Throughout the design process, the program requirements, building and site designs, and construction and project costs must all be in balance. If they are not, the Facility Program becomes the vehicle for making informed changes. Outlined below is the typical, six-step architectural design process.

Schematic Design
During this first phase, building design studies are developed showing how all the elements identified in the Detailed Facility Program fit together. Concurrently, the resulting site issues and opportunities are investigated. There are usually several schematic design options.

Compliance with Program and budget is verified.

Design Development
The approved schematic building and site design is developed. All necessary drawings and other documents that are required to fix and describe the project are prepared. The project is further defined by establishing designs and layouts of building systems.

Compliance with Program and budget is verified.

Construction Documents
Final drawings, specifications, and other documents are prepared. Potential contractors and are identified, and bidding process articulated.

Compliance with Program and budget is verified.

Bidding and Negotiation
Bidding process is administered according to the procedure selected.

Compliance with budget is verified.

Construction
Construction of the project is begun. The architect and engineering team supervises the work through completion.

Compliance with budget is verified