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What is an architectural project?

Projects are guides or instructions that detail the steps to be taken to achieve a certain objective.

An architectural project, therefore, is a set of information and diagrams that allow you to detail, in some type of medium, how a work that is planned to be carried out will be. These projects include graphics, sketches, plans, and information presented in printed and/or digital format. They can also include models and other types of representations. It may refer to new construction, remodeling, refunctioning, or conditioning.

What does an architectural project include?

Professional Services corresponding to the preparation of an architectural project comprise the following work:

  • Stage (1) Conceptualization. This stage aims to define the project’s requirements and concept or idea.
    • In this stage, meetings (in-person or virtual) will be held with the Client until agreement and acceptance of the proposal and design is reached.
    • Architectural Program (with prior client approval)
    • Explanatory memorandum of the architectural concept
    • Area balance
    • Functional diagram (basic plans)
    • Compliance with applicable regulatory specifications.

Architectural Program

Definition of the spatial requirements of the Project. Function of the different spaces, relationships between them, and necessary area to guarantee habitability.

  • Stage (2) Architectural Preliminary Project. The purpose of these tasks is to give definition to stage (1), validation of these assumptions, and allow the Client to visualize the result
    • Descriptive memorandum of the Project.
    • Definitive architectural program.
    • General specifications, materials, textures, colors, and finishes.
    • Architectural plans.
    • Elevations and sections (floor plans and cross-sections).
    • 3D digital model and conceptual digital images (renderings).
    • Proposals for sustainable energy and resource management.

Renderings

Representative images of the Project generated virtually from a three-dimensional geometric model. Depending on the case, its style can be artistic or resemble reality, representing lights, shadows, and textures.

  • Stage (3) Architectural Project Documentation. Preparation of final information documenting the characteristics and specifications of the project, necessary for its materialization, as well as documents deliverable to public agencies, technical personnel, contractors, and subcontractors, etc.
    • Detailed 3D digital perspective and final image of the project (interior and exterior)
    • Architectural plans with all necessary specifications and clarifications.
    • Structural logic scheme, when appropriate. Clarifying this section, it is mentioned that any calculation of structural sections, quantities, and material resistance or soil mechanics are not the Architect’s competencies and their elaboration and responsibility remain with the respective disciplines.
    • Elevations and sections (floor plans and cross-sections) necessary for correct project understanding.
    • Construction details if necessary or agreed upon.
    • Installation criteria (electrical, sanitary, hydraulic, gas). Any specific calculations thereof, as well as other particular engineering disciplines, for example: security systems, computer networks, sound, HVAC, shall be the responsibility of the respective disciplines or suppliers.
    • General specifications. Descriptive memorandum of the Project
    • Permit plan sheets.

Architectural Documentation

All textual or graphic content of a technical, explanatory, or demonstrative nature to document, communicate, and explain with the purpose of materializing an architecture project. They can be sketches, diagrams, planimetries, technical details, photographic or virtually generated images, digital geometric models.

The Executive Project

A set of technical documents, planimetries, graphics, and diagrams that detail precisely and thoroughly all aspects necessary to materialize the construction of an architectural structure and its parts. It includes technical documentation, calculations, specifications, and budgets prepared by the different disciplines involved, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, mechanical and installation engineering, technical information by manufacturers of elements and products, etc.

The preparation of an executive project expands the preparation of the documents previously mentioned under “Architectural Project” with the following concepts:

  • Detailed architectural plans
  • Construction details and of every particular element that is part of the architectural object.
  • Detailed plans for ironwork, window frames, carpentry, and other types of items that are part of the project.
  • Masonry and finish plans
  • Layout, axis, and measurement plans.
  • Materials and finishes catalog
  • Particular specifications catalog
  • Electrical installation
    • Detailed electrical installation plan with specifications
    • Lighting design plan
    • Fixed equipment specifications
    • Load schedule, single-line diagram
  • Hydro-sanitary installation
    • Detailed hydraulic installation plans with fixture placement specifications.
    • Detailed sanitary installation plans with fixture placement specifications.
  • Gas installation
  • Air conditioning
  • Budget with quantities of work and unit price analysis.
  • Estimated direct construction cost, at the level of items or categories.

What is the method for an interior design project?

A set of information, diagrams, or activities that allow detailing and defining the environment and aesthetic resolution, for decorative and artistic purposes, of an architectural space.

Given the diversity of tasks and forms this can take, the documentation and presentation technique of this section will be defined and agreed upon with the Client for each particular case. It may include – not exclusively – some of the following concepts:

  • Digital images (renderings) representing the idea, concept, or result.
  • “Mood board” that compiles images and graphics to explain a particular style to achieve, color palette, materials, textures, objects, architectural and natural elements, etc.
  • Advice and on-site accompaniment with suppliers.
  • Schematic planimetries aimed at planning spaces.
  • Design and specifications for construction or fabrication of objects of a utilitarian and/or decorative nature.

CAD

CAD software (Computer-Aided Design) is used to create and edit two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of physical objects.