A complete architectural mastering of the project.

From initial concept to final drawings, the spaces are studied and measured following a detailed procedure, a system of continuous monitoring to check integrity, changes, decision-making, and audit of all architecture-related activities within the project:

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PRE-DESIGN, FIELD MEASURING, SCHEMATIC DESIGN:

• brainstorming in order to assess clients’ needs

• research zoning or building requirements that may affect the design

• research through photos, elaborate design profile, experiment with sketching – interior perspectives, outside facades and floor plans in order to assume the concept visualisation

• view of the solution and aims to communicate the intent of the architects, supported by basic drawings 

• identification of risks in all aspects of the development and implementation of the architecture(s) covering the development against accepted standards, policies, technologies

• setting budget goals and limitations

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:

• primary architectural drawings for further consideration (floor plans, sections and elevations)

• assign materials to the major structures of the building, determine where there might be decorative materials inside

• flooring and what built in elements may be composed of

• detailed visualisation of the forms, renders

• “Pricing Set” of drawings of the majority of elements as well as any custom built-in items (this allows us to check up on the square meter estimate price and confirm that we are on track with the budget goals.

• GOAL: A DESIGN PACKAGE WITH EVERYTHING NEEDED TO SECURE SEVERAL ACCURATE CONTRACTOR BIDS

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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS & IMPLEMENTATION:

Schematic Design sets up the general idea for a project and Design Development focuses and refines it. Construction Documents fill in all the details.  The final set of drawings will specify every element of the project, from the structure to the paint colors.

 

Regardless of the building type or design, a drawing set follows a consistent pattern – to help permit officials, contractors and other members of the construction industry easily navigate the ocean of information that’s associated with each design.  The drawings below are what you can expect to find in any complete construction documents set.

• Cover Sheet contains all sorts of information that orients the project, names and contact information for the architect and engineering consultants, detailed information about the property

• Site Plan shows the way the building sits on the entire property and (for a simple project) also notes any landscaping, concrete work and exit safety requirements of the project.

• Demolition Plan(s) - if required

• Floor Plans with keynotes, door, window and wall type tags and other types of callouts to drawings in the set

• Elevation and Section drawings

• Finished plans  showing what materials should be applied to the walls and floor throughout the building.  We do this by using finish tags  which refer to a Finish Schedule – a detailed spreadsheet which shows the manufacturer, product name and other qualities.

• RCP (Reflected Ceiling Plan), showing different ceiling material types (drywall, plaster, wood cladding, pressed tin, etc) and also the locations of most of the lights.  For the sake of convenience, they typically also show the locations of light switches that will operate all those ceiling mounted lights. 

• Power Plan and/or Electrical plan which shows the location of all the outlets and any data points for cable TV or internet access through the building

• Interior Elevations  showing flat views of the vertical surfaces in a building – interior walls.  We use them to show wall finish types, new built in furniture, the locations of power outlets, lights and switches and the heights of different elements for each bathroom wall, for the kitchen and for any interesting built in furniture or shelving options.

• Schedules and wall types, spreadsheet listing all the windows and doors in the project with their dimensions, materials, finishes, handles and other notes. 

• Detailed plans that are standard throughout the building like how one type of flooring transitions to another or the way to construct a new staircase.

• Structural drawings, provided by a licensed structural engineer, these sheets will contain a plan for each level showing concrete footing information, steel and wood framing locations and sizes, important structural sections and details of any important connections.

• MEP  (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) drawings are often provided by the same engineering company but still break down by discipline.  The Mechanical Drawings will show the location and size of any mechanical equipment, the layout of ductwork and specifications for all the different sizes and types of air handling systems. The Electrical set will have sets of drawings showing the locations of all power and data outlets, and those of lights and associated switches.  They will specify the appropriate wiring and boxes needed to handle all those lights and power any other equipment. Plumbing drawings will show the location and size of pipes to provide fresh water and take away waste.  They’ll also show vent risers to let sewer air up out of the building safely and without smell.

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CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION: Putting it all together!

During construction we communicate simultaneously with the client and the construction team. We meet with the general contractor to review design plans and to ensure the project is being built as per the Construction Documents.  

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• architectural overview of the project, on site surveys

• organisation on project operation

• general follow up of defined phases of deliverables

• prioritize joint workplans

• time window(s)

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