The Design Process - Part A

Often with all that goes on in a business (or life) it is very difficult for the new designer to actually think in a step by step process and follow this through so that all the steps can be checked off.
This tool is set up as a guide to take you through the basic design process when setting up a project.
In it are steps for mapping the space and the clients requirements (even if you are the client) developing a design, the resolve to back it up, and identifying what is to go where using the appropriate documentation.
This process will entail some understanding of design and contract documentation however even if you have no formal training and want to undertake a small project for home use this process to ensure that you at least identify all the steps that are necessary to complete the project. There will soon be an online tutorial system to cover this in more detail as well as downloadable forms to help with this process.

Define the parameters of the project and map it by recording what is existing.

You must read this in conjunction with the Gant chart which demonstrates in graphical form the timeline. click here

Design Project Scope

Initially develop a form for the brief taking. It should follow within the parameters listed below.
(note that many of the forms that outline the design process are online. Ensure that you check the free downloads for copies of these to help with your professional development and practice.)

1 Define

Date
Client name
Address
Contact details including phone fax and email
Draft outline of design and documentation needed
Define the budget available
Estimation of fees and engagement letter
Type of project
Size of project
Individual rooms to be developed
Expected flow and arrangement from client
Expected timing of project
Particular tastes colours, other consultants needed, permission letters
Give the project a number and start a file
Confirm consents required
Type of contract required to confirm timing
Receive any legal documents, titles, existing plans, building owner details etc.

2 Map the Project

Identify the site and project by number.
Record date and time started.
Freehand sketch the rooms to be measured in plan elevation and relevant details such as joinery and trim profiles(eg skirtings and architraves) and the basic positions of services and existing heating and lighting.
Photograph or video the rooms and details and sketch existing furniture and joinery to be used so that measurements can be taken for the planning.
Measure the overall room and relative positions of the openings and features and add the measurement to the relevant areas of the freehand sketches. Measure all heights of the room and the furniture and opening sizes. How to site measure
Check planning details from local body and building laws. Ensure that your project complies or that consent is able to be obtained through due process if not. Ensure that this is noted for your clients information.
Use the measured sketch to draw a draft of the rooms layout and elevations to create an accurate to scale drawing recording the room to industry standard. This should be to a scale of either 1:100 or 1:50. Develop in pencil initially and then ink to full drafting standard if drawing manually. If with a cad system determine scale for the printer and then as per the cad system paying attention to ensuring the drawing has depth by accurate use of line weights.
Print a copy of the draft.

go to part b