When you think of building design and construction, you probably imagine architects sketching out blueprints, builders constructing a finished product, and general contractors overseeing the whole process.
While this is an accurate depiction of the industry as a whole, there are actually three different processes that must occur before a new building can come to life. Each stage plays an essential role in getting a project off the ground and keeping it moving forward until completion.
Depending on the type of project you’re working on and your specific role within that team, you may perform one or multiple of these tasks at any given time during construction. Regardless of which stage you’re currently in with your next project, reading through each section will arm you with knowledge that can be applied to almost any future endeavors.
The Design Stage
At the design stage, architects, engineers, and designers hash out the many components of a project.
Although there are many variations of this process, most design teams use a combination of computer modeling software, research, and hands-on mock-ups to arrive at a plan that meets the client’s needs and satisfies local building codes.
During the design stage, your role may include: Developing initial concepts for a building or space. Selecting materials and finishes for inside and outside the building. Working with outside consultants to determine how the various parts of your building will function.
Providing feedback and fine-tuning designs based on the input of other design team members.
The Build Stage
The build stage is when your team will actually physically bring your project to life. This could include pre-fabricating certain parts of the building, installing those components, and then completing the rest of the building with conventional construction methods.
Throughout this process, your team will handle many of the same tasks as they did during the design stage, with a few exceptions. Now, you will have to focus on: Understanding and meeting the specifications of the plans created during the design phase.
Communicating any changes or special instructions to the rest of the team. Ensuring that a project stays on schedule and within its budget.
The Construction Stage
During the construction stage, you will be focused on seeing your project through to completion. This may involve managing the budget, planning changes to the original plan, and overseeing the work of other contractors and subcontractors.
High-risk projects, especially those that require special permits or are prone to change orders, may require an experienced superintendent to manage the team, keep everyone on task, and make sure the building stays within budget.
If you find yourself in this position, you will also have to: Manage the budget to ensure that project funds are spent wisely. Make decisions about changes to the original plan. Work with other team members to solve problems that arise as the project progresses.
Summing it up
Building design and construction is a process that occurs in three stages: the design stage, the build stage, and the construction stage.
During the design stage, architects, engineers, and designers work together to create blueprints for a project. During the build stage, construction teams build the project according to those blueprints. During the construction stage, the team manages any unexpected changes that arise during the building process.
The design stage is when architects and designers create blueprints for a building project. During the design stage, designers select the location of the building, determine the building’s size and shape, and decide on the type of materials to be used.
During the building design phase, designers also select the materials for the interior and exterior of the building, select the type of flooring to be used, decide on the type of heating and cooling systems to be used, and decide on the type of lighting to be used in the building.
What’s next
The build stage is when your team will actually physically bring your project to life. This could include pre-fabricating certain parts of the building, installing those components, and then completing the rest of the building with conventional construction methods.
During this process, your team will handle many of the same tasks as they did during the design stage, with a few exceptions. Now, you will have to focus on understanding and meeting the specifications of the plans created during the design phase, communicating any changes or special instructions to the rest of the team, and ensuring that a project stays on schedule and within its budget. The construction stage is when the team is physically building the project according to the blueprints created during the design stage. During the construction stage, team members will manage any issues that arise during the building process, make changes to the building plan if necessary, and oversee the project as it nears completion.