project PHASES
There are multiple phases in the design process in order to achieve a beautiful, well-designed final product. Each separate phase is listed below, and a description reveals what that particular phase entails.
Conceptual Design
This first initial phase determines many factors about the project. It constitutes interviewing the client to ascertain what the design objectives are, what the design should achieve, the requirements for every space, and possible style or color considerations. If there is a current building to work with, as-built drawings are requested, while if it is new construction, the site selection is considered. A preliminary budget and schedule is also worked out.
Schematic Design
The concepts for the design are explored in this phase. Sketching and research are the primary focus here, in order to formulate a cohesive, well-organized design. The client or clients will be extremely involved in this process so the design can achieve the highest level of functionality and customer satisfaction.
Design Development
Refining the design is the main goal for design development. Revisions are made depending on the client's concerns. Materials, colors, furniture, fixtures, and equipment are selected, and the budget will be adjusted based on these choices.
Construction Documentation
Fixtures, materials, design details and furniture are finalized during this phase, so that the technical drawings can be drawn up for construction.
Bid Negotiations
Bid Negotiations is to select the contractor(s). In some cases, a contractor will be previously chosen because of their qualifications and skills. The other route is to put the drawings out to bid, and the firm will choose the best contractor for that particular project after evaluating all bids that came in.
Construction Administration
Working and communicating well with the contractor(s) is the key for this phase. Visits to the construction site are paramount to confer that the construction is adhering to all specifications in the construction documents, while also resolving any problems that occur while the project is being built.
This first initial phase determines many factors about the project. It constitutes interviewing the client to ascertain what the design objectives are, what the design should achieve, the requirements for every space, and possible style or color considerations. If there is a current building to work with, as-built drawings are requested, while if it is new construction, the site selection is considered. A preliminary budget and schedule is also worked out.
Schematic Design
The concepts for the design are explored in this phase. Sketching and research are the primary focus here, in order to formulate a cohesive, well-organized design. The client or clients will be extremely involved in this process so the design can achieve the highest level of functionality and customer satisfaction.
Design Development
Refining the design is the main goal for design development. Revisions are made depending on the client's concerns. Materials, colors, furniture, fixtures, and equipment are selected, and the budget will be adjusted based on these choices.
Construction Documentation
Fixtures, materials, design details and furniture are finalized during this phase, so that the technical drawings can be drawn up for construction.
Bid Negotiations
Bid Negotiations is to select the contractor(s). In some cases, a contractor will be previously chosen because of their qualifications and skills. The other route is to put the drawings out to bid, and the firm will choose the best contractor for that particular project after evaluating all bids that came in.
Construction Administration
Working and communicating well with the contractor(s) is the key for this phase. Visits to the construction site are paramount to confer that the construction is adhering to all specifications in the construction documents, while also resolving any problems that occur while the project is being built.