Importance of Design & Design Process
Although all professions are based on a balance of technical and indeterminate knowledge, some stress one over the other. Architecture emphasizes an artistic, relatively inexplicable domain of expertise - design - that is at the core of the Architect's identity. Design requires rational knowledge of how buildings are put together, how they will function, historical models for building types, materials, mechanical systems, structures, and so on.

-Three classic design goals are highest quality, lowest cost, and shortest time. Everybody wants all three, but priorities vary. Some clients have fixed budgets, non-negotiable deadlines, or inflexible quality standards.

-Traditionally, design is a professional service, with the Architect offering professional advice and acting as an agent of the Owner. With this in mind, an Architect providing continuing service is in a position to monitor the status of the project. If portions of the building construction are improperly interpreted, the Architect can point that out to the Owner to have the appropriate corrections made.

DESIGN PROCESS: The Architect's Design Services shall include normal structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services, which usually consists of five phases:

1.) Schematic Design Phase: The Architect shall provide Schematic Design Documents based on the mutually agreed-upon program, schedule, and budget for the Cost of the Work. The Documents shall establish the conceptual design of the Project illustrating the scale and relationship of the Project components. The Schematic Design Documents shall include a conceptual site plan, if appropriate, and preliminary building plans, sections, and elevations. At the Architect's option, the Schematic Design may include study models, perspective sketches, computer modeling, or combinations of these media. Preliminary selections of major building systems and construction materials shall be noted on the drawings or described in writing.

2.) Design Development Phase: The Architect shall provide Design Development Documents based on the approved Schematic Design Documents and updated budget for the Cost of the Work. The Design Development Documents shall illustrate and describe the refinement of the design of the Project, establishing the scope, relationships, forms, size, and appearance of the Project by means of plans, sections and elevations, typical construction details, and equipment layouts. The Design Development Documents shall include Specifications that identify major materials and systems and establish in general their quality levels.

3.) Construction Documents Phase: The Architect shall provide Construction Documents based on the approved Design Development Documents and updated budget for the Cost of the Work. The Construction Documents shall set forth in detail the requirements for the construction of the Project. These Documents shall include Drawings and Specifications that establish in detail the quality levels of materials and systems required for the Project.

  1. ) Bidding or Negotiation Phase: The Architect shall assist the Owner in the development and preparation of:

Bidding and procurement information which describes the time, place, and conditions of bidding.
Bidding or proposal forms, including the form of agreement between the Owner and Contractor, and the Conditions of the Contract for Construction (General, Supplementary, and other Conditions).
The Architect also shall compile the Project Manual that includes the Conditions of the Contract for Construction and Specifications, and may include bidding requirements and sample forms.

Contractors may be chosen by Competitive Bidding, or through a Direct (Negotiated) Selection method.



  1. ) Contract Administration Phase:






- Project Completion: The Architect shall conduct inspections to determine the date of Substantial Completion and the date of Final Completion, shall receive from the Contractor, for the Owner's review, written warranties and related documents required by the Contract Documents and assembled by the Contractor, and shall issue a final certificate for payment based upon a final inspection indicating the work complies with the requirements of the Contract Documents.