Architectural design is the process of creating a plan for a building that meets functional, aesthetic, and environmental requirements. It involves arranging spaces, materials, and systems to develop a practical and pleasing structure. The process may use software, models, and sketches to refine the design and select appropriate materials.

The ultimate goal is to create a structurally sound and visually appealing design that meets the users’ needs. But several other steps, aspects, and things are involved when sculpting an architectural design. Therefore, this guide will teach you everything about Architectural Design Contractors in Fareham, including types, processes, and more.

Key Elements of Architectural Design

Architectural design elements are the essential components of a building or structure, and all the architectural services in Chichester primarily focus on these. Those include:

• Color: Colours in architectural design effectively enhance a space’s visual appeal and mood and create a specific atmosphere.
• Space: The physical area where people will occupy and move around the building, such as rooms, hallways, and corridors.
• Line: The visible path or edge created by intersecting two surfaces, such as walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Form: The shape, size, and configuration of the building, including its exterior appearance and interior layout.
• Light: Using natural or artificial lighting to create a specific mood or atmosphere within the building.
• Scale: The relative size and proportion of objects within a space, including furniture, fixtures, and architectural elements.
• Texture: The surface characteristics of materials used in construction, such as roughness or smoothness.
• Technology: The integration of modern systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), into the design of the building.
• Function: The practical purpose or use of a space, such as a bedroom, kitchen, or living room.
• Sustainability: Using environmentally responsible materials and practices to reduce the building’s environmental impact.

Phases of Architectural Design Process

The following are the typical phases in the architectural design process.

Pre-design

Pre-design is the initial phase of the architectural design process. The architect works with the client to gather information and define goals, scope, budget, schedule, and constraints that may affect the design before starting the actual design work. The pre-design phase typically involves several key activities, including:

1. Site analysis: The architect studies the site’s topography, climate, zoning requirements, and accessibility before designing the building or structure.
2. Programming: The client and architect work together to define the building’s functional requirements, including the number and type of rooms, the desired layout, and any special features or systems.

Schematic Design (SD)

The schematic design phase is the second phase of the architectural design process, following the Pre-design phase. During this phase, the architect develops a preliminary design concept that addresses the client’s goals and requirements established in the Pre-design phase. The key activities in this phase are as follows:

1. Design concept development: The architect develops a preliminary design concept that reflects the client’s goals and requirements and any constraints identified in the Pre-design phase. The concept may include floor plans, elevations, and essential details about the materials and systems to be used in the building.
2. Design review: The preliminary design concept is presented to the client for review and feedback. If needed, the architect works with the client to refine and revise the design.

Design Development (DD)

The Design Development phase comes after the Schematic Design phase, where the design concept developed is refined into a more detailed and coherent design. The Design Development phase typically involves the following activities:

1. Refining the Design Concept: The architect takes the previous phase’s conceptual design and develops it into a more detailed and comprehensive design. This involves defining the layout, doors’ placement, room sizes, and other critical building features.
2. Technical Analysis: Various technical analyses are also conducted to ensure the design is feasible and meets relevant regulations and standards. This may include structural analysis, energy efficiency analysis, and accessibility analysis.
3. Material Selection: The architect selects appropriate materials for the building based on factors such as durability, cost, and aesthetic considerations.
4. Detailed Drawings and Specifications: Detailed drawings and specifications are also produced to provide a clear and accurate description of the building design, including construction details, material specifications, and finishing details.
5. Cost Estimation: The designer works with a cost estimator to develop a detailed cost estimate for the project based on the refined design and the selected materials.

Construction Documents (CD)

The Construction Documents phase is the stage in the architectural design process where detailed plans and specifications are created for building construction. These documents include detailed drawings, schedules, and specifications that guide contractors and builders in the construction process.

During this phase, the architect prepares detailed plans and specifications that provide information on the materials, construction methods, and other details required to build the project. The construction documents serve as a contract between the client and the builder, outlining the agreed-upon scope of work, schedule, and budget.

The construction documents typically include floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and specifications. These documents provide the builder with the information they need to accurately estimate the construction process, procure materials, and construct the building per the design intent.

Bidding and Negotiation

Bidding and negotiation are essential parts of Architectural Services in Chichester. Bidding involves contractors submitting proposals to compete for the construction work, while negotiation aims to align the project scope and budget with the selected contractor.

The architect doesn’t contract the construction project with a builder. Instead, the client has to deal with the contract. These processes help ensure the final construction meets the client’s expectations within the agreed budget and timeline.

Note: The bidding phase is involved only when the architectural firm isn’t building the project.

Construction Administration (CA)

The construction phase is the stage of a building project where the design plans are put into action, and the physical construction of the building or structure begins. During this phase, the contractor and construction team are responsible for carrying out the work according to the specifications and timelines in the project plans.

In this phase, the architect may have to visit the construction site, inspect it, and ensure everything is going as planned and designed. Remember, the visit regularity depends on the construction project’s size and how you have decided with the architect. The construction screw is the supervisor of the construction until it lasts.