A QUICK START GUIDE TO THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS
Architectural Design Process
Phase I
Marin Home Resource Guide
Member Resource: Eric Rogers Wagstaff + Rogers Architects wagstaffrogersarch.com
Ready to work with an architect? To feel enlightened throughout the design process, here's a quick breakdown of what each stage looks like from an architect's perspective: Pre-Design Pre-Design is an analysis of the client's requirements, building codes, zoning regulations, field studies, and site data. This research and planning phase is vital to develop recommendations on the feasibility and smooth operations of a project and may come at an extra cost.
Phase II
Phase III
Schematic Design
Design Development
Working Drawings
The basic goal of Schematic Design is to establish the shape and size of the building, with some basic plans of the spaces. Schematic Design is where we figure out more or less how the building will look and operate. This phase has a great deal of sketching and modeling with sufficient meetings to outline the entire project.
In Design Development, the architect and client work together to select materials, including finishes and products such as windows, doors, fixtures, appliances, and materials. Preliminary engineering will start on the structure as well as plumbing, electrical, heating/ventilation systems, energy analysis and any other projectspecific systems. While architects can give budget ranges, only a general contractor can scope actual costs.
This is the largest phase and what most people think of when they picture the work of an architect. The architect and engineers will finalize all the technical drawing and engineering. HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, gas, energy calculations, and all products and materials are selected and/or scheduled. Building or Planning Department comments will often be addressed under this phase.
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