Architecture Process Overview

A practical guide to how architectural design moves from concept to detailed drawings—and what you should be doing at each stage

Introduction

Once you’ve selected your design team, the project officially enters the architecture phase. Design doesn’t happen all at once, it unfolds in a series of stages, each building on the decisions from the last.

This page explains the typical flow of an architectural project, from early ideas through construction-ready drawings. While most professionals follow a version of this process, it’s important to understand that each architect or firm may approach things a little differently. Some may overlap phases, others may bundle deliverables, and timelines can vary depending on the team and the complexity of your project.

Whether you’re working with an architect, a design-build firm, or a residential designer, knowing what to expect and when to provide feedback can help your project stay on track and on budget.

Main Design Phases and How to Participate in Each:

1. Pre-Design or Programming (Not always listed as a formal step)

What’s happening: Your design team gathers early information about your site, goals, and any project constraints. This may include zoning checks, reviewing surveys, site walks, or confirming HOA requirements. If you’re still unsure about the project direction or feasibility, this phase helps align expectations.

What you should be doing:

• Share your project goals and budget
• Provide any existing documents you have (survey, test results, CCRs)
• Ask about zoning, feasibility, and site-specific factors that could affect layout or approval
• Clarify your priorities and any deal-breakers early

2. Schematic Design (SD)

What’s happening: This is the idea phase. The designer proposes initial layouts, room configurations, and site orientation. These are high-level diagrams or sketches that show how the space might function.

What you should be doing:

• Review layouts for functionality and flow
• Think about how you’ll use the space day to day
• Focus on big decisions like entry points, window placement, and adjacencies, not fine details
• Provide feedback quickly, so the team knows when they can move forward

3. Design Development (DD)

What’s happening: The schematic layout gets refined. More accurate dimensions are added, materials are discussed, and consultants like structural or MEP engineers are lightly looped in.

Why this step is critical for engineering: This is where the architectural layout must become solid. You’ll want to finalize room locations, wall positions, and window/door openings before handing it off to a structural engineer. If structural calculations begin too early—and the layout changes—it often leads to costly redesign work and wasted time.

What you should be doing:

• Review drawings for completeness: Are the rooms the right size? Are openings in the right place?
• Think about ceiling height preferences, general materials, and design priorities
• Confirm your layout and ask your architect if the structure is ready to be engineered
• Don’t be afraid to ask what decisions still need to be made

4. Construction Documents (CDs)

What’s happening:  Final plans are drafted with all required detail for construction and pricing. These include precise dimensions, structural drawings, specifications, and sheets from any consultants involved. These drawings are what contractors will use to bid or build from.

What you should be doing:

• Review the final layout carefully, look for storage, appliance placement, and lighting considerations
• Ask about coordination with engineers, has structural, electrical, and HVAC been integrated?
• Review consultant drawings or request a summary if you’re unsure how to read them
• Confirm the full set is complete before sharing with contractors

Deliverables You’ll Receive at Each Stage

How Long Each Phase Takes (And Why It Can Vary)

Typical design phase durations:

• Pre-Design: 1–3 weeks
• Schematic Design: 2–4 weeks
• Design Development: 3–6 weeks
• Construction Documents: 4–8+ weeks

Delays may happen if you’re waiting on a survey, testing results, HOA feedback, or if major changes are requested late in the process. Finalizing decisions early helps avoid extra rounds of redesign or consultant revisions.

Staying Engaged (Without Micromanaging)

You don’t need to know how to draw or read every detail, but your role is to provide feedback at the right time.

Tips for staying engaged:

• Ask your architect to walk you through the drawings in a review call or screen-share
• Use markups or notes if something seems unclear or incorrect
• Be honest about preferences, but also ask how changes affect the budget or engineering
• Let your team know when you’re ready to sign off on a phase, so they can move forward

Optional Services to Ask About

Some professionals include or offer the following services:

• 3D renderings
• Interior layouts and finish schedules
• Lighting and electrical layout
• Landscape or exterior hardscape plans
• Site coordination during construction

Confirm what’s included in your agreement and what can be added for an additional fee if desired.

What’s Next: Reading Plans 101

You’ll soon start reviewing final drawings and sharing them with contractors. The next section breaks down how to read your architectural plans and drawing set, so you understand how to spot layout changes, review elevations, and ask informed questions.

Continue to Reading Plans 101 to become more confident reviewing the documents that will shape your project.