The architectural design process takes many steps to ensure that the final product is everything you imagined. You may be familiar with the five architectural design phases, but what you may not know is how to get the best out of them. If you know what you’re looking for, the process will be easier. But for those who aren’t aware, here are the five phases of architectural design and how you can get the most out of them with your architectural designers in Sydney.
Step 1 – Pre-Design Phase
The first step is the pre-design phase. The objective of this phase is communication with the client. Establish an overall vision for the project by specifying the goals, scope, features and functionality required. This discussion will be a precursor to the project overall and set the design process in motion. Once you’re satisfied with the vision for the project, step 2 will begin.
In order to get the most out of this process, having some preformulated ideas will come in handy. This can give direction on how you want your project to go and what you want it to turn out like, whether it’s a remodelling of your kitchen or drawing up a new house. But if you are unsure about what you want, don’t worry! The pre-design phase is there to help you formulate and crystalise the vision of your project.
Step 2 – Schematic Design
Much like step 1, communication is vital to ensure this phase goes smoothly. In this phase, there are a series of rough sketch drawings that illustrate the basic concepts of the design. This will give a tangible vision of what was discussed in step 1 and allow you to visualise how the final project will turn out. Research on local compliance and regulations is done during this phase. For example, if you were living in Sydney, building regulations and compliances will need to be adhered to for any construction. With your approval of the schematic design, the architectural design process moves on to step 3.
Step 3 – Design Development
Design development involves collecting all the results, such as your input and local regulations from the previous phase. This culminates in finalising the design and specifying items and materials that will be used in the final project. For example, what kind of windows and doors do you want? Are there any specific materials you want, like a granite countertop or mahogany door? This phase considers all of this and gives it shape through architectural drawings and written specifications. You can really get the most out of this step if you know what materials you want and how you want them to look.
Step 4 – Construction Drawings
The penultimate phase in architectural design is construction drawings. At this point, there will be a final design and construction preparation can begin. Construction drawings, blueprint notes and technical specifications necessary for bidding construction and permit application are all put in place for the final construction to begin.
Step 5 – Construction
The steps before all lead up to the building of the final project. This step ensures that the build goes according to the intent and previous designs and discussions. Also, to make sure that any changes in the project are done so accordingly and to your wishes.
Altogether, these steps will guide you through the architectural design process. If you need architectural designers in Sydney, contact George Banks Architecture. We will guide you through every step of the design process.
