Residential architectural design guide

From concept to permit: a clear residential design process.

A sequence of decisions made at the right level of detail.

A successful residential project moves through a series of decisions, each made at the right level of detail. The process begins by defining the site, program, priorities, budget, schedule, and likely permitting path. Schematic design then tests plans, massing, orientation, circulation, and the home’s relationship to the site while major changes are still manageable.

During design development, the selected direction gains structural, material, enclosure, mechanical, and code definition. Construction documents translate those decisions into a coordinated drawing set used for pricing, engineering, permit review, and construction.

Permit comments, builder questions, substitutions, and field conditions are normal parts of building. Clear documentation and responsive coordination help the project maintain its intent as it moves from drawings into construction.