The following steps outline the architect's typical role throughout the process of designing, permitting, and constructing your home. The goal for each step is to arrive at a basis for proceeding to the following step, incrementally layering criteria to develop the design and realize the project. Depending on the complexity of the project and the local jurisdiction, some steps may not be applicable or may vary.
I. Pre-design/Information Gathering: Research and document aspects of the project that will inform the design. This typically includes:
A. A site survey or plan of existing conditions, field observations, photographs, understanding of neighborhood context
B. Review of zoning/development standards, local permitting process and building codes
C. Owner’s program/space requirements and design objectives
D. Owner's budget and schedule
II. Conceptual Design: Coalesce ideas into an architectural concept as basis for the project. Steps include:
A. Explore spatial arrangements and massing through diagrams, sketches and three-dimensional modelling
B. Draft schematic floorplans, elevations and perspective renderings for review and revision
C. Illustrate materials, style, character through examples and images
D. Review project feasibility and clarify priorities with respect to design, program, budget and schedule
E. Prepare and submit documents, and attend local Board of Architectural Review (conceptual review)
III. Design Development/Entitlements: Develop the conceptual design and prepare an application to the local Planning Department for project entitlements. This grants you the approval to build a project of proposed use, size and appearance, but is not the actual building permit, which comes in the next step:
A. Engage consultants (Civil, Landscape, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) as needed to inform the design
B. Integrate materials and systems such that the size, configuration, and character of the design are generally fixed
C. Consult with contractors/subcontractors as needed to provide preliminary cost estimates
D. Submit documents to the County Planning Department and for the Board of Architecture (Preliminary Review); attend meetings and revise documents as needed to obtain a Land Use Permit
IV. Construction Documents: Develop and prepare detailed working drawings and specifications, as required for submittal to the local Department of Building & Safety for building permit and for final bidding and construction.
A. Resolve and refine architectural drawings and specifications
B. Document Building Code compliance (fire safety, egress, materials, energy efficiency, sustainability measures)
C. Coordinate with consultants to complete plans and specifications
D. Obtain Final Design Approval by the Board of Architectural Review
E. Submit drawings to the Building Department; respond to plan check comments and revise plans as needed for Building Permit
F. Engage Contractor to finalize project costs and schedule through project completion
V. Construction: The architect provides administration of the Contract between the Owner and the Contractor during construction, including:
A. Attend site meetings, perform site observation, respond to Contractor requests for information, review product submittals and shop drawings, issue change orders and directives
B. Serve as Owner’s agent as needed to facilitate decision-making, review certificates of payment, assist with project closeout and Certificate of Occupancy