Discover how architects respond to site-specific conditions and integrate contextual elements into their designs.
• Historical Influences: Explore the influence of historical architectural styles and movements on contemporary design practices.

Examples of Famous Architectural Projects:

• Ancient Wonders: Explore iconic architectural marvels such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Parthenon, and the Colosseum.
• Modern Masterpieces: Learn about renowned modern architectural works like the Sydney Opera House, Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
• Contemporary Icons: Discover innovative contemporary projects such as the Burj Khalifa, the High Line in New York City, and the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest).

Sustainable Architecture:

• Green Building Practices: Learn about sustainable design strategies such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient building systems.
• LEED Certification: Explore the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and its criteria for sustainable building practices.
• Net-Zero Buildings: Discover projects that aim to produce as much energy as they consume, reducing their environmental impact.
• Biophilic Design: Understand the principles of biophilic design, which seek to incorporate nature into built environments to enhance well-being and sustainability.

Innovative Design Techniques:

• Parametric Design: Explore computational design methods that enable architects to create complex and dynamic forms.
• Digital Fabrication: Learn about the use of advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and CNC milling in architectural production.
• Responsive Architecture: Discover interactive architectural systems that adapt to changing environmental conditions or user preferences.
• Adaptive Reuse: Explore projects that creatively repurpose existing buildings and structures for new uses, promoting sustainability and preservation.

Building Materials

•   Materiality: Get into the selection and use of materials to achieve desired design outcomes.
• Architecture Design Process 101: Exploring Building Materials and Their Uses
  What are Building Materials?: Details of Building Materials

Additional Resources:

• Books and Publications: Explore architecture books and publications that delve deeper into specific topics and case studies.
• Online Courses and Workshops: Enroll in online courses or workshops to expand your knowledge and skills in architecture and design.
• Architectural Exhibitions and Events: Attend architectural exhibitions, lectures, and events to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the field.

Explore the following resources to deepen your understanding of CAD software and architectural fundamentals, essential for professionals, architecture students, and enthusiasts alike:

Free CAD Tutorials

• Computer Aided Design (CAD): Learn about various CAD software solutions offered by our team, a leading provider in the industry.
• Revit Free Training Tutorials: Access free tutorials provided by us to learn the basics of Revit, a powerful software for building information modeling (BIM).
• Revit Introduction-Modeling in 3D: Gain insights into 3D modeling techniques using Revit, enabling you to create detailed architectural designs.
• Revit Interface and Terminolog: Familiarize yourself with the interface and terminology used in Revit, facilitating smoother navigation and understanding of the software.
• AutoCAD Basics for Architects & Engineers: Explore the foundational concepts of AutoCAD, a widely used CAD software, tailored specifically for architects and engineers.

Architecture Fundamentals

• Architecture Design Process: Learn the importance of the design process in architecture, understanding the iterative stages involved in creating innovative designs.
• Architectural Presentation and Rendering: Learn about techniques and tools used for architectural presentation and rendering, enhancing your ability to communicate design concepts effectively.

• Architectural Design Process PDF

For a detailed overview of the architectural design process in PDF format, you can find resources online that provide comprehensive guides and reference materials.

• For detailed instructions on the Architecture Design Process, refer to the section of this website about designing a home.