The architectural design process is a complex interaction between a home architect and homeowner to create a set of architecture plans. The goal of the design process is to fulfill the needs of the homeowner while creating architectural plans that satisfy building codes.

Starting the Design Process

The architectural process begins when the home architect and client sit down together to discuss the project. The client discusses what she wants out of the project: what style of architecture she wants, how she wants to use the space, as well as other factors. The client may have clipped pictures from architecture magazines, which will give the home architect a sense of what she wants the finished project to look like.

While the home architect may draw some rough sketches at this point in the design process, his main concern is to gather as much information as possible about what the homeowner wants. This part of the architectural design process includes asking questions that will clarify the client’s goals. A home architect may also explore possibilities that the homeowner may not have considered.

The home architect will also tour the construction site at this stage in the architectural design process. He will examine the light, location and surrounding landscape to get a feel for what factors will influence the architectural process.

Architecture Plans and Proposals

Once the first stage in the design process is complete, the home architect will draw up some initial sketches and present them to the client. The homeowner and architect will discuss the sketches, brainstorm out changes and improvements, and revise the sketches. This part of the design process may happen several times, until both parties agree on architecture plans.

Blueprints and the Design Process

The drawings and presentations the home architect presents to homeowners help the homeowner visualize the finished project. The next step in the architectural process is to create construction blueprints for the project. Blueprints are technical drawings providing contractors with all the details they need to complete the project.

This portion of the architectural design process also requires developing lists of the materials required to execute the architecture plans, including model numbers, colors and other important information.

After the Architectural Design Process

What happens after the design process depends on the home architect and the client’s needs. Some home architects are only involved with a construction process up until the end of the design process. Others offer additional architect services, such as helping to locate contractors and overseeing the construction site. Not every home architect will offer services over and above the architectural process, but many do.