Architectural Stages

Once the architectural professional’s appointment has been formalised in terms of the services required and the fees agreed, the architectural professional will engage with you to commence the process.

Stage 1: Inception

A project brief is set up and will take into account aspects such as:

Customer requirements and preferences
Customer budget and the quality of finishes required
Physical parameters of the site such as orientation, access and topology
Compliance to development as well as local authority regulations and restrictions.

You will be advised on consultants that will be required as part of the professional team, e.g. a land surveyor, quantity surveyor, selected engineers and other specialists

Stage 2: Concept & Viability

Based on the brief and information gathered, the architectural professional will now prepare the concept design. This will show the intended spaces and how the various spaces of the building will interact whilst taking into account the general construction materials and intended finishes.

This is presented in the form of schematic layouts, floor plans and elevations to illustrate the design and may be accompanied by basic three-dimensional perspectives.

The structural system, location of services such as electrical and plumbing, provisions for storm water control, etc. are taken into account. The viability of the design concept will be reviewed in relation to the proposed budget, conformity with the rights and restrictions of the property, and the project program. Consultant’s input may be required and incorporated into the design concept.

Stage 3: Design development

More detailed architectural drawings such as floor plans, elevations and sections through the building is draughted with detailed drawings of certain design components to be developed where needed.

Consideration is given to structural and construction systems, the specification of materials and choice of finishes and incorporate details such as position of fixtures in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, layouts for components such as electrical and security systems, etc.

Stage 4: Documentation & Procurement

This stage follows the clients final approval of the design development stage and is divided into two parts.

Stage 4.1: Local Authority Documentation

The architectural professional will prepare drawings and documentation needed for approval by the local authority. This includes coordinating the technical documentation of the professional team. The architectural professional will require client permission to submit documents to the local authority on the client’s behalf.

The approval of drawings and documentation by the local authority can be a lengthy process.

Stage 4.2: Documentation for Construction and the Procurement/Tender Process

This is an optional and billable service provided by the architectural professional with the relevant contract agreement to be entered into between the client and architectural professional.

Stage 5: Construction

The architectural professional can be contracted to provide project administration services.

The architectural professional as principal agent, hands over the site to the contractor and issues the contract documentation, drawings and schedules required. The site boundaries and servitudes are pointed out by the
appointed land surveyor and contractor sets up the site and start construction.

The architectural professional administers all aspects and progress of the project, working intensively with all contractors, ensuring successful completion and delivery of the project. The architectural professional inspects and monitors the works to ensure the contract is adhered to and the obligations achieved.

foundation concrete

roof seal application

tiling

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Stage 6: Close-out

The architectural professional inspects the work of the contractor, verifies all outstanding issues have been addressed, compiles all relevant documentation, completing the procedures enabling council to issue an occupancy certificate for the building. The architectural professional’s services conclude.