Architects have received questions about how the process of architecture works. Ranging from students to curious journalists and other professionals (marketers included), the process has been answered and explained in a variety of ways.
Among the questions asked are:
- What do various design stages look like?
- When does the process go from diagrams and drawings to actual work?
- Why do architecture graphics look the way they do?
- Does the imagery evolve?
- Does it turn into something real where people can live in?
All of these questions along with more are usually explained. Yet a vast majority of them need to be answered with care as some of the questions seem mundane but somehow are practical in value. It is a fact that it takes six years to learn the process of architectural design and development in university, and another decade to earn practical experience. The process is somehow profound.
We will now be exploring the whole process in a way that becomes understandable. The information will be accessible to those who read it.
Steps involved in the process of architecture
Architecture will seem to be a cool process. However, it does have its complexities, intricate features, pressure, problems, and other things that can make it rosy, dark, robust, problematic, and overall a fun experience.
Let us now have a look at the steps comprising the architectural process:
The first step involves the interview and first discussions
A couple of architects are usually interviewed. Homeowners and architects also determine if either, both or none can get along with each other. At times, a homeowner knows who they want to work together with (either through a recommendation or seeing that their design philosophy is agreed upon and vice versa). The interview step is skipped sometimes.
Usually, architects have a portfolio of projects to showcase and customers review that. This helps them understand the process and get on with it.
The second step involves gathering information and the required documentation
Homeowners’ goals, needs, and requirements are discussed in this step. Architects visit the site and review the existing conditions. They even take the measurements of anything present there and in turn, create as-built plans. Homeowners are given a copy for record purposes.
The built plans are actually floor plans and exterior elevations drawn on paper. A minimal set displaying what exists on the site. Surveyors are usually contacted at this point and they produce an on-site survey. Project advisory professionals reveal that the survey is eventually added to the document.
The architects visit the city or county building authority to review applicable records. Those records can also include as-built drawings of an existing home, previous surveys, and public records like any previous liens on the property.
The architects usually gather information from the state and city agencies when it comes to specific land use and building code requirements along with procedures before submission of plans and application of permits.
Architects also create a work plan to outline the tasks that need to be done. This specifies the time, and place to get them done. Deadlines are also set.
The third step involves checking the schematic design and feasibility
Architects generate around two or three preliminary designs incorporating information from the second step. At this stage, architects also bring design concepts to the table. There can be a specific site feature amplified with new architectural methods or opportunities within the project that were not discussed previously.
Architects explore the order of the way they approach the property in construction. How they navigate it also depends on their modus operandi. The home’s experience is a point of focus here. The general locations of the property’s functions (doors, stairs, windows, etc.) are taken into consideration. Consequently, a diagram is made featuring these functions. Any graphics, illustrations, and sketches are diagrams at this stage.
Features such as windows can be added schematically. They are optional. Architectural plans featuring rudimentary elevations are made. They represent relationships among spaces. A three-dimensional model is made on a computer and then a physical model is made using blocks and other materials (on a dollhouse scale).
Now comes design and development plus any documents for permit
Decisions are being made. Architects develop schematic drawings and convert them into permit documents. The diagrams evolve into real-time architecture at this step. The diagrams are also further refined regarding details and methods.
Materials are also decided. Architects then determine how everything fits together (how floors meet walls, base trim, flush trim, etc.). Window openings are defined further in the design through opening locations and mullions. Consultants such as structural engineers also provide information that is coordinated with the design’s drawings.
Specifications for materials, appliances, fixtures, lighting, assembly details plus related code information are added to the project. Recommendations provided by tradespeople, suppliers, and manufacturers are also added to the drawings. The homeowner continues making decisions at specific levels of detail.
Step five is a compilation of construction documents plus acquiring permits
A set of permitted drawings among a set of compiled construction documents is required for acquiring a building permit. These permit documents are used for the submission, coordination, and acquisition of building permits from the concerned relevant authorities.
The authorities involved may care to review every detail of a property being constructed. Their only job is to ensure the property being constructed meets local, city, county, state, and federal building codes.
Submitting a permit set early after requirements are covered is a good use of time. This helps get the approval so architects can continue working on a more thorough set of drawings needed for construction. These very drawings continue changing and evolving until the last moment.
Choosing a general contractor is the sixth step
General contractors are usually interviewed to establish a good fit. At times, a homeowner knows the best contractor to work with and they usually do not need to conduct an interview.
Final Step - administering the construction
The project’s documents and drawings are complete. Construction work starts and usually with a complicated project, architects are retained to answer certain questions, help provide clarifications or manage them, and carry out any needed revisions. Any case of construction claims is also managed accordingly if they ever arise.
Architects also protect the interests of clients and design integrity. Each invoice, expense and schedule is reviewed by them, and they can also bring the property owner on board.
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