“How Will Our Design Process Work?” A Design Process Storyboard for a Small Dining Room Extension. Architectural Practice FAQ

07/11/2015 Diarmuid Kelly

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Architectural Practice, Frequently Asked Questions, House Extension Resources

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Nearly all our domestic clients are new to the architectural design process, to describe the service they’ll receive we like to talk through a house extension “storyboard” like this one. We have chosen a very simple project to illustrate how architects work with clients; it’s a 20 m2 dining room extension. We added an explanation to every slide to show what each drawing was for, and how it served the clients’ needs. (Prices shown were correct in early 2014.)

This particular client requested a very low cost package of services, so these images are the bare minimum required to illustrate the architectural ideas; we usually employ much higher quality 3D graphics. To see our most luxurious design work check out our work in progress.

These are some typical questions.

When and how will the budget be worked out?
Will I be able to see and understand the design as it emerges?
Will I have options?
Will I be in control of the process, or will the architect force us to do something we don’t want or understand?
Can I see how the light will work?
I have picked some images out of magazines/ Pinterest boards. Can you please use those ideas?

Here’s how we work. Click into the side show and read the captions.

: The process began with the a sample board of images provided by the client

: We conducted a survey and produced three simple design options, with rough budget estimates for each

: The first version was very efficient, but would have required removal of a kitchen installed by the clients the previous year. This option was rejected.

: This version was what the client had actually asked for, but when we showed it to them in 3d, it was clear that it included too much wasted space.

: This option was preferred by the clients.

: We were asked to develop this design option further.

: We created a more detailed view of this option, with some ideas for furniture to optimise the small new space

: The client researched some further ideas about how the new space might be furnished and sent us these images.

: We reworked the layout to create the dining window seat and the reading nook

: We wished to demonstrate to the client that there were some problems with light quality in their chosen layout; we recommended removing the existing rear wall of the house, but the clients didn’t wish to incur the required expense.

: We wished to demonstrate to the client that there were some problems with light quality in their chosen layout; we recommended removing the existing rear wall of the house, but the clients didn’t wish to incur the required expense.

: We updated our architects’ budget estimate as the design developed. The tender process resulted in a contract price well within this budget.

After the design has been agreed, and the client has a clear statement of what they want, we commence a technical design process.

: We moved the project data into a BIM package and modelled it to create 3D and 2D construction information and documentation.

: We created simple drawings to allow the client to procure fitted furniture in keeping with the design.

: The design project was one of the first we developed using BIM technology. Since then we have invested in new hardware and access to state of the art cloud computing resources.

: We provided prescient construction details to achieve the clients’ desired look and feel for the architecture, while providing enough scope for the contractor to deliver a competitive price.