The first step in the architectural design process is the schematic design. After the initial consultation with the client, the architect should come away with an idea of the overall concept and scope of the project.
Further meetings or phone calls with the client, or visits to the proposed building site, may be necessary to give the architect a more accurate sense of the client’s needs and to identify any potential challenges the project or the site could present.
This preparation allows the architect to develop the schematic design.
Schematic Design Purpose
The purpose of the schematic design is to provide an overview of a building or remodeling project. It’s a big-picture plan that comprises all the major structural elements of the design, defines the indoor and outdoor spaces and the relationship between all the elements of the design.
It allows the architect and client to ensure they agree on the overall scope and concept of the project and provides a basis on which the architect can begin to estimate the time and costs that will be involved.
Schematic Design Decisions
Many of the most important decisions about the project are made during the schematic design phase. Typical questions include:
- How big will the building/s and other structures be?
- How should buildings and structures be situated on the site?
- What kinds of systems – HVAC, plumbing, electrical, drainage, etc. – will need to be put into place to support the project’s intended use?
- Who else needs to be on the design team; for example, are there engineers, landscape architects or other specialists that should be consulted?
This is also the phase where any potentially significant problems should be identified. Budget constraints, special considerations regarding the building site, scheduling conflicts and potential permitting issues often become apparent as the schematic design is developed. Excellent communication between the architect and client is especially important at this phase.
Schematic Design Tasks & Deliverables
Near the beginning of this phase, the client may be asked to sign a contract with the architect, outlining services to be provided, deliverables and a payment agreement.
During the schematic design phase, the architect may present the client with different options for the project. She may also provide other visual materials, such as photos, illustrations or materials samples, to help support the client’s decision-making.
By the end of the phase, the architect will produce (as necessary) site plans, floor plans and elevations. For large projects, she may produce a three-dimensional model of the project.
She will also secure, or provide recommendations for, any additional experts (such as engineers) needed to complete the design.
The architect, and possibly the client, may need to meet with the city planning department, homeowner’s association or other affected party to review the schematic design.
Costs
Depending on the contract, the architect may require the client to pay a deposit on her projected fees at or near the beginning of the schematic design phase.
By the end of this phase, the architect should be able to provide a rough estimate of the overall cost of the project. This estimate can change as the project progresses, of course, depending on changes requested by the client or unforeseen problems that arise during the next phases of the project.
Once the schematic design phase is complete and everyone has signed off, the next phase begins: design development.
This post first ran in 2019.