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From brief to building: the stages of a design project
A building project moves through stages. Names differ from country to country, but the sequence is much the same. Knowing it helps you decide when to make which decision.
1. Brief and feasibility
What is the building for, who will use it, what can the site hold and what can the budget do? This is where a project is cheapest to change.
2. Concept design
Options for layout, massing and character, tested against the brief. You choose a direction.
What is the building for, who will use it, what can the site hold and what can the budget do?
3. Developed design
The chosen concept is resolved with the structure, services and façade. Areas, materials and cost become firm.
4. Approvals
Drawings and reports go to the planning, building, fire and utility authorities. Requirements differ in each country, so we identify them at the start.
5. Technical design and tender
Drawings, specifications and schedules are prepared in detail, coordinated and checked. Builders price the work.
6. Construction
The design is built. Site visits, queries and decisions keep the work faithful to the design, and the programme and cost under control.
7. Handover and use
Completion, inspection, training and the first year of use. We learn what the building teaches, which feeds the next one.
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