This recap blog was written by LBL Architects, Inc. and Graham Associates, Inc., members of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, as part of our Business Resource Sessions.

Design & Build: Where Ideas Meet the Ground

1. A need is identified, whether from a code issue, operational need, expansion, or simply the owner wanting to improve a space. At that point, a design professional is contacted.
2. Your design professional reviews the existing conditions of the site or building. This could be an empty site, an existing building, or a facility that is still in use.
3. A preliminary plan (sometimes called a Program) is developed to organize the space and establish project needs. At this stage, the drawings are still conceptual and based on operational needs, square footage requirements, and code requirements. This gives the owner an early idea of what the project may look like.
4. The design continues to develop, and engineers are brought onto the team to create full construction documents. These drawings can look very technical and complex, so don’t hesitate to ask your design team questions throughout the process.
5. Part of a design professional’s job is making sure the project is safe, functional, and compliant with local and national codes and regulations.
6. During construction, you can keep your architect and engineering team involved to help oversee the work and make sure it aligns with the design. While this service is not always required, it is highly recommended. Your design team can also recommend contractors for you to hire if necessary.