Understanding the architectural design process – a step by step guide
When you decide to build, extend or renovate your home, the first step in the process is to hire an architect. But what exactly does this phase of the project include?
Our role is to ensure that your goals and ideas are successfully transformed into a beautiful and functional home, helping you to navigate the complexities of any planning laws, and hiring a suitable contractor to handle your build.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand how we achieve just that!
Initial consultation and briefing
Our initial consultation really kicks the project off and defines the scope of the work.
We’ll listen to your ideas and goals whilst looking at the existing property or plot of land. During this phase, it’s important to discuss and agree:
- What do you want to achieve? For example, a larger kitchen, additional bedroom space, a home office etc.
- What are your priorities? Style, sustainability, function?
- What is your budget?
- Are there any specific challenges that we need to consider? E.g. listed building status, conservation laws etc.
Pre-design and site analysis
Next up, we’ll study the existing site, taking measurements and looking at the footprint so we can create drawings that show the existing layout of the property. These drawings act as a baseline for planning renovation and extension works, and form a vital part of any future planning permission applications.
During this stage, we’ll also be looking at key environmental factors, such as the orientation of the property and the characteristics of the local neighbourhood.
Concept design
Now the creative work begins! Depending on the size and scope of the project, we’ll initially
explore 2 – 3 sketch schemes, or concept drawings, to show you a couple of different ways to achieve your goals.
The different schemes will show differing layouts, style and options in response to your brief.
Once the schemes have been presented to you, feedback is crucial because we’ll need to refine the schemes and agree which concept to take forward.
Design development
Once a scheme has been chosen, we delve much deeper and develop it further to create precise and detailed drawings that show exactly how the scheme will come to life.
During this stage, we’ll present floor and elevation plans so decisions can be made about room sizes and layouts, the kind of materials to be used during the build, window placement and size, door positions etc.
Planning and approvals
If the project requires planning permission or listed building consent, we will prepare the application and submit it to the local authority.
Many clients are apprehensive about this phase, but we act on your behalf and will guide you through the process. If the planning authority has any questions, we will answer them in consultation with you. We will also submit any revisions to the plans if required.
Technical drawings and contract tender
Once planning has been approved we create technical drawings. These are highly detailed drawings that are used to tender out the construction and building works to builders so they can provide a detailed quotation. Once responses are received, we will help you to go through each one and select the most suitable contractor to handle your project.
Contracts
Once the builder has been selected, we will issue the contracts and handover all the relevant drawings and documentation so the build can begin! This is where high quality, detailed drawings prove so valuable as the builder won’t waste time trying to piece the job together.
Handover
Once completed, we will ensure all contractual obligations have been met and that you have received everything as agreed.
Conclusion
The architect’s role is to combine creative and technical expertise to create a space that archives your goals, but also works with the local environment and most importantly – can be achieved within your budget!
Understanding each step of the process will help you to get the most out of your project, and give you an idea of what to expect when you embark on your next project.
If you have a project that you’d like to discuss with the Taylor and Co team, get in touch to find out more.
