CLIENTS GUIDE ARCHITECTURE PROCESS. Architecture Urban design Interior Planning. FM ARCHITECTURE

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1 CLIENTS GUIDE ARCHITECTURE PROCESS FM ARCHITECTURE Architecture Urban design Interior Planning

2 Undertaking a building project can be a daunting task, especially if you haven t any experience with building design and construction. An architectural project is typically divided up into six stages with a construction process being the last one. Outlined in the following pages are the tasks usually covered during each of these stages. Stages of Building and Design Stage one Feasibility Study (predesign development or analysis) Stage two Concept Design (preliminary, schematic or sketch design) Stage three Detailed Design (design development) Stage Four Documentation (construction documentation, working drawings) Stage five Tendering (builder selection process and tender negotiation) Stage six Construction (construction management, instructions and administration) Also included in the guide are a list of additional consultants you may require during the project and some extra expenses that may occur beyond the architect s fees and the construction costs. 2 P a g e

3 Stage One Feasibility Study During Feasibility Study your architect will: Measure the existing structure Arrange for survey of the site and surrounding buildings Conduct site analysis Asses planning requirements, codes and regulations This is also the stage when the complete brief for your project will be taken. The design brief is the document that your architect will use as a blueprint for the design. Basically, if what you need isn t in the brief you may not get it, and because of this it is vital that you ensure that the finalized brief completely covers all your requirements before the design stages begin. (Typically, your architect will charge you extra money for making changes to the brief.) To prepare for the brief it is helpful for you to write down everything that you need in the space being designed what you want to use it for, special equipment you need, and think about how you will feel when you are using the space. All of these will enable you to define a thorough and accurate brief for the architect to ensure the design is perfect for you. See more about preparing for your brief on How to Prepare for Your Project at Resources 3 P a g e

4 Stage Two Concept Design Your architect will develop concept plans and ideas to answer the brief. Also called preliminary, schematic or sketch design will include conceptual site and building plans, sections, elevations and diagrams. The structural systems will be considered and the preliminary selection of materials and finishes will be done. In complex projects authorities and consultants may be involved at this stage. Stage Three Detailed Design Your architect will now refine the concept designs into a detailed design. In further design development basic materials, finishes and fittings will be selected, details of the design will be completed such as interior layout and landscape concept. If approval from local council is required the documents will be drawn up, reports written and application forms prepared and lodged for Development Approval at the conclusion of the detailed design stage. 4 P a g e

5 Stage Four Documentation This is the busiest stage for your architect and the stage where you will have the least to do. By now all the design decisions you will need to make have been completed and your architect will be preparing all the documents necessary to gain Building Approval. At this stage your architect will work with engineers & consultants to develop structural details and services. (If your project is particularly complex engineers and consultants may have been engaged earlier in the process.) At the end of this stage the documentation will be submitted to a building certifier. Some of the documents your architect will prepare are: Construction drawings Details Schedules Specification Certification Reports 5 P a g e

6 Stage Five Tendering Calling tenders Your architect will now prepare the documents to send your building project out to tender. The best form of building contract will have been selected for your project. Most likely your architect will ask several builders to quote on your project. The list of potential builders is compiled. Closing tenders, tender assessment, builder selection and tender negotiation The tenderers will have between two to three weeks to get back to the architect with their prices. During this period they will need to inspect your property and may request project clarifications and details from your architect. When the tender period is over your architect will assess the tenders for compliance, cost and time, amongst other issues and prepare a Tender Report for you. Using this architect will help you select the builder that you are most happy with. All that is left in this stage is to sit down with your architect, negotiate with selected tenderer and sign the building contracts. Now the preconstruction stages have been completed. 6 P a g e

7 Stage Six Construction Construction is where the fun begins. This is when the dirt is pushed around, concrete is poured, steel is erected, roofing is applied and Certificate of Occupancy is obtained. This does not happened as a matter of course or by accident. A successful construction project depends on careful management and observation. Your architect, being the only person familiar with over all building design and design intension may prevent minor design variations escalating into costly alterations or second best option being implemented at the end. In architecture there are no prototypes to be tested first and the construction site is the only place where your architect can resolve project discrepancies and ambiguities. This is where he has to test the product. It is often overlooked architectural stage frequently viewed by owners and architects as a waste of time and money. It has been our experience that is everything but a waste. During Construction Stage your architect will: Represent client s interests Review shop drawings of necessary building components Answer all queries and provide builder with additional details and information issue Architect Instructions Coordinate and approve all proposed design amendments and alterations during construction Make periodic site inspections observations including final inspection Attend regular site progress meetings and review builder s Progress Payments 7 P a g e

8 FM Architecture offers you additional services to enhance your new project. Urban design and master plans Interior design and fit out drawings Furniture, furnishings and equipment specification Design / build Artwork Computer 3 dimensional imaging Architectural rendering Photography and model making Is it time to get your project started? Thanks for taking time to review the Architecture Process Guide. Now that you have a clearer idea of what this process entails, you may be ready to get started on your new project. We are here to help you with any questions you have about this process or anything architecture, landscape or building related, so please do not hesitate to contact FM Architecture for some friendly advice. Filip Mihailidi Principal Architect Special Offer To readers of this guide we are offering FREE Site Reviews to the first 5 qualifiers in the financial year. The site review will identify any impediments or obstacles to building your project. Call us now on P a g e