Understanding Schematic Design: Your First Step Toward Your Dream Space
As you begin your journey with our architectural firm, one of the first and most exciting phases
you’ll experience is schematic design. This guide will help you understand what to expect and
how to get the most out of this creative process.
What is Schematic Design?
Schematic design is the initial design phase where your ideas and requirements begin to take physical form. Think of it as creating a rough sketch of your project’s possibilities. During this phase, we’ll:
● Transform your vision into initial concepts
● Explore different design options
● Establish the basic layout and flow of your space
● Consider how the building will sit on your property
● Begin to define the project’s character and style
What You’ll See During Schematic Design
1. Bubble Diagrams
These simple, informal drawings show how different spaces in your project might relate to each other. Imagine circles representing rooms or areas, connected to show relationships and flow.
These help us discuss:
● Which spaces need to be adjacent
● Traffic patterns through your building
● Public vs. private areas
● Views and natural light opportunities
2. Basic Floor Plans
As ideas become more concrete, we’ll create rough floor plans that show:
● Room layouts and approximate sizes
● Wall placements
● Door and window locations
● Basic furniture layouts to confirm spaces are appropriately sized
3. Site Analysis Drawings
These drawings help us understand how your building will interact with its environment:
● Solar orientation
● Views to and from the site
● Natural features to preserve
● Access points and circulation
● Topography and drainage
4. Initial 3D Views
To help you better visualize the space, we may provide:
● Simple 3D models showing building mass and form
● Basic exterior views
● Key interior perspectives of important spaces
Your Role in Schematic Design
Your active participation is crucial during this phase. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Share Your Vision
● Collect and share images of spaces you love
● Describe how you want to use each area
● Express your style preferences
● Share your must-haves and wish-list items
2. Provide Feedback
● Tell us what excites you about the designs
● Share concerns early
● Ask questions about anything unclear
● Help us understand how you’ll use each space
3. Consider the Future
● Think about how your needs might change
● Consider maintenance and durability
● Discuss potential future expansions
● Collect and share images of spaces you love
● Describe how you want to use each area
● Express your style preferences
● Share your must-haves and wish-list items
2. Provide Feedback
● Tell us what excites you about the designs
● Share concerns early
● Ask questions about anything unclear
● Help us understand how you’ll use each space
3. Consider the Future
● Think about how your needs might change
● Consider maintenance and durability
● Discuss potential future expansions
What Happens Next?
After schematic design, we’ll move into the Design Development phase, where we’ll:
● Refine the approved schematic design
● Add more detail to the drawings
● Begin selecting materials and finishes
● Develop more detailed cost estimates
Timeline and Deliverables
Typically, schematic design takes 4-6 weeks, depending on project complexity. You can expect:
● 2-3 design review meetings
● Multiple concept options to consider
● Preliminary budget discussions
● Basic material and finish suggestions
Making the Most of This Phase
1. Keep an Open Mind Sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected directions. Trust the process and be open to exploring different approaches.
2. Communicate Clearly Don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. The earlier we know your concerns, the easier they are to address.
3. Focus on the Big Picture During this phase, we’re establishing the fundamental concepts. Detailed decisions about finishes and fixtures will come later
Common Questions
A: Schematic drawings are intentionally basic, focusing on overall layout and form rather than
detailed specifications.
A: Yes, but major changes become more costly and time-consuming as the project progresses.
This is why we encourage thorough exploration during schematics.
A: During this phase, we can provide rough order-of-magnitude costs based on similar projects
and square footage. More detailed estimates come later.
Remember, schematic design is your opportunity to dream big and explore possibilities. We’re
here to guide you through this exciting process and ensure your vision comes to life in the best
possible way.
For any enquires please mail us at info@mdeepaarchitects.com or give us a call on +91 83098 38138.
For any enquires please mail us at info@mdeepaarchitects.com or give us a call on +91 83098 38138.
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