5 Stages of the Architectural Design Process

The architectural design process is usually broken down into 5 stages. Be it a hotel architect, education architect, healthcare architect, or residential architect in India, these stages help all architects organize the project with more manageable steps.

In this guide, we will take look at the various architectural design phases.

The primary step is to meet the client and understand his/her requirements. Here some key areas of the project are discussed – e.g. the scope, purpose, features, and functionality.

Activities involved in this step are:

• Client consultation
• Survey and documentation of existing conditions
• Photography, measurements, compiling existing drawings if any, preparing high-level base drawings
• Estimating construction/building cost
• Planning space and use

Once all the above activities are completed, this stage ends with the client’s decision on whether to move forward with the project.

In this stage, a series of rough sketches/drawings are done to illustrate the basic concepts of the design. Additionally, research of local regulations and compliance is done.

At this phase, the following things are delivered

• Floor plans, site plans, and building elevations for the design phase.
• Here you will get a complete description of the building systems (structural, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing and electrical), etc
• Interior and exterior finishes and the building site are also discussed and planned.

This design phase is when the architect really digs into the details. Now that the basic idea is ready, the architect begins to refine them. This stage involves finalizing the design and specifying items such as materials, window, door locations, and general structural details.

At this phase, the following things are delivered

• Overall dimensions/Structural grid dimensions/ Interior wall dimensions
• Additional building section plan
• Wall sections at all typical conditions
• Additional details to establish a basis for design products etc

Once the final design is ready, architects begin preparing construction drawings/blueprints, notes, and technical specifications necessary for bidding, construction, and permit application. The construction contractors use these detailed drawings and specifications to prepare for the construction.

Construction drawing usually contains the following:-

• Project Information - Cover Sheet, Accessibility Notes and Details, Site Plan, Landscape plan, Life Safety Plan
• Demolitions Plans
• Floor Plans
• Elevations and Building Sections
• Finish Plans - Reflected Ceiling Plan - Power Plan
• Interior Elevations
• Schedules and Wall Types - Door Schedule - Window Schedule - Equipment and Finishes
• Structural Drawings
• Mechanical Drawings
• Electrical Drawings
• Plumbing Drawings
• Other Consultant Drawings: example acoustical design information or content provided by a specialty kitchen consultant

During this phase, the project is built as per the design. Also if there are any changes, it gets discussed with the owner, along with the other options. It ensures that alterations are compatible with the owner’s vision. This is the last phase and at the end of this phase, the project is ready for use/occupancy.

Once there is a clear understanding of each of these design phases, architects can easily manage the project as per the client’s expectations.

IMK architect is one such top architectural firm in India that’s known to follow a rigorous design process to achieve their goals. With cutting-edge technology and innovation, the team builds environments that evoke awe and brilliance. The team aims to build a feasible project that is structurally viable, follows building codes and regulations, and one that is economical and robust.

The firm expertise's in various segments ranging from Healthcare, Hospitality, Educational Campuses, Institutions, Self-Redevelopment, Residential Townships, and more. So if you are looking for a residential architect, hotel architect, hospital architect, university architect, or an education architect for a school building in India – look no further than IMK architect.