Building Design and Construction Handbook - Merritt - Ventech!

2.10 SECTION TWO
permits clients to take control in the design of an insurance package to protect their
investment and provides clients with stability, security, and risk management.
2.7 DEFINITION OF PROJECT PHASES
The definition of the various phases of development for a particular project from
initial studies through postconstruction should be understood by the client and outlined
thoroughly in the client-A/E agreement. The most-often-used phases of development
include the following:
Feasibility Studies. To assist the client in determining the scope of the project
and the extent of services to be performed by various parties, the architect may
enter into an interim agreement for services relating to feasibility studies, environmental
impact studies or reports, master planning, site selection, site analysis, code
and zoning review, programming, and other predesign services.
Environmental Impact Studies. Determination of environmental studies and reports
required for a project and preparation of such reports, special drawings, or
other documents that may be required for governmental approvals are normally
performed under separate agreements. Attention should be given to zoning, soils,
and the potential of hazardous materials in any form. If any impermissible hazardous
materials are encountered, clients should be advised so that they can obtain the
services of a specialty consultant to determine what course of action to take.
Programming. If the architect is required to prepare the program of space requirements
for a project, the program should be developed in consultation with the
client to help the client recognize particular needs. Space requirements, interrelationships
of spaces and project components, organization subdivision of usage, special
provision and systems, flexibility, constraints, future expansion, phasing, site
requirements, budgetary and scheduling limitations, and other pertinent data should
all be addressed.
Conceptual Design. During this phase of development, the architect evaluates the
client’s program requirements and develops alternatives for design of the project
and overall site development. A master plan may also be developed during this
phase. The plan serves as the guide and philosophy for the remainder of the development
of the project or for phasing, should the project be constructed in various
phases or of different components.
Schematic Design. During this phase the project team, including all specialty
consultants, prepares schematic design documents based on the conceptual design
alternative selected by the client. Included are schematic drawings, a written description
of the project, and other documents that can establish the general extent
and scope of the project and the interrelationships of the various project components,
sufficient for a preliminary estimate of probable construction costs to be
prepared. Renderings and finished scale models may also be prepared at this time
for promotional and marketing purposes.