Based on our
last article, you spend more when you fail to hire an architect, we talked about the complications of not hiring an architect. This
article is focused on the reason you should trust the architect or trained building designer with your future home. This article is focused on the
process, steps that are involved in the design process. The truth is “a well-conceived
design leads to a high quality design".
HOW THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS
WORK
This article discusses the
major steps that are involved in the design process.
1.
STEP1:PREDESIGN PHASE/PROGRAMMING PHASE:
This phase
involves thorough and systematic evaluation of interrelate values, goals, facts
and needs of the clients and surrounding community.During this process, the
architect will gather information on your building site, existing home (if it’s
a renovation or remodeling project) this would help both the client and the architect/designer
to get the scope, features and functionality of your building. (This process is
also called brief taking). You will be asked to consider what you will want
both aesthetically and functionally of your home, what are the indoor and
outdoor space requirement. Or the movement and interactions with those who will
be living in and visiting your home. Answers to this would enable the architect
to design a home or building specifically for you.An analysis is also conducted
on the site to help the architect know the content of the site. This analysis
also help architect to make a good environmentally friendly design that
consumes less energy, and is highly efficient.
2.
STEP2: SCHEMATIC DESIGN:
Once the
requirement of the project is determined via the programming process, the
design phase begins. The architect gives shape to your vision through drawings
or sketches which may include bubble diagram, sketches flow chart diagram and
then the building sketches where the building takes shape. All of this is done
while considering the site. These sketches include massing, floor plans,
elevations, sections, details, wall section, models
 |
| 2.1 BUBBLE DIAGRAM |
 | |||
| 2.2 BUILDING SKETCHES |
2.1 Bubble diagram showing the arrangement of spaces
in a home.
2.2 Turning the bubble
diagram into building sketches and spaces are defined.
We, Chidi Property and
builders, prepare a preliminary evaluation of the program schedule and
construction budget developed in the predesign phase and prepares schematic
design drawings illustrating the project to review with the owner. The client’s
input in this phase is vital, as you get the first glimpse and then a more
defined look at how your building would take shape. It is important to
establish a clear decision-making process with your architect during this
phase. Once approved by the client, drawings at this stage are usually
sufficient to initiate any neighborhood review process. If you are working with
a builder, at this point in the process, you would need to discuss a preliminary
estimate of construction with the builder early enough.
1.
STEP3: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:
The beginning
of Design Development is a logical extension of schematic design. Design Development
build on the approved schematic design to reach a level of completeness that
demonstrates the project can be built. The schematic design is overlaid with
more detailed information obtained from consultant and team members throughout
this process, it is important to evaluate how systems, material selections, preliminary
structure, and detailing reflect the schematic design concept. The design team
works out detailed coordination issues while enhancing the project, so that
major revisions are not needed during construction or documentation. At this
point, your architect will prepare to scale floor plans and building elevations
for initial review and approval. This is a part of the process where dreams get
fleshed out into the 3 dimensional form of your home.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT(THE RETREAT)
Although your involvement will take time and numerous
decisions must be made, working with your architect/designer should be a fun
and rewarding experience. You are encouraged to review your plans --- to
virtually live in them at different times of the day. Spending considerable
time contemplating your design now during the earlier stages of the process,
will save time and expenses later. As a note of caution, significant changes
made after approval of the DD(design development) during the construction
drawing phase, may warrant additional fees. Once construction has commenced,
changes made to the design (especially those involving structural component of
the building) can be quite costly; so make sure to speak up and voice your
opinion before moving to the next phase of design. The process will continue
after approval of progress to this point.
1.
STEP4: WORKING
DRAWINGS: In this process we prepare
drawings suitable for permit and construction. These drawings are
referred to as construction drawings. These drawings are instrument of
communicating the project to those who will be involved in the construction of
the building, the construction drawings set the parameters for the building
process.
Construction drawings are produced on a larger scale
and described in detail the component of your building that need to be
fabricated and assembled in ordered for it to be built. Tasks include
developing the remaining elevations, sections, site plans and beginning
structural analysis as it relates to architecture. During this phase we meet
with consultants such as Engineers, interior designers, Landscape, electrical
Engineers, HVAC, quantity surveyors etc, making sure of a complete coordinated
set of information for construction. The architect and other professionals involved
in the process also give construction instructions in specifications, which
describe the materials to be used, construction method, the quality of
workmanship required, the specific tools to be used, type of finishes to be given
to a specific surface in the building.
1.
STEP5: CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION:This is usually the final phase of our job. This final
job include the selection of contractors, site inspection/supervision to make
sure that the building being constructed is in line with the drawings,
answering contractor’s questions as it relates to construction, providing
sketches and amendment as needed. Giving progressive report to the client; and
commissioning the building to the client.
I
have explained in detail the entire processes it takes from scratch to the
finish in getting that dream and magnificent building from your mind onto paper
and off into reality. Yes, from concept to design. Just tell us what you want
and we will create a mental picture of the design and compare it with your
taste and requirement. Even on paper, we help you see the exact prototype of a
real building. We help you imagine it, live in it, make necessary adjustment
until you are 100% satisfied. Then we bring it to reality.
As
architects and builders in Benin City, Edo State, we strive to stand out from
others by going extra-mile in getting your desired building. Don’t worry we
will handle your building project with ease. And give you that rare feeling of
satisfaction from a good project done. What are you waiting for? Just call us now on +2347054107283, +2347031384722.
Oh! The phone is ringing already. Welcome to the right place. You are looking for contractors/Builders/architects in Benin City? We are here to serve and satisfy. BRAVO!
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