Understanding the Phases of the Design Process
The blog covers:
1. What Is the Key to Success in Design?
The key to the success of any design project is an understanding of the progression of design and documentation from project conception through construction completion. This is particularly the case for architects who must meet client goals and deadlines with the appropriate level of work according to an agreed-upon schedule. If the level of design detail is inadequate for a given stage of development, then the design team risks delaying the project schedule, resulting in an unhappy client. If the design team moves too far ahead in a given stage, then it risks using too much design time, and consequently, the efforts may be unprofitable for the design team.
2. Successful Design Phases Lead to Successful Projects
A successful project, by contrast, progresses in a logical fashion with an appropriate level of detail for each stage of development. Understanding the scope of each design stage for a typical building project, moreover, will help the emerging architect prepare for the ARE® exams, since these exams are largely organized by the design phase. Focusing on the appropriate study material for each exam is essential in preparing for and passing these exams. Specifically, the ARE exams are divided into the following categories: Practice Management, Project Management, Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, Project Development & Documentation, and, finally, Construction & Evaluation. Excluding the first two of these topics, the exams follow the course of development of a typical project. In a sense we can also understand Practice Management and Project Management as topics largely related to work which must occur before the initial design and pre-design phases occur, such as business operations, finances, and contracts; all of which must have a firm foundation before design work can begin. It should be noted that the design phases described here are for a typical Design-Bid-Build contract. Other project delivery models are possible and may have variations to the types of tasks completed during each design phase.
3. Programming & Analysis
Programming & Analysis is not a design phase, per se, but rather a pre-design phase, which sets the parameters, goals, and constraints for the subsequent design work which is to occur. Programming can be understood as the process of defining what is to be accomplished with the design. In other words, it sets the problem which the design must solve. Architects typically do not define a project's program. It is, rather, the owner who provides the program to the architect. There are exceptions to this, but if the architect is to assist an owner with the development of a program, this is typically an added service above and beyond what is normally included in the standard form of agreement between an architect and owner. Programming also typically includes the establishment and communication of other project goals, requirements and constraints which must be considered in the design. The programming information which is provided to the architect typically includes a list of spaces with their intended functions along with corresponding square footage for each of these spaces. Pre-design analysis is often part of the architect's scope and may include the study of contextual, environmental, zoning, and other conditions of the site which may impact the design.
4. Project Planning & Design
- Schematic Design
The Schematic Design phase is covered under the ARE exam titled Project Planning & Design. During this phase, the architect develops a design concept for the project which achieves the programming goals previously established. Often, the schematic design phase includes the development of multiple design options. These options are often reviewed with the client, whose feedback assists the architect in the selection of the appropriate design concept, which will ultimately move forward into the next design phase. In communicating the conceptual design intent to an owner, the architect may create diagrams, renderings, block floor plans, preliminary site plans, or other supporting material. These are often shown and discussed at progress meetings with the client. Once a general direction has been established for the concept design, the architect, along with any consulting engineers working on the project, can work on finalizing the documentation which must be submitted by the established schematic design deadline. This documentation typically includes a set of drawings with preliminary floor plans, elevations, and basic wall sections. It should be noted that the intent for this design phase is to establish the overall concept for the project. Elements of the project will not be developed or drawn in detail, nor will all design issues be resolved. However, the schematic design must be developable in the future stages of the project. In other words, the major decisions for the project will have been made, such as building massing, overall layout of spaces, structural and mechanical systems, and other major building elements. Another key intention for the Schematic Design phase is to establish a fairly accurate picture of what the project will cost and check that it will not exceed the budget established by the owner.
- Design Development
During Design Development, the ideas which were solidified in the Schematic Design phase are fleshed out, and details are developed. The design team begins to answer the question of how the building is to be constructed. For example, calculations are done to size ducts for the mechanical system, and members are sized for structural systems. All subconsultants and engineers must also coordinate their work during this phase so that all systems are compatible and adequate space is provided for each system element. Architecturally, details are developed for exterior wall and roofing systems. It may have been decided in the Schematic Design phase that the building will utilize, for example, a brick veneer finish, but now, during Design Development, the full assembly details with all of the wall components (such as insulation, cavity space, air and vapor barrier, etc.) must not only be defined, but preliminary details at various building conditions (such as at window jambs and headers, parapets, corners, etc.) must be determined. Specific material and component manufacturers and products which are to be used as the basis of design are to be selected so that any requirements for products are understood and details appropriately developed. Other aspects of design that had not yet been fully considered in Schematic Design will also be developed, such as door hardware, window schedules, reflected ceiling plans, and interior details. Specifications are also created and compiled for all aspects of the design.
It should be understood that although major design decisions are typically made during Schematic Design, it is often the case that some aspects of the design may change during the Design Development phase. For example, an owner my realize that an adjustment to the layout of spaces is needed, or the architect, in further studying the code requirements for a particular aspect of the design, may discover that an alternate approach is needed. Ideally, significant design changes are limited at this point in the design process. It is a general rule that as the design progresses, the later the changes are made, the more time and effort is involved in making the revisions. In addition to the drawings and specifications, an updated cost estimate is also typically provided to ensure that the project is still on track to meet budgetary goals.
5. Construction & Evaluation
- Construction Document
The final stage of the design process is the Construction Document phase, which is covered under the Construction & Evaluation exam. During this phase, the what and how of the previous phases are incorporated into a document package which will clearly and unambiguously communicate the design so that a contractor will be able to construct the project with minimal questions or issues related to the design. All details and specifications are finalized, and any remaining design issues are fully resolved. Specifically, the construction document set includes the final versions of the project drawings and specifications which are to be used as the basis for contractor bidding. The document set is a detailed package describing what the contractor is to produce, but it should also be understood there are also limits to what the design team is responsible for. While the design team seeks to provide the most complete construction documents at an appropriate level of detail, the actual means and methods by which the contractors actually build the project is beyond the scope of the design team.
- Construction Administration
Also covered under the Construction & Evaluation exam is the Construction Administration phase, which occurs after bidding has been undertaken and a contractor selected. During this phase, the architect assists the owner by providing a number of services while the building is being constructed. For example, submittals are reviewed, RFI's are answered, and applications for payment are reviewed during this phase. Additionally, the architect typically performs site visits to review the progress of the work. If the design documents have been completed with sufficient quality, then change orders and problems in the field can be minimized.
6. Understanding Each Design Phase Will Help You Study for Your ARE Exams
For the emerging professional in the process of completing the ARE exams, knowledge of the scope of each design phase will aid in the study for the exams, since, as we have observed, the exams are largely divided by design phase. In practice, understanding the design phases of a project is key to a smooth-running project. When all parties understand the project schedule and the scope of each design phase, delays are minimized, the chances of budget overruns are reduced, and a positive relationship with the owner is maintained.
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