A client usually has an idea of what his program for construction is, but may need to have these ideas articulated and prioritized often within the context of a strict budget. At the outset of a project, the architectural service will work with the client to clarify what the goals are. Early planning will start with the exploration of options for the client to consider and then sharpen in focus as the design develops. There is a full range of aspects to consider in any project, many of which are central to architectural design, some of which are peripheral, but in any case require the lead voice of the architect. Depending on the scale and scope of the project, the architect will be called upon to coordinate the efforts of critical consultants, not least of which are a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Mechanical/electrical/plumbing Engineer(s), Interior Designer, and Landscape Engineer. Specialty fields such as audio/visual systems, security systems, and solar and wind-generated systems may also be incorporated into the project design. Many projects today are of significant scale and scope as to require an extensive review and approval processes with various government departments and agencies. The architectural service will provide all necessary plans and materials attendant to this process as well as steward the project through the approval process.

After the design is determined, the heart of the architectural service is the preparation of plans and specifications for bidding, construction, and obtaining building permits. This will include coordination of structural engineering, soils and civil engineering, energy performance engineering (Title 24), as well as preparation of all architectural plans. A typical set of architectural drawings includes site and grading plans, floor plans, building sections and exterior elevations, schedules, interior elevations, details, notes, and specifications.

Once a project is designed, it must be analyzed for its cost. This will be done preliminarily and then in its final form with the coordination of the bidding process. The architect will also assist the client in choosing a contractor from a body of contractors picked to bid the project.

After the contractor is chosen and the project is under construction, the architect will periodically visit the project site to determine that the execution is meeting the intent and letter of the plans and construction documents. The architect will interpret the drawings to the contractor and be available to sort out any issues as they may arise. The architect represents the clients’ interests primarily and is the first arbiter of any disputes that may arise. At the close of the project, the architect will determine that the project is completed properly and that any deficiencies are identified and corrected.