The Architectural Process

There are six typical steps that an architecturally designed building project goes through. Often these steps overlap or are combined, in some cases there may be additional steps.

Step One: Deciding What to Build

This first stage, called programming, is probably the most valuable time spent. During this time, the requirements of your building will be discussed: how many rooms, what function the structure will have, who will use it and how. It is also a useful time to begin balancing what is wanted with what can be spent on the project.

Be prepared to explore many different ideas. Be very frank about how you want the end result to feel and work. We will ask you lots of questions to get a better sense of your goals and needs and to determine if your expectations match your budget. We may suggest changes based upon knowledge, experience, and your budget. After thoroughly discussing your functional requirements, we will prepare a statement outlining the scope of your project. During the next step, your program will be realized.

Included during this stage will be an accurate documentation of the existing conditions. This will serve as the basis for future design work. If your project is a new house, then a topographic survey should be done at this point. A soils engineer may also need to do testing.

Step Two...

Deciding what to Build | Rough Sketches | Refining the Design
Preparing Construction Documents | Hiring the Contractor | Construction
General Consideration