The Process of Architectural Design Explained

Architectural design is a complex process, and in order to ensure the best possible results, it’s important that you select a highly experienced and reputable architecture design firm. Ronald Kuoppala Architecture is one of the leading architecture firms on Long Island. A member of the American Institute of Architects and NCARB certified this firm has received multiple awards for their commercial architecture and residential architecture designs. Whether you are designing a home or a business, you can have confidence in the expertise of Ronald Kuoppala Architecture.

Architecture is an art form, but unlike other types of art, it involves a succinct process. If you are planning on working with an architect, it’s important to have an understanding of the

architectural design process so that you know what to expect throughout the project.

Architectural design involves four distinct phases. While each architect will approach these phases differently, a reputable professional will include all of the following phases into their process.

Phase 1: Programming

Also known as the pre-design phase, programming involves a comprehensive assessment of the goals and needs of a client. During this phase, you will meet with your architect to share all of your ideas, your needs, and your wants for your project. The architect will also collect pertinent information about the site the structure will be built, or if you are remodeling, he or she will gather details about the existing structure.

Your architect will ask you a number of questions regarding your wants and needs, including what you envision for the aesthetics of the property, as well as what features or layout you would like to ensure that your building is as functional as possible. For example, the architect may ask you how many people will be living in the space, what type of floor plan you are interested in, how many bathrooms and bedrooms you would like, and other important questions that will relate to the overall design and flow of the space.

In addition to discussing your goals, the budget for the project will also be discussed during the programming phase. Make sure you find out how the architect charges (hourly or according to square footage, for example) so that you know exactly what to expect in terms of payments.

Phased 2: Schematic Design

During this phase of architectural design, your architect will begin designing your project. The information that was collected during the programming or pre-design phase will be used to create a few different designs. The designs may be presented to you like sketches, or they may be drafted on a computer program; it depends on the architect you are working with.

The architect will review the designs with you, including the estimates for each option. Make sure that you thoroughly review the designs and ask any questions that you may have. Also, if you would like any changes, you can request them during the schematic design phase. At the end of this phase, you will choose the design that best meets your needs.

Phase 3: Design Development

During design development, the schematic design that you selected will be revised to ensure that any changes you requested are included. Additionally, the estimate for the cost that you received during the schematic design phase will be updated to reflect any modifications that were made to the original design. In other words, all of the final details of your project will be ironed out during the design development phase.

Phase 4: Construction Drawings

Depending on the architect you are working with, this phase may also be referred to as “construction documents”. Regardless of what it’s called, during this phase, the blueprints will be drawn up. These drawings will accompany permit submissions; they will also serve as the guide for the contractors that will be constructing the property. In other words, the construction drawings (or documents) establish the parameters of the construction process.

These drawings or documents clearly describe the different components of your property that need to be created so that your structure can be built. During this final phase of the architectural design process, your architect will meet with anyone who may be involved with the building process, such as engineers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, landscape designers, interior designers, and so on to ensure that everyone has a complete understanding of the goals of construction.

These four phases will ensure that the design and construction of your property come to fruition in a way that will meet your goals and needs.

Ronald Kuoppala Architecture: Long Island’s Premier Architecture Design Firm

If you are interested in designing a custom property on Long Island, contact Ronald Kuoppala Architecture. This award-winning architecture design firm will ensure that your dreams become a reality. To learn more about their processor to schedule a consultation, call 516.797.9317 or visitwww.rkarchitecture.com.