Exploring the Design Development Phase in New Home Design

last year

Hello Family,

I am a layman in home construction, and I’m currently navigating the exciting journey of designing my new home. I’m curious to learn more about the design development phase. I need help from those who are experienced or knowledgeable in the field to share insights into the scope of work during the design development phase of a new home design.

Also, what does it mean when it is noted that “The Design Development Documents shall illustrate and describe the refinement of the design of the Project, establishing the colors, textures, materials, fixture selections, and appearance of the Project using plans, elevations, and specifications?” In other words, can the selection of colors, materials, fixtures, equipment, and finishes be considered interior design?

Lastly, I would appreciate it if you could provide me with all the professionals involved in the design development phase and how decisions are made at this stage.

Featured Answer

PRO

DeWayne

last year

That is high level design development for permanent finishes like stone and architectural woodwork. Usually, an interior designer (not decorator) is involved if the customer wants integration of interior and exterior as a whole, and the architect is not as versed in some of those aspects. FLW designed custom furniture and finishes for his abodes. Not many do that type of thing anymore, because that high end type project is a rarity.

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Comments (7)

PRO
PPF.
last year
Retain a qualified architect/designer. They will answer all your questions, and more.
Francis A thanked PPF.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
last year
Normally, there is a schematic design phase, design development phase, and construction drawing phase. Each phase gets more detailed. The schematic design focuses on spatial relationships. The design development just further develops the design. The construction drawings spells out everything in detail.

Your question about "what does it mean when it is noted that . . . " is a poetic statement attempting to describe the phase; "We do more drawings" doesn't cut it. Decisions are made through open communication and the client bringing chocolate cookies, with walnuts, to the meetings.
Francis A thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
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PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last year
Although I understand that you would like to know what all this means, you’re basically asking what an architect does, after 5 years of schooling and passing many exams to become a registered architect. Your best bet is to retain the services of a good and talented architect who can walk you through the process and design a home that works for you and your family.
Francis A thanked Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
res2architect
last year
last modified: last year
When an architect designs a house it is necessary to divide the work into phases so the architect can get the owner's written approval at the end of each phase before proceeding to the next phase in order to bill the owner as outlined in the owner-architect agreement.

If you are designing the house yourself formal phases of the work wouldn't be necessary; just try to avoid getting too far ahead in any one aspect of the design in case other parts get redesigned.
Francis A thanked res2architect
Francis A
Original Author
last year
Thank you, res2architect. So, would you consider the selection of colors, materials, fixtures, equipment, finishes, and appearance of the project using plans, elevations, and specifications, as more of the interior design aspect or the architectural?
res2architect
last year
Here again it depends on who will be hired to do the design and documentation. Some times an architect will provide the interior design and sometimes the owner will want to use suppliers and consultants.