Chances are you haven’t worked with an Architect before.  This is a new relationship and your understanding of how it unfolds is unclear.  Below I will describe how Architects go about designing your project and the various steps and processes that define their services.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defines industry standards for professional services by an architect.  The AIA formalizes the design process in three parts: schematic design (SD), design development (DD) and construction documents (CD).  These are followed by two construction related activities where the Architect has an administrative role: bidding and negotiations (with contractors) and construction administration.

For all residential projects preliminary research is a necessary part of the process therefore some studios begin their services with a Pre-Design phase and combine SD and DD into one Design Development phase.

PRE-DESIGN: This is when all of the fact finding begins.  A very personal relationship between the Client and the Architect begins to form. Meetings are set to discuss design objectives, program needs, aesthetic desires, and construction budget.  Additionally, the Architect becomes familiar with the existing house, or plot of land, to gain an understanding of both the site and structure.  To develop this understanding, the Architect performs existing conditions documentation, extensive code research, and town by-law analysis.  This phase concludes with a set of existing conditions drawings to be used during the following phases.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:  This is when design begins and the exploration of preliminary spatial concepts and layout options unfolds. Design Development is typically the longest of the three phases.  A good Architect will provide the necessary guidance to keep the project on track while effectively meetings design objectives.   Multiple meetings with the Client contribute to the evolution of the design while any obstacles or constraints are address.  Ideas flow from Client to Architect and back again in an involved, imaginative process. Based on these ongoing conversations, two or three design options consisting of plans, elevations, and 3D vignettes are presented and a final design selected.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS:  Typically the Client is less involved in this phase since the design has been finalized and agreed upon. Now the Architect will create a technical set that conveys construction methods which are permit and code compliant.  Once the Construction Documents are complete the Architect will take on an administrative role to assist with construction efforts.  

The process of designing a home – from incorporating spatial quality, program, and building code requirements- is actually a formal, defined process.  Working with an Architect is a creative and exciting process that is ever evolving within a defined framework of service.  My next blog with discuss the administrative role an Architect plays during the construction phase.