5 Step Architectural Design Process From Concepts To Construction

Visions come first in every building construction, and the architects turn the visions into life. But it is an architectural design process that plays the ball game. Vision is metamorphosed into a conceptualized idea and then turned tangible. In this article, we shall cover steps and processes the architects take up for transforming a vision into an awesome three-dimensional reality.

Here are the five steps involved in the architectural design and planning process.

Step 1 — Pre-Design Process or Master Planning

Before the actual design is done, the architectural design process is the first step that involves everything. In architectural Master Planning, the architects define the client’s goals, values and needs. At this stage, the architect meets his/her clients for discussing and refine a shared design and planning for the construction project. In the process, a cohesive relationship is developed with the clients since the investors and architects share the same “vision” before proceeding to the subsequent stages.

At this architectural design process phase, the different questions are answered and then the next stage takes place-

• What sort of functional and aesthetic features does the building need?
• What is the time frame to occupy the new space?
• Who will occupy the space?
• How the space should be utilized?
• What are the outdoor and indoor space requirements?
• How is the budget set?

Step 2 — Schematic Design

Now the architects and clients arrive on the same page with the construction project’s overall vision, the building’s foundation and design elements are drawn for giving it life. Evaluating the program, schedule and budget from the architectural design process and planning’s first stage, the architects prepare a rough sketch of the building schematics for reviewing with the client. The preliminary illustrations outline the space’s features, layout and aesthetics which bring up the first glimpse of how the building will be taking shape.
During this schematic design architectural design process, the architect and the investor must maintain honest communication. By following a clear decision-making process, the designs will be satisfactory.

Step 3 — Architecture Design Development

As the schematics are drawn out and approved, it is time for these illustrations to be expanded to a final working model. At this architectural design and planning phase, the schematics are overlaid with detailed information as the consultants and team members provide.
Next, the designers work on solving the coordination issues and focus to enhance the project for eliminating any major revisions at the time of construction documentation or during construction.
The architects at this time, put in their skills to scale floor plans and draw out the detailed elevations to be approved. So, the design elements and plans as decided on will be shaped into a three-dimensional form. Here, the schematics for the building will start becoming much more vivid and tangible.
With the final outline being approved and signed off on, then if any significant changes are done after this stage, then it will result in expensive repercussions. Hence, everything must be 100% up to par before going ahead.

Step 4 — Construction Drawings

The schematics are translated in the final stage, so they are perfectly suitable for construction and permit submittal. The architects prepare the final drawings to fully communicate the design elements to the ones to be involved in the construction process.
Through large scale, detailed outlines defining the building’s components to be assembled and fabricated for taking shape. The architects now develop the remaining elevations and preliminary structural analyses, before they consult the engineers, designers, landscapers for ensuring a completed and coordinated set ready for construction.

Step 5 — Giving Life to Vision

With the architectural design process being done and ready for building, the construction team works on the ideas for turning it into a reality.

Construction is the result of a long planning process, that involves careful drawings with correct measurements. The architects draft a design plan on consulting the investors so confidence favours both. Hence it is a must to get in touch with the best and experienced architects to get the awe-inspiring outcome.