Your architect will develop sketch plans and design ideas to answer the brief. These will include conceptual site and building plans, sections, elevations and diagrams. The structural and mechanical systems will be considered and the preliminary selection of materials and finishes will be done. Energy and water saving goals will be identified. In most projects authorities will be consulted at this stage.

Your architect will now refine the preliminary designs into a more detailed design after a thorough review with you and approval by you of the Preliminary Design.The documents shall include a site plan, building plans, sections and elevations and shall illustrate the scale and relationship of the Project components. Major structural and mechanical systems will be identified. Your architect may also provide a study model and perspective sketches. At this stage a cost estimate is advisable to make sure the design fits in your budget. Your architect can help you to trim costs if necessary.

Your architect will now refine the schematic designs into a detailed design or sometimes called Design Development after a thorough review with you and approval by you of the Schematic Design.The documents shall illustrate and describe the refinement of the design of the Project, establishing the scope, relationships, forms, size and appearance of the Project by means of plans, sections and elevations, typical construction details, and equipment layouts. Structural and Mechanical systems will be designed and details produced. Materials, finishes and fittings will be selected; details of the design will be completed – including kitchens, bathrooms, and landscaping concepts.  If approval from the local building officials is required documents will be drawn up, reports written and applications prepared and submitted at the conclusion of the detailed design stage.

This is the busiest stage for your architect and the stage where you will have the least to do. By now most of the design decisions you will need to make have been completed and your architect will be preparing all the documents necessary to gain permission to build. The documents will be based on the previously approved Detailed Design. At this stage you architect will be working with engineers (if necessary) to develop structural, and mechanical details. If your project is especially complex engineers may have already been engaged earlier in the process. At the end of this stage the Construction Permit Application along with Energy Code compliance documents will be submitted to a building official for the approval to start building. Some of the documents your architect will prepare are: Construction Drawings, Building details, Schedules, Specifications, Energy Compliance Reports.

Your architect will now help you to evaluate the progress and quality of construction including checking submittals and shop drawings from the contractor and to prepare reports of meetings during construction during project closeout. Your architect can also act as your representative during construction.  Your architect will visit the site at regular intervals, review and certify payments to the contractor, review the contractor’s submittals, reject nonconforming work and interpret the contract documents.