The Design Process
The design process is the term used to describe the procedure a designer uses to complete a project. Four phases are necessary for successful completion:
- Phase 1: Design Development
- Phase 2: Working Drawings
- Phase 3: Bidding
- Phase 4: Construction
Phase 1: Design Development
- Design Development
- Initial consultation meeting
- Design contract is signed
- Completion of questionnaire
- Design schematics begin
- Design develops into plans and elevations
- Final design is established
Phase 2: Working Drawings
- All design decisions have been made
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Construction documents are produced:
- Dimensioned floor plans
- Structural specifications
- Detailed elevations and sections
- Designing and choosing all finishes, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, fireplace surrounds, appliances and any other pertinent information that is needed for the drawings.
- Working drawings are complete
Phase 3: Bidding
- Select at least three builders to price (bid) your project Ideally get them to bid apples to apples Usually the lowest 'bidder' receives the job
* Note: If a client has already chosen a builder, then the bidding phase is not needed. The chosen builder will submit a contract with pricing.
Phase 4: Construction
- Builder is chosen
- Contract with builder is signed
- Construction begins
- Timely meetings on-site with designer, client(s) and builder
- Punch list of all remaining small details before Certificate of Occupancy
- Project is complete
The outline above is a reasonable approximation of how a project should work. Many of them do, though there tends to be variations in each individual client's project.