AR 242: THEORY OF

ARCHITECTURE 2
MODULE 2: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS
AND METHODOLOGIES

PREPARED BY: AR. JOAN VEÑEGAS GALLANO, M Arch-LA, UAP

 Architectural Design Process: A Quick Guide

INCEPTION ARCHITECTURAL COMPLETION

(ESTABLISHING A STARTING POINT DESIGN PROCESS (ACTION OR PROCESS OF
OF AN ACTIVITY) (7 PHASES) FINISHING SOMETHING)

Just as we only look at the building and often neglect the foundation that supports it, the architectural design process is the
bedrock of construction project management. It’s a lengthy process that follows the construction project from inception to
completion.
As the construction project unfolds, there may be external impacts, regulations and other forces in addition to internal
forces. The set of drawings and documents will only guide the construction project to a successful completion if they’re free
of errors, making the architectural design process that much more important.
 What Is the Architectural Design Process?
• The architectural design process is how a construction project is developed and analyzed in
set stages. This process is usually broken down into seven phases to provide order to the
project by identifying periods of review, creating a structured release of design information
and determining the natural stages of invoicing.
• The construction of a building is complicated, heavily regulated and expensive, and general
contractors don’t want to revise the architectural design once the project breaks ground.
After the project is completed, there’s little that can be done without demolishing the
structure and starting from scratch.
• That’s why the architectural design process is so important; it organizes the management of
the project and offers clear communication on its design intent. The phases of the
architectural design process allow the production information to be efficient and transparent
to reduce risks that could result in costly, timely delays.
When does it begin?
• The Architectural Design Process begins when a
client identifies a need to accommodate new or
expanded activities…

…with a new building, or the enhancement, or

the enlargement of an existing building.

The client will interview a number of architectural

firms in order to determine which one will have the
combination of experience, skill and resources that will
make them the best choice to design the building.

The ‘successful’ or chosen architect will be hired – or

commissioned – to carry out the design project.
What Is the Architectural Design Process?
 7 Phases of Architectural Design Process

• 1. Pre-Design (PD)
• 2. Schematic Design (SD)
• 3. Design Development (DD)
• 4. Construction Documents (CD)
• 5. Building Permits
• 6. Bidding and Negotiation
• 7. Construction Administration (CA)
 Architectural Design Process
1. PRE-DESIGN

• We start with pre-design, often referred to as the programming phase, which kicks
off the architectural design process. At this stage, the architect works with the
client to understand the plot of land on which the project will take place. They’ll
also discuss if there are other structures already on the site and what the client
wants for the building they’re commissioning.

• This means the architect needs to conduct research and collect information. Some
things they must know are local zoning and land-use restrictions, project scope,
client desires, scale, surrounding buildings, neighborhood, site conditions, building
codes and more. After this, they will brainstorm, sketch and model various design
ideas.
An architectural brief is a statement of a client's requirements, which form the basis for appointing an architect.
The brief describes the requirements that need to be reconciled and accommodated, and is developed first as a
design which is submitted for approval, and subsequently constructed as a building or other structure. An
architect's design is considered the response to the building program.

THE PROJECT DESIGN PROCESS PLANS

1

3
2. SCHEMATIC DESIGN (SD)

• Now you want to develop the designs and present them to the client. This means
developing a design proposal. Architects will create site plans, floor plans and
building elevations. Also necessary are structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing
and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• At this point, you’ll want to show your ideas to others and get their feedback.
Architects meet regularly with their clients to show them the drawings of different
variations to help everyone decide on which design is best. Disagreements are
reduced if the architect takes the client’s needs into account when designing.
• After the meetings with the client, the architect analyzes the feedback and makes
changes. It’s always good to make changes at this phase in the design process to
avoid adding costs and potentially delaying the construction schedule if done at a
later date. This process of meeting and revising will continue until the design is
agreed upon by all parties.
 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
• DISTRIBUTION
• CIRCULATION
• LIGHT AND VENTILATION
• SIZES, AREAS, AND SHAPE
• ORIENTATION
• ZONING AREAS
• HEIGHT
• ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FACILITIES
• SUPERSTITION
• DISTRIBUTION REFERS TO THE PLACEMENT, LOCATION, AND ARRANGEMENT OF EACH ROOM UNIT
IN RELATION WITH EACH OTHER AS TO FUNCTION AND COORDINATION
• CIRCULATION IS THA FLOW OF TRAFFIC PRESENT INSIDE THE BUILDING, MOVEMENT OF THE
OCCUPANTS.
• LIGHT AND VENTILATION. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A GOOD DAYLIGHT AND NATURAL
VENTILATION BUT DEPENDS UPON THE LIKES AND PREFERENCES OF THE OWNER.
• SIZES, AREAS, AND SHAPES SHOULD BE PLANNED ACCORDING TO HUMAN SCALE INCLUDING THE
CONSIDERATION TO ACCOMMODATE FURNITURES, APPLIANCES, AND OTHER RELATED FACILITIES.
• ORIENTATION REFERS TO THE POSITION AND DIRECTION IN THE AREA FOR THE YEAR ROUND.
• ZONING LAWS AND ORDINANCE SHOULD BE CONSULTED FIRST BEFORE DECIDING ON THE FINAL
SITE OF THE BUILDING.
• HEIGHT.
• ELECTRICAL LAYOUT.
• LOCATION OF DOORS AND WINDOWS.
• SUPERSTITION
3. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (DD)
• Now that the client is happy with the design, it’s time to create a more detailed
plan. Those details include the placement of doors and windows and any
adjustments to the building form. At this stage, a structural engineer will join the
design team to help come up with more accurate estimates for the project.
• The exterior and interior finishes are then presented to the client and materials,
fixtures and other finishes are discussed. There will be a back and forth with the
client often determined by costs, which will lead to both sides having to
compromise. However, at the end of this stage, the building’s exterior, layout and
dimensions are finalized and most of the materials have been chosen. There might
still be some minor changes to the building design.