What to Expect in Your Construction Project :

Embarking on a construction project can be an exciting yet complex journey. Understanding the phases of the architectural design process is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful project. In this article, we’ll explore the seven main design phases, outlining what you can expect and how long each phase typically takes. Additionally, we’ll introduce Tatmeem, an online architecture consultancy service that can work with you on each phase, verifying your project’s progress before moving to the next stage. 

An efficient architectural design process is essential for the successful completion of any project. Following a well-structured set of steps reduces errors and delays, minimizes duplicated effort, and ensures satisfaction for both the team and the client. Tatmeem plays a crucial role by ensuring that designs meet client needs and minimizing changes during implementation. This phase should focus on enhancing design quality, reducing execution costs, and shortening the overall design and implementation period.

• Pre-Design
  The architectural design process usually starts with the Pre-Design phase. This stage involves brainstorming ideas, sketching, and understanding the site. The primary objective is to comprehend the client’s needs, personality, and lifestyle to create a design that reflects their individuality and optimizes functionality.
  Objectives:

• Understanding the client’s personality, lifestyle, and needs

• Assessing the site

• Reviewing local zoning, land use, building codes, and site conditions

• Time Taken: 2-4 weeks
  Deliverables: Program, zoning summary, existing condition drawings
  Tatmeem’s Role: Tatmeem can assist in developing the design program and verifying the initial sketches and site studies, ensuring all zoning and regulatory requirements are met before moving forward.
  [Request a Meeting]

• Schematic Design
  In the Schematic Design phase, the research from the Pre-Design phase is translated into efficient building design. This involves developing design proposals and presenting them to the client.
  Objectives:

• Exploring and ideating design concepts

• Creating preliminary site and floor plans

• Developing a design proposal

• Time Taken: 4-8 weeks
  Deliverables: Preliminary site and floor plans, exterior concept (if applicable)
  Tatmeem’s Role: Tatmeem can review the schematic designs to ensure they are feasible and meet the client’s requirements. This step helps avoid costly changes later in the project.
  [Request a Meeting]

• Design Development
  During the Design Development phase, detailed drawings are produced, outlining specifications for the project. This stage helps with preliminary cost estimating and incorporates any client changes.
  Objectives:

• Preliminary cost estimation

• Incorporating client changes

• Time Taken: 8-12 weeks
  Deliverables: Detailed drawings, significant equipment specifications, material finishes
  Tatmeem’s Role: The engineering plans have been finalized at this stage, including architectural, structural, electrical, and electromechanical aspects. Tatmeem assists by assessing these plans from an architectural standpoint to ensure they are coordinated with the architectural design previously approved by the client. Tatmeem’s assessment results in a list of general comments on all plans, if any, and a detailed report outlining the main recommendations. This service comprises an initial meeting and a final meeting to discuss the comments with the client. It can also involve a review session with the design office if requested.
  [Request a Meeting]

• Construction Documents
  The Construction Documents phase marks the start of creating working drawings. These documents specify all materials, finishes, fixtures, equipment, and appliances.
  Objectives:

• Creating a precise set of construction documents

• Specifying materials and finishes

• Time Taken: 8-12 weeks
  Deliverables: Detailed drawings, all significant equipment specifications, type of materials or finish for every surface of the project.
  Tatmeem’s Role: Tatmeem can verify the construction documents to ensure they are complete and ready for contractor bidding, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors during construction.
  [Request a Meeting]

• Building Permits
  In the Building Permits phase, permit sets are created and submitted to the permitting authority for review. This stage ensures that the project complies with applicable land use, building, and energy codes.
  Objectives:

• Creating building permit sets

• Ensuring compliance with codes

• Getting approval

• Time Taken: Varies depending on jurisdiction and project complexity
  Deliverables: Drawings and forms for building permit application

• Bidding and Negotiation
  During the Bidding and Negotiation phase, the client contracts with a construction company. The architect often introduces the client to potential construction companies unless the client already has one in mind.
  Objectives:

• Hiring a construction company

• Time Taken: 3-6 weeks
  Deliverables: Drawings and specifications for bidding
  Tatmeem’s Role: Tatmeem’s role at this stage involves reviewing the general documents for the tender process to ensure their completeness, managing the contractor selection process, reviewing the execution contract, awarding the tenders, and reviewing and approving the schedules. Tatmeem will represent the owner in this process in a technically neutral and independent manner.

• Construction Administration
  The Construction Administration phase involves the architect’s consistent presence during the construction process. The architect conducts site visits, takes photos, and writes field reports to ensure the quality of materials and workmanship.
  Objectives:

• Regular site visits and documentation

• Confirming quality of materials and workmanship

• Verifying contractor’s billing accuracy

Time Taken: 3-6 weeks

Partnering with Tatmeem

Throughout these phases, Tatmeem can be your trusted consultant, working with you to verify each stage before moving on to the next. Tatmeem offers online architecture consultancy services, helping you ensure that each phase of your project meets the highest standards. From Pre-Design to Construction Documents, Tatmeem will be with you every step of the way, providing expert guidance and verification.

Understanding the architectural design process and having the right consultancy partner can significantly enhance the success of your construction project. With Tatmeem by your side, you can confidently navigate each phase, ensuring a smooth and successful journey from concept to completion.

Ready to start your project? Contact Tatmeem today for expert guidance and consultation at every stage of your architectural design process. [Request a Meeting]