Embarking on a building project is an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities. From the initial spark of an idea to witnessing a magnificent structure rise from the ground, it’s an experience that leaves an indelible mark. But how does one navigate this complex process seamlessly?
This entire process of designing and constructing a building is broken down into a series of stages to make it manageable. Furthermore, a stage-wise approach also ensures that necessary feedback and modifications are accommodated at each appropriate stage of the project.
Quite broadly, the entire building process for small to medium-sized projects can be divided into 5 stages: Pre-Design (PD), Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Building Permit (BP), Construction Documents (CD), and Construction Management (CM). These steps are aligned with the project stages recommended by the Council of Architecture (CoA).
Pre Design (PD)
In our experience, a good design begins even before any scheme is drawn. At the beginning of any project, we take the time to listen, understand your unique requirements, and gather information on your space requirements, lifestyle, aspirations, budget and future needs. Simultaneously, we meticulously investigate the site, its surroundings, climate, and building regulations. This ensures that the approach, vision, and goals of us architects and you, the client, are aligned. All of this gets done in the Pre-Design (PD) stage.
Schematic Development (SD)
The Schematic Design e (SD) stage is one of the most exciting stages of a project where we give physical form to your project through drawings, virtual, and physical models. Oftentimes, you develop both doubts and inspiration during this stage. All of these are explored at this stage of the project.
Design Development (DD)
The approved Schematic Design is elaborated in the Design Development (DD) stage where the project is given content. A well-functioning building requires the input of various consultants, chief among them, the structural consultant, and depending on the size of the project, MEP, HVAC, Sustainability consultants etc. depending on the complexity of the project. As architects, we incorporate and combine these inputs while staying true to the overall vision of the project.
Any major changes that you may have are efficiently solved at this stage rather than later in the project.
Building Permit (BP) & Construction Documents (CD)
As your dream takes shape, we understand the urgency to break ground and bring it to life. That’s why we recommend engaging a liaisoning firm for acquiring the Building Permit (BP) documentation.
While they navigate the intricate permit approval process, we dive headfirst into the Construction Documents (CD) stage. Our team works diligently, refining every detail and preparing comprehensive plans that align with your vision. By running these stages simultaneously, we minimize delays and ensure a prompt start to construction once the permit is in hand.
Construction Management (CM)
The success of any design hinges on its execution at the construction site. From ensuring that the right contractors are engaged to strict adherence to design specifications, efficient utilization of labour, materials, and resources, and maintaining project financials, these factors greatly impact the outcome.
At our office, we have a dedicated Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team that works alongside our architectural team to oversee these crucial aspects. Through periodic supervision, we ensure that the desired outcome, aligned with both your expectations and ours, is achieved.
We have compiled the stages, our scope of work and deliverables for each of the project stages in this concise flowchart. The timelines mentioned in the flowchart are typically for new residential projects which for larger or more complex projects change depending on the project
