Steps of Building Design

Before tackling any construction work, there are five design steps in the building industry. These are listed below in the following sequence:

1. Pre-Design Phase & Feasibility Study
2. Schematic Design 
3. Concept Development
4. Construction Documents
5. Construction Administration

Let’s break down the phases so that even a layperson can understand.
 

1. Pre-Design Phase & Feasibility Study
The pre-design stage requires research. In this stage, the property owner and the architect obtain information for the design. Clients only sometimes hire an architect for this portion. At Sumer Innovations, we provide pre-design services frequently.

The main objective of this phase is to gather as much information as possible about our client’s personalities, lifestyles, and needs. We estimate how much space they require and will likely require in the future. We also consider the function and usage of the space. The program, a document containing this information, lists all the rooms and areas for the project, their approximative sizes, and any specific traits or distinctive features the client requires. The program may advise developers on buying a particular piece of land.

We frequently conduct a zoning study in pre-design to ascertain what we can construct. Here are a few things to think about for the pre-design investigations:

• Site Analysis: Topography, Public Utilities, Soil Type, Hazard Study, Seismicity, etc.
• Zoning Analysis: Analyzing and identifying what type of building can be erected based on land use and size.
• Code Analysis: Searching the building codes adopted in the project’s jurisdiction.
• Scope of Project: The client must determine the scope of the work as accurately as possible. 
• Project Objectives

2. Schematic design 
We create rough sketches and drawings during the schematic design stage to show the project’s fundamental ideas. At this point, preliminary investigations into local compliance and regulations are all finalized.

There’s a lot of sketching, client meetings, and edits in the schematic phase. A schematic design’s primary objective is to develop the size and shape of the building through basic drawings. We create the overall layout and the foundational exterior designs. The client and architect create the general concept of the project without going into full detail. Overall, the client finds it enjoyable.

The architect and owner will agree to move on to the concept development stage once the fundamentals are established, and the architect has given the client the necessary drawings.
 

3. Concept Development 
At this stage, the design is finalized by specifying elements like materials, window and door placements, and general structural details. Compared to the schematic design phase, the architect will make more detailed revisions to the drawings. The construction, plumbing, electrical, energy analysis, heating, ventilation, and any other project-specific systems will all begin to undergo engineering design processes.
 

4. Construction Documents
Engineer designs can begin after the architectural designs are finalized, and the final shape of the building is known. In this step, we can assemble the technical specifications, notes, and construction drawings/blueprints required for permitting, bidding, and construction. Following the final architectural drawings, structural engineers will analyze and design the structure to withstand loads and stresses due to human activities and natural disasters. Meanwhile, MEP engineers will put together electric systems, pipes, ducts, and all other utilities to supply the required water, energy, and electricity to the new building.

At Sumer Innovations, we provide all designs and drawings through our collaborative network of building designers. We provide the following:

• Completely annotated floorplans
• Dimensions of the building
• Identification of room, wall, door, and window indications for sections and details
• General and specific notes
• Required detailed elevations of the outside of every part of the building for construction
• Wall sections under all circumstances, fully annotated details
• Plans, notes, and details for the structures
• Plumbing schedules, information, and notes
• Plans, schedules, and notes for HVAC
• Plans, timetables, information, and notes related to electrical power and lighting

5. Construction Administration
Even though most of the design work is completed before the start of any construction, the final architectural and engineering designs could change during this time. We visit the job site frequently during this period to respond to the builder’s concerns and proactively handle possible changes. Depending on the project demands, the frequency of our site visits could be weekly or monthly, but it is essential to have us monitor things to make sure the finished designs fulfill your expectations. Some decisions will inevitably need to be made or updated in the field. Our ability to collaborate with your contractor swiftly to find solutions is crucial to helping you avoid expensive delays and change orders.