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 Schematic design is the first phase of the architectural design process. It's the process of turning a concept into a physical drawing of a building. What does schematic design include?

• Floor plans: Line drawings of the building's floor layout, including dimensions, equipment, and furnishings 
• Site plans: Drawings of the building's location, including landscaping, walkways, and utilities 
• Building elevations: Drawings of the building's exterior 
• Building systems: Descriptions of the building's structural, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems 
• Finishes: Descriptions of the building's interior and exterior finishes 
• Budget estimates: Estimates of the project's total cost 
• Schedule: Estimates of the project's schedule and occupancy dates
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 What's the goal of schematic design? 

• Translate the project's concept into physical drawings
• Explore alternative concepts to address the client's needs
• Select a preferred design direction
• Ensure the design meets the client's goals and requirements

Why is schematic design important?

• It provides a general overview of the project 
• It helps determine if the concept fits within the project budget 
• It serves as the foundation for the project's detailed development in subsequent design phases 

 Design development is the process of refining a design concept into a more detailed and realistic plan. It takes place between the schematic design and construction phases. What happens during design development?

• Review and revise: Review and revise the schematic plans and elevations 
• Add details: Add details and specifications to the plan 
• Select materials: Select materials for the interior and exterior of the building 
• Integrate systems: Integrate systems like lighting, acoustics, and HVAC 
• Define spatial components: Define the building's spatial components, such as the height, stair and elevator locations, and door and window types 
• Analyze systems: Analyze systems and materials to estimate costs 
• Incorporate client feedback: Incorporate client feedback into the design 

Why is design development important?

• Design development ensures that the design is precise and realistic 
• It helps to define the quality and scope of the work 
• It helps to ensure that the design aligns with engineering requirements 

 Construction documents are written and graphic instructions that define a construction project's design, location, and physical characteristics. They are used to obtain a building permit and to ensure the project is built as intended. Purpose:

• Coordination Construction documents help all parties involved in the project work together to turn the design into reality 
• Communication Construction documents provide the contractor with the information they need to build the project 
• Documentation Construction documents track the project, document changes, and keep track of inventory 

 Bidding and permitting are processes that occur during the pre-construction phase of a project. Bidding is when contractors submit proposals to complete a project, and permitting is when a permit is issued for the project. Bidding

• Request for proposal (RFP)A client publishes an RFP to outline the project's scope, timeline, and budget 
• Cost estimateContractors estimate the cost of the project to ensure they're providing accurate figures 
• Bid submissionContractors submit their proposals, which include the proposed price, project schedule, and qualifications 
• Bid evaluationThe client evaluates the bids based on factors like cost, reputation, and schedule 
• Contract awardThe client selects the winning bid and awards the project to a contractor 

Permitting

• Permit set: A permit set is issued after design professionals have addressed any code-related issues in their design 
• Permit application: The contractor and client apply for the permit 
• Permit review: The permit application is reviewed by the town Building Department 

It's generally preferable to issue a permit set before a bid set. Combining the two can lead to delays and unnecessary revisions. 

 Construction administration is the process of overseeing a construction project from planning to completion. It involves a series of administrative tasks to ensure that the project is executed on time. What do construction administrators do? 

• Monitor contracts
• Process billing
• Manage project schedules
• Supervise workers
• Communicate with clients
• Keep track of documents
• Administer change orders
• Coordinate site inspections
• Comply with reporting procedures

Who is involved in construction administration?

• Architects: Responsible for producing construction documents, reviewing submittals, and clarifying designs 
• Contract administrators: Prepare contract documents, administer change control, and coordinate site inspections 
• Governing bodies: Oversee the construction phase of a project