The document outlines the typical 7 phases of an architectural design process: 1) Pre-design/programming phase to understand client needs and research the project, 2) Schematic design phase to develop preliminary concepts and layouts, 3) Design development phase to refine the design with more detailed drawings and specifications, 4) Construction documents phase to produce legally binding drawings and specifications to guide construction, 5) Building permit phase where plans are submitted for approval, 6) Bidding/negotiation phase where contractors are solicited, and 7) Contract administration phase where the architect oversees construction to ensure it aligns with the design intent.

1. 7 Phases of
Architectural
Design
armb

2. The Architecture Design
process…
From its inception through to completion,
the development of an architectural project
is an extremely lengthy process, with many
external influences, regulations, and forces
to consider as well the various contributing
internal elements of the design team.

3. Why do we need a set of
architectural design phases, and are
they even important?

4. 01 – Pre-design phase
02 – Schematic design and programming phase
03 – Design development phase
7 Phases of Architectural Design
04 – Construction drawings and documents phase
05 – Building permit phase
06 – Bidding and negotiation phase
07 – Contract documents and administration phase

5. The pre-design
phase
The pre-design (pd) phase, or the
programming phase, is dedicated to
understanding the project brief and
clients needs, researching information
that’s relevant to the project, and
considering ideas.

6. 02 –
Schematic
design and
programming
phase
In this next phase, the architectural design team
begins to translate the client's wishes into a building
design concept. This may involve sketches, drawings,
3D renderings, and preliminary site plans, floor plans,
and building elevations. Any building systems, such as
HVAC and plumbing, also belong in the schematic
designs.

7. 03 – Design
development
phase
This is the phase where the architect's design intent
manifests as a detailed plan. If the project requires a
structural engineer, that person typically joins the
team at this point. The architect also presents the
client with both exterior and interior finishes, which
will go atop the foundational structure. Finishes can
greatly affect the total cost of a construction project
(as well as the project schedule), so this phase must
be handled with the utmost degree of respect. At
this point, a more realistic cost estimate will come
into view.

8. 04 – Construction
drawings and
documents phase
In this next phase of the architectural design process,
design becomes a reality. The architect produces two sets
of detailed drawings that specify every detail of their
final design. One set is called the construction set, and it
remains on-site throughout the construction process. The
other set is called the permit set, which the architect
sends to the local permitting authority, whether that's a
city or a county. In a design-build project, the in-house
construction contractor becomes involved at this point.

9. 05 – Building
permit phase
At this point, the architect must submit the permit set of
drawings as part of a larger permit application. The city or
county reviews the submittals for structural integrity and
adherence to zoning laws and building codes. Permitting
can be one of the slowest parts of the construction
process, but it protects architects, builders, and property
owners from potentially dangerous construction errors.
Simple construction projects in permissive municipalities
can get approval in a matter of days.

10. 06 – Bidding and
negotiation phase
If the building is a design-build project that is designed and
built by the same firm, there is no need to field bids from
construction contractors. If no contractor comes pre-
attached, the client and the architect interview contractors
and solicit competitive bids. Potential contractors sit down
with the client and architect to go through the construction
drawing sets and discuss materials and schedules.
Contractors seek shovel-ready projects to keep their crews
busy throughout the year. Therefore you will have a better
chance of securing a contractor—and a competitive price—if
your project is already permitted and ready to go.

11. 07 – Contract
documents and
administration
phase
In this final phase, the architect's role shifts from
creative design to project management. While they don’t
physically manage the job site, they make regular site
visits to ensure that the project is being executed
according to their plans. The contractor and their crew
assumes control of the project like a film director taking
over a screenwriter's script. Project budgets can balloon
on account of cost overruns, but with careful planning, no
changes will be needed

12. summary
To summarize, a typical order of architectural design phases,
as often taught in architecture schools and practiced in many
architectural firms, consists of the following stages:
Pre-Design or Preliminary Phase
1.
Programming: Identify the needs, desires, and
functions that the building must support.
Feasibility Studies: Evaluate the project’s viability,
including potential site evaluations.
Site Analysis: Understand the characteristics of the
project’s physical location, such as sun path, wind
patterns, topography, views, and surrounding context.
Schematic Design (SD)
2.
Develop preliminary design concepts.
Create rough sketches and basic layouts.
Initial discussions about materials, systems, and
structure.
Preliminary cost estimation.
Design Development (DD)
3.
Refine and detail the schematic design.
Detailed drawings and other documents are produced.
Choose specific materials and systems.
Update cost estimation based on more detailed design.

13. summary
Construction Documents (CD)
4.
Produce detailed drawings and specifications that will
guide the contractors in construction.
These documents are used for bidding and construction,
and they’re legally binding.
Bidding or Negotiation
5.
The project owner (or their representative) seeks bids or
negotiates with contractors.
The architect might assist in evaluating bids or proposals.
Construction Administration (CA)
6.
The architect monitors the construction process to ensure
it aligns with the design intent.
Address any issues or questions that arise during
construction.
Review and approve (or reject) contractor payments based
on work progress.
Post-Construction
7.
Building Commissioning: This ensures that building
systems are designed, installed, and calibrated to operate
as intended.
Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE): Feedback is gathered
from the building’s users to understand what works and
what doesn’t in the completed building.