A Quick Start Guide to the Architectural Design Process

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, fi eld 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 I

Schematic Design

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 fi gure out more or less how the building will look and operate. This phase has a great deal of sketching and modeling with suffi cient meetings to outline the entire project.

Phase II

Design Development

In Design Development, the architect and client work together to select materials, including fi nishes and products such as windows, doors, fi xtures, appliances, and materials. Preliminary engineering will start on the structure as well as plumbing, electrical, heating/ventilation systems, energy analysis and any other projectspecifi c systems. While architects can give budget ranges, only a general contractor can scope actual costs.

Phase III

Working Drawings

This is the largest phase and what most people think of when they picture the work of an architect. The architect and engineers will fi nalize 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.

A written acknowledgment between the architect and client to proceed to the next phase should happen at each stage of the project to make your design dreams a reality.

Let’s build together at marinbuilders.com

Phase IV

Bidding

Bidding is where the owner selects the contractor for the job and signs contracts to proceed with construction. Multiple contractors submit bids on the job or the client can directly hire a contractor without getting competitive bids. The architect's role here will be to assist the client, answer contractors' questions, and provide any additional documentation if requested or needed by the contractor.

Phase V

Construction Administration

The Construction Administration phase is the longest scheduled phase, although not the majority of the architect's work. On most projects, architects do not supervise construction but periodically visit the job site to see progress and ensure the contractor is following the plans per the architectural design intent. Communication and exchange of accurate information between all parties involved are key. A written acknowledgment between the architect and client to proceed to the next phase should happen at each stage of the project to make your design dreams a reality.

General architectural fee breakdown:

Schematic Design 15% Design Development 20% Working Drawings 40% Bidding 5% Construction Administration 20%

*Fees tend to vary on project specifi c needs and project type.