Most people considering architectural services for the first time do not know where to start because they do not know how the process works. In fact, the process consists of consecutive stages, each requiring its own decisions.

The first meeting

The purpose of the first meeting is for both sides to clarify the situation. The client explains what they need, the condition of their plot or building and their expectations. Bringing the title deed, the zoning status certificate if available, and any drawings of the existing building speeds up the assessment.

Zoning status and brief

Two pieces of data define the limits of every project: the zoning status of the plot and the client's brief. The first defines what can be built, the second what is wanted. Starting to draw before these two are aligned leads to projects that have to be redrawn from scratch.

Preliminary design

In the preliminary design, the building's massing, layout and plan scheme are decided. This is the stage at which decisions are cheapest to change; there is an incomparable difference between a change on paper and a change on site. That is why not rushing the preliminary design usually saves time.

Construction documents

The approved decisions are made ready for construction with dimensioned drawings, sections, details and room schedules. The construction documents are what the team on site will read. The less ambiguity they leave, the less interpretation is needed during construction.

The permit process

The project is submitted to the relevant authority together with the other required documents. Opinions and revision requests are followed up. Since the required documents and procedures can differ between authorities, the process is planned according to the current practice of the authority concerned.

Construction and handover

On site, works are carried out in sequence and checked against the project. Matters on which the client needs to decide are communicated before the relevant work begins; leaving decisions such as material choices to the last minute slows the job down.

The most decisive habit throughout the process is making each decision at the right stage. Every decision is implemented at the lowest cost when it is made at its own stage.