We’ll discuss the essential elements involved and what you can anticipate from working with an architect for your customized home or remodel.
STEP 1 Programming (pre-design phase)
Architectural programming involves the careful and systematic assessment of the corresponding values, goals, information, and demands of the family members of the client and the local community. An effective program will lead to quality design.
Programming is the time to sit down with your architect to discuss your requirements and wishes for your dream home. While the process, the architect will collect details on the new home’s construction site or the existing one (if you’re remodeling). In this stage, the architects and owners will begin to establish an enthralling relationship and create an idea of the building that will be constructed.
The goals, scope, features, and function of your home are identified along with the architect who will design your home, design and develop your “vision” for the project. Your architect will guide you through a “programming” exercise to help you identify the requirements of those who live or work within the space you design.
It is essential to think about what you would like visually and functionally in your house. What is the best timeframe for the new residence? What are the outdoor and indoor dimensions or activities and interactions of the individuals who will be in your home? Answers to this and many other questions will help you understand how you live and use your space; the information your architect will utilize to design a home designed specifically for your needs and way of life.
This is where you will be able to determine the cost of your home will be discussed. It’s essential to know the cost of building a custom-designed home could vary from RS:-20/- for square feet up to RS:-100/- according to the specifics of the site, its dimensions, construction, and specifications.
To find out more about programming, visit our blog post on building an individual home program.
STEP 2: SCHEMATIC DESIGN
After the project’s specifications have been determined through the process of programming, then the design phase can begin. The architect will help shape your ideas by drawing. The architect gives a preliminary review of the plan and the schedule and budget for construction made during the pre-design stage and then creates schematic drawings that illustrate the method to review with the project’s owner.
The designs outline the plans on the ground and will address construction schedules and budgetary specifications. Your input during the design phase is essential as you receive the first glimpses; you get a more accurate view of how your house will develop. It is necessary to have a specific decision-making procedure with your architect during this stage.
Suppose you’re working with an architect at this stage during the construction process. After being approved by the client, the client’s drawings will usually be sufficient to begin any review process for the neighbourhood. In that case, they’ll provide a rough estimate of the construction cost (we recommend choosing builders at the beginning of this process).
STEP 3: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
The initial phase of design development (DD) is a logical extension of the schematic design. The architect is responsible for translating a plan beyond the realm of concepts to a physical shape. DD tasks build upon the schematic design that has been approved to achieve a level of totality that shows the invention can be constructed. The schematic is layered with more specific information gathered from team members and consultants.
In all DD phases, it is crucial to determine how systems, materials selection, and preliminary structure and details reflect the schematic design concept. The design team tackles specific coordination issues while enhancing the design to ensure that significant modifications are unnecessary when drafting construction documents or, worse when construction. Then your architect will prepare floor plans to scale and building elevations to be submitted for preliminary review and then approval.
It’s an exciting aspect of the process when dreams become a reality in the 3D model of your dream home. While your involvement is likely to take some time and many decisions will need to be taken, working with your architect will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It is recommended that you review the plans and live them at various times throughout each day (rings from your cup of coffee or wine glass to the program are welcomed).
The time you spend pondering your concept now, in the initial stages of the process, can help you avoid time-consuming and costly changes later on. Be aware significant changes made after acceptance of the design document during the drawing phase can result in additional costs. After the construction is in progress, the changes made to the plans (especially ones that involve structural elements) could be expensive. Therefore, be sure you speak up and let your voice be heard before going to the next design stage. The process will continue following approval of the progress made at this stage.
STEP 4: CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
As the design process continues, The architect creates plans that are appropriate for permit submission and construction. These drawings are called the construction plans (CDs). These drawings serve as a method of communicating the plan to people involved in building your house. CDs establish the guidelines for the building process.
CDs are created on a larger scale. They give a thorough description of the elements of your home, which must be constructed and put together to allow it to be built. The tasks include preparing the remaining elevations and beginning the structural analysis process about the architecture. In this phase, the architect will interact with consultants (engineering landscaping, interior design, lighting, HVAC, etc.) to ensure a coordinated set for construction.
Conclusion
The process of designing is a creative problem-solving project that transforms thoughts and ideas into the three real-time realities of your house. It’s an exciting experience. After your design is finished, it is time to start construction (or renovating) your home. In this stage, the involvement of your architect will differ depending on the company you’re working for as well as what you’ve already agreed on. At KGA, for instance, it is our policy to be available throughout the construction process of your home to answer any concerns you or your builder may ask.
We hope that this blog has given you a better understanding of what to expect from the process of designing an architectural plan. Working with an architect–especially for the first time–can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Collaboration and open communication between your architect and you will ensure the success of your project.