In my last column, we discussed the first part of designing your home: Concept Brief. This highly critical step is the foundation of every process moving forward. The Concept Brief can be roughly split into two major exercises: the wants and needs of the clients, and the site analysis. The next phase of the project is the Schematic Design which takes into account all of the data and relevant information collected during the Concept Brief phase.
Phase 2: Schematic design
This phase of the project is the most fluid wherein we architects start to assemble the program derived from the Concept Brief into different floorplans and massing models. The architect and the client undergo a highly iterative and experimental process wherein the design is constantly evolving and changing. The schematic design phase includes several meetings where ideas are presented to clients via image references, sketches, and massing models which help illustrate the size, shape, and relationship of spaces to each other. Often, materials and details are excluded which allows the architect to freely think about the flow and sequence of spaces.
At our practice, we come up with at least 3 different design approaches to give our clients plenty of options to choose from. We want schematic design to be a highly collaborative experience for our clients. This phase of the project requires a constant loop of presentations and feedback. As a client, you have to make sure to fully engage yourself during this process and be prepared to make hard decisions. Each decision will lead to a different design path and will narrow down the overall design of the house. Once everyone decides and reaches the right direction in terms of the general layout and massing of the house, we then proceed to the next phase.
Depending on the speed of the feedback and design loop, this phase usually takes 4 to 12 weeks to complete.
Phase 3: Design development
Once a mutual decision has been made on the general direction for the design through the Schematic Design phase, we begin the Design Development phase. This phase of the project is all about the details and the materiality of the project. Based on the Schematic Design concepts, we develop detailed floorplans that specify room dimensions, placements, and flow throughout the space. Together with the client, we select materials for the exterior and interior, including siding, roofing, flooring, and fixtures. We also define important architectural details such as windows, doors, moldings, and cabinetry.
At Pino Places, we practice 3D modeling during the Design Development phase wherein we translate the drawings into a digital model with proper scaling. This 3D model allows us to work through the floorplan and elevation simultaneously and harmoniously making the design more unified. At the same time, when the 3D model is nearly complete, we can present our ideas via photorealistic renders which remove the barriers of language between architects and clients. These renders help our clients envision their homes more clearly. Not everyone can read floorplans and detailed drawings. It takes years for architects to gain the ability to read and write this specific language. One of the goals of the studio is to demystify the design process and make it more collaborative. This is only possible when everyone speaks the same language. In addition to photorealistic renders, we also provide our clients with video animation walkthroughs of their houses so that they can get a better feeling of walking through their space.
These are the deliverables you can expect to receive when completing the design development phase: detailed drawings of floorplans and elevations; a mood board for the materials; 3D renders; and lighting and electrical plans.
This phase can take up to 16 weeks to complete depending on the amount of details. Stay tuned next week as we finish this series with the final two phases of designing a house.