Chapter 1The Design Process

Design is the process of solving problems.

Where to begin?

Design ProcessClient Profile/Interview/Problem StatementLetter of AgreementProgramming and analysisConceptual/Schematic DesignFinal Design DevelopmentContract AdministrationEvaluation

Client Profile / Problem Statement

What is the nature of the project? vacation home, primary residence, rental home, office, restaurant, hotel etc.Establish a client profile: a brief statement that identifies the client, location, project, purpose, and extent of work.Little detail has yet been researched

Why is the initial meeting so important for both the designer and the customer?

Evaluate compatibility (dont take every job, may not be profitable)

Does the project fit the firms area of specialization , is there a reasonable time frame and does the firm have the appropriate staff load to complete the project.

Client can evaluate firms work.

A word about time frameDeadlines are critical in the design business. Penalties may apply.Work backwards from the expected completion date to set schedule for each phase.If you see the time frame is not feasible, walk away or convince them that the time frame needs to be longer.

Letter of AgreementA legal contract between you and your client.Outlines the responsibilities of the designerOutlines financial obligations of the client for reimbursement, fees, time of paymentServes to protect you from wasting your time on projects that may not come to reality or a client using a different designerGet this contract signed before you do ANY work or you may be giving away your services!

Programming (5 15%)Information gathering Research programmingIdentify and analyze customer needsInterviewing customer and end users User profileInventory products to be used Lifestyle and FunctionRelationships/adjacenciesSpace allocationsEnvironmental factorsMechanical systems (HVAC)Psychological/SociologicalEconomic factors extremely importantBuilding codesDesign preferences

Programming is theMost crucial phase of the design process Good beginnings make for good endingsYou must be detailed and precise in your gathering or you will fail in the end result.You will need to analyze the information, prioritize the need and the wants and if any questions come up, make sure to go back and get them answered.You will write the program and the customer should review it and approve it before moving to the next phase of the design process.FYI: A commercial program is sometime hundreds of pages in length. It is a document that will be used by the entire design team, architects, mechanical, structural, electrical engineers, and designers.

Commercial ProgrammingBudget for renovation, furniture and finishes.Style preference, image.Existing furniture, artwork and accessories to reuse.Field measuring space, locating columns, outlets, network jacks, thermostats, HVAC returns.Photograph existing space, inventory and new spaceDetermine codes and safety requirements that need to be met. (occupancy classifications, occupant loads, egress widths, ADA, etc.)Determine the schedule/deadlineDetermine space allotments or standards, adjacencies, privacy issues storage and filing needs (measure file storage).Understand equipment needs, sizes use and location

Residential ProgrammingPersonal InformationAge, number, sex, size, activities and relationships of everyone living in the house.

Stage in the lifecycle : flexible spaces

Lifestyle Hobbies, activities, entertainment, meals, music games, TV, cooking etc.)

How long do they plan to live in the house.

Residential ProgrammingTastelikes and dislikes of the family. How do you find this out?Functional Goals special needs, universal design, media room, home office, energy efficiencySpace Requirements: How much sq. footageMinimum of 300-500 per personSee sample questions on page 10Equipment Needs: TV, cable, video, computers, security system

Residential Programming

Cost Estimates and budgets:Most expensive purchase: Americans spend 2-4 times their annual income.Kitchen and bathes are most expensive spacesSq. foot estimate vs. material and cost estimateKnow the avg. price per sq. foot in the neighborhood.25% of income goes to house paymentHow can you help customer save money?Life cycle costingMaintenance issuesStandard sizes, colors and finishesKeep plumbing back to backPlan aheadKeep change orders to a minimum

Residential Programming

Site and orientationRestrictions on placement, color, size etc.Solar orientation, south windows, fadingWindView

Conceptual / Schematic DesignThe formulation of preliminary broad-based concepts.Written concept statementDecisions on character, function and aestheticsMatrix: indicates relationships of spaces Bubble diagram 170, 171Block diagrams 170, 171Preliminary Floor plans/ space plan 19Selecting preliminary color optionsPreliminary furniture options

Matrixes and Bubbles

Block Plans

Schematic Floor Plan

Design Development (30-35%)Approval from customer on schematic design has been given.Construction DocumentsFloor planElevationsSectionsFurniture and finish plansPower and Communication PlansLighting, Reflected Ceiling Plan

Write Bid Specifications

FF&E Spec Book

Work with other professionals ElectriciansStructural engineersMechanical engineers

Dimensioned Plan

Reflected Ceiling Plan

Sections and Elevations

Finish Schedules

Design Development Rendering

Design Development Rendering

Design Development Rendering

Contract Administration (5-15%)All design decisions become reality most rewarding of the phases.Orders are placed.General contractor, subcontractors begin building, installing products.Coordination is critical in order for subs not to interfere with each others work.Site visits become regular to check quality and to stay on schedule.Punch list is established.Furniture is installed.

EvaluationFollow-up on job to measure the success of the products specified.How effective was the design?Did it meet the needs of the customer?Are the products specified holding up?Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) provides the professional designer with the information needed to evaluate and measure a successful or unsuccessful design