Question 1

01. Pre-Design / Initial Consultation

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
To establish a clear foundation for the project by understanding the client’s vision, functional needs, budget, and site conditions. This stage ensures that both client and architect share the same expectations before moving into the design process.

Key Tasks:
Conduct initial meetings with the client to discuss vision, goals, and requirements.
Gather background information: site data, legal documents, zoning regulations, and surveys.
Identify constraints such as budget, timeline, and statutory requirements.
Establish the design brief, outlining scope, priorities, and project objectives.
Provide initial insights or feasibility considerations for the project.

Deliverables:
Project Brief Document: a summary of client requirements, goals, and agreed project scope.
Preliminary Site Analysis: key findings regarding opportunities, limitations, and regulatory conditions.
Initial Project Schedule: projected timeline of design stages and milestones.
Preliminary Budget Framework (if applicable): early alignment of design expectations with financial capacity.
Consultation Notes / Meeting Minutes: documentation of discussions for mutual reference.

Question 2

02. Initial Proposal Stage

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
To present a preliminary outline of design services, fee structure, and project understanding, ensuring both Architect and Client share a common vision before entering into a formal agreement.

Key Tasks:
Client Consultation: Meet with the client to understand goals, requirements, and expectations.
Project Review: Collect available information such as site location, size, legal documents, and initial client references or ideas.
Preliminary Assessment: Provide insights on feasibility, potential design directions, and project challenges.
Service Scope Definition: Clarify what architectural services will be included and excluded.
Fee Proposal Preparation: Draft the design fee structure (percentage, lump sum, or per sqm) with payment terms.
Timeline Outline: Provide an initial schedule for design stages and milestones.
Presentation of Proposal: Deliver the proposal document to the client for review and discussion.

Deliverables:
Architectural Design Fee Proposal (scope of work, terms & conditions, exclusions, payment terms).
Preliminary Project Understanding (short summary of site, vision, and client requirements).
Draft Timeline / Work Plan (phases, milestones, estimated duration).
Initial Cost Framework (basic alignment between project scale and budget, if applicable).
Proposal Presentation / Discussion Notes (to finalize alignment before contract signing).

Notes:
The Initial Proposal Stage is non-binding until formal agreement/contract is signed.
Adjustments may be made after deeper site studies or client revisions.
This stage ensures transparency and trust before proceeding to Concept Design.

Question 3

03. Contract Stage

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
To establish a formal, legally binding agreement between Architect and Client. The contract defines the scope of services, design fees, payment terms, responsibilities, and legal protections, ensuring clarity and mutual trust before design begins.

Key Tasks:
1.Finalization of Proposal
Review the agreed scope of work, deliverables, and exclusions.
Confirm the fee structure and payment schedule.
Ensure client understanding of design flow, timeline, and limitations.

2.Drafting the Agreement
        Prepare a Professional Service Contract outlining:
Scope of Services
Fee Proposal Terms & Conditions
Payment Terms & Schedule
Intellectual Property Rights
Termination Clauses
Responsibilities of both parties
Include appendices if needed (design scope outline, exclusions, timeline, fee breakdown).

3.Contract Review & Negotiation
Provide the draft contract to the Client for review.
Clarify any questions and adjust terms if mutually agreed.
Ensure compliance with local professional standards and regulations.

4.Contract Signing
Both parties sign the final contract document.
Copies of the signed agreement are retained by both Architect and Client.

5.Mobilization / Advance Payment
Issue the first invoice.
Confirm payment receipt as a condition to begin design work.

6.Project Kick-Off
Set the official project start date.
Establish communication protocols and key contact persons.
Prepare the schedule for Concept Design Phase.

Deliverables:
Signed Professional Service Agreement (binding contract).
Confirmed Fee Structure & Payment Schedule.
Finalized Scope of Work & Exclusions.
Project Timeline / Milestones (aligned with contract).
Advance Payment Invoice & Receipt.
Kick-Off Confirmation Document (official project commencement).

Question 4

04. Concept Design Phase

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
Establish the overall project vision, form, and spatial concept.

Key Tasks:
Review project brief and client goals
Conduct site analysis (topography, access, context, views)
Explore massing and form through diagrams/sketches
Develop bubble diagrams or functional zoning
Create high-level, loose plan layouts (not to scale)
Prepare mood boards and reference imagery
Generate initial 3D massing sketches or conceptual models
Present to client; incorporate early feedback

Deliverables:
Conceptual diagrams (zoning, massing)
Preliminary site plan and spatial planning
Conceptual floor plans (hand or digital)
Initial massing studies (3D sketchup/model or diagrams)
Mood boards and visual inspiration references

Question 5

05. Schematic Design Phase

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
Translate the approved concept into scaled, organized architectural drawings.

Key Tasks:
Develop scaled floor plans showing spatial layout
Prepare basic site planning and landscape zones
Draw initial elevations and sections
Introduce basic structural & MEP strategies
Identify preliminary material palettes
Conduct initial zoning/code compliance checks
Conduct iterative client meetings & revisions

Deliverables:
Scaled architectural drawings: plans, sections, elevations
Schematic site layout
Initial 3D model or exterior rendering (optional)
Preliminary material board or palette
Updated narrative/design concept package

Question 6

06. Design Development Phase

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
Refine the architecture, coordinate with consultants, and prepare base documentation for construction.

Key Tasks:
Finalize dimensioned floor plans
Refine sections and elevations with material callouts
Define door/window types, create preliminary schedules
Advance material specifications and selections
Coordinate with structural, MEP, and lighting consultants
Provide code compliance alignment and regulatory updates
Adjust based on cost estimation feedback
Prepare for formal client approval

Deliverables:
Fully dimensioned plans, refined sections/elevations
Door, window, and finish schedules (preliminary)
Outline specifications for materials, finishes, systems
Consultant coordination drawings (marked-up or integrated)
Optional updated 3D models or visualizations
Finalized material boards

Question 7

07. Working Drawing Phase

Accepted Answer

Objective: 
Create a comprehensive, coordinated set of technical documents for permit, tender, and construction.

Key Tasks:
Complete detailed architectural drawings
Include wall sections, construction details, and assemblies
Finalize door, window, and finish schedules
Integrate all consultant drawings (structural, MEP, lighting, etc.)
Write or compile detailed specifications
Ensure compliance with building codes & local requirements
Prepare permit submission package
QA/QC review for coordination and consistency
Issue tender or construction-ready drawings

Deliverables:
Full architectural construction drawing set (PDF + CAD)
Detailed specification document (in drawing sheet or book format)
Consultant drawings (coordinated and integrated)

Workflow.

Architectural Design Scope of Work