INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGN PROCESS
The complexity of the design process requires that at various points along the way designers communicate aspects and outcomes of the process to clients and consultants. Like professionals, students must present in-process projects to team members, instructors, and guest critics. Visual presentations must vary to accommodate the process of design and to communicate both process and outcome.
In Interior Design Illustrated, Francis Ching identifies three basic stages of design process: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. According to Ching, analysis involves defining and understanding the problem; synthesis involves the formulation of possible solutions; and evaluation involves a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solutions. Interestingly, these three basic stages of design process are used by design practitioners in a variety of disciplines.
Industrial designers, graphic designers, exhibition designers, and others often engage in a similar process. Of course, the design disciplines vary a great deal in terms of professional practice and final outcome. For this reason, actual interior design process and project phases are quite distinct and are more elaborate than the three basic stages may indicate.
For purposes of contractual organization, the process of design engaged in by architects and interior designers in the United States has been divided into five basic project phases: (1) PROGRAMMING, (2) SCHEMATIC DESIGN, (3) DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, (4) CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION, and (5) CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION. These phases are derived from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Owner-Architect Agreement for Interior Design Services and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Interior Design Services Agreement. Both of these documents serve as contracts for design services and reflect the current design process and project management in the United States. Figure 2-1 is a description of design phases and related visual presentation methods.
Peña, Parshall, and Kelly, writing in Problem Seeking, identify the actual design process as taking place in the first three project phases. They state that “programming is part of the total design process but is separate from schematic design.” The authors go on to link schematic design and design development as the second and third phases of the total design process. This chapter is intended as an exploration of the three phases of the design process identified by Peña, Parshall, Kelly, and others and as a study of the drawings and graphics used to communicate, document, inform, and clarify the work done during these phases.
PROJECT PHASE
Programming also known as pre-design
Schematic Design also known as the preliminary design phase
Design Development
Construction Documents
Construction Administration
TYPICAL TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
In depth analysis and documentation of needs, requirements goals and objectives. Can include: identification of space and adjacency requirements analysis; asset assessment; specialized needs assessments; codes and accessibility research and identification of conceptual and thematic issues. As well as; analysis of architectural or site parameters; and analysis of scheduling and budget.
Preliminary conceptual, spatial, conceptual, and technical design of project. Includes preliminary space planning often using; relationship diagrams; matrices; bubble diagrams; blocking diagrams; stacking plans; and fit plans. As well as initial furnishings, fixtures and equipment design/layout. Development of projects conceptual and thematic issues. Color, material and finish studies. Preliminary code review. Preliminary budgetary information.
Refinement of finalized design. Includes space plan and design of interior construction elements and details. Often involves incorporation of lighting, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems design; as well as data and telecommunication systems integration. Often includes millwork design and detailing. Also includes color, materials, and finish selection. Design and specification of furnishings, fixtures,and equipment, as well as refinement of budgetary and scheduling information.
Preparation of drafted, working drawings and/or contract documents. Includes preparation of drawings, schedules, details, and specifications, as well as coordination and integration of consultants documents. Can include preparation of specialized equipment and/or furnishings documents for bidding by purchasing agents. May include purchasing documents.
Guide and review construction and installation. Can include periodic site visits and creation of progress reports. Coordination and review of shop drawings and sample submittals. May include clarification and interpretation of drawings, as well as possible review of billing and payment. Preparation of punch list. May include move coordination and supervision of furnishings, fixtures and equipment installation.
TYPICAL MEANS OF VISUAL PRESENTATION
Most often written information compiled in a programming report. Often includes problem identification, diagrams, charts, matrixes, and may include some orthographic drawings and early fit studies. May include preliminary scheduling graphics.
Graphic presentation of preliminary design; can include relationship diagrams; blocking and fit plans; preliminary space plan(s); preliminary furnishing and equipment layouts; preliminary elevations and sections; preliminary 3-D drawings; preliminary color and materials studies; and study models. Presentation may also include graphic presentation of conceptual and thematic issues using sketches, diagrams, and mixed media.
Finalized, refined design presentation incorporating all necessary components of design. Graphic presentation of finalized design can include conceptual diagrams; space plan(s); and plan(s) for furnishings, fixtures and equipment, as well as elevations; sections; ceiling plans; 3-D drawings; colors, materials, and finish samples; scale models and mockups. Multimedia presentations can incorporate all of the above elements plus sound and animation.
Preparation of contract documents. Often includes submission to general contractor(s) and purchasing agents for bid and to appropriate agencies for plan check.
Communication with contractors, agencies and clients is primarily written and verbal. May include scheduling, budgetary, and administrative graphics.
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