Architectural Design Services

The Architectural Design Services of an architect covers a wide scope of building design.

The scope of Comprehensive services of the architect is governed by the Architectural Council or the Board of Architecture in each country.

However, as a general knowledge, the entire scope of the architectural services in the most comprehensive services are categorized into these stages:

1. Pre-Design Services
2. Regular Design Services
3. Specialized Architectural services
4. Construction Services
5. Post-Constructions Services

It covers the entire process of ;

• Analyzing the users need, 
• the space requirements, 
• the activities within and without, 
• the Accessibility to and from the actual site, 
• the Building code requirements, 
• the Environmental impact, 
• the Green Architecture for sustainability
• the Orientation of the sun
• the budget requirements
• the building technology
• the utilities system
• the decision makers

As the building design becomes more complex, the design requirements and the design process becomes complicated. The Services can be broken down in stages so that the building design will be achieved up to the construction of the building. 

The process will not stop when the client gets the perspective view of the proposed design. That is just the initial stage of the many complex processes that will be encountered.

The stages are categorized as the 

Pre-Design Services

1. Consultation
2. The project feasibility study
3. Architectural Research
4. Architectural Programming
5. Promotional Servics

Regular Design Services

1. Schematic Design stage, 
2. The Design Development Stage,
3.  The Contract Document stage, and 
4. The Construction stage.

Specialized Architectural services

1. Architectural Interiors
2. Acoustic Design
3. Architectural Lighting
4. Site Development Planning
5. Comprehensive Planning
6. Building Systems
7. Architectural Conservation
8. 
   

Construction Services

1. Full time supervision
2. Project Management

Post Construction Services

1. Building and Facilities Management
2. Post Construction Evaluation

The comprehensive architectural services are the product of the responses to the demands of the emerging complex building project.

In this complex system, the architect is the prime professional  who function as the creator, author and coordinator of the building design which  becomes the basis for the construction of the building project.

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With the Principal Architect

For the Regular Design Services of the Architect

The Design scope can be handled by an architect as the Single proprietor to perform the architectural design of simple to moderate complexity depending on the experience of the architect.

The scope of his regular service can sustain his financial status and can organize a team to provide the basic services required by the client/

He can get paid on the regular design services with the fee corresponding to the actual cost of the project. His fee can be agreed on a Lump sum basis, on a percentage fee, on a percentage fee plus other reimbursable expenses.

Refer to the article:

How to architects get paid?

How to use Sketchup

Learn How to use Sketchup starting with your own hand sketch.
This video will teach you how to import the sketch and improve everything to sketchup, work on the 3d model and create your own 3d rendering presentation This is part of the tutorial in our Udemy Class. For those who are seeking for a way to use Sketchup as their platform in design Conceptualization and Presentation, this is video will give you the idea on how to use sketchup. As you go along, you will learn how to develop your skills in designing. Architectural Designing and Conceptualization 
Think of how you will organize your 3d model when you are doing your conceptual design starting with the handscketch of the plan layout. 
The plan layout can be done manually. Using a scale and the grid system, spaces can be adjusted and arranged while doing the sketch.
The architect's sketch is done to organize according to the arrangement of the required spaces. Using sketchup is the next step to start working with the 3d model. They 3d model will be refined and done accurately. The Sketch will be a guide in the initial layout. 
Use Sketchup Layout
Most people ask question on "How do I use sketchup layout?" Sketchup layout is a feature in Sketchup that will help you organize the drawing requirements of the project you are working. 


You can learn more of the Design Conceptualization using sketchup in our Udemy course

3D Solar Panel

3d Solar Panels

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3d Warehouse Models

3d sketchup model for download

Some of our 3d models have been uploaded to 3D Warehouse at Trimble.com.

You can enjoy a free download, modify it an use it for your personal project. It’s all totally free, we are giving away these models for modification. Don’t use exact model but tweak it and modify according tour designs

Here are some of the models;

1. 3D Sketchup  High Rise Building Model

Use it as a background model if you are working on a large scale urban development project or just simply want to ise it for uor 3d modeling practice.

3d Sketchup Model Footbridge Stair

Here’s a 3D Sketchup model of a stair along footbridge. If you are designing a bridge, this is another model to begin with and make your test renderings. 

Sketchup resources are all available in 3d Warehouse

You can also visit our 3d models in 3d Warehouse.

3. 3d Sketchup Mall Interior Model

If you are working on a Mall interior, this is a perfect fit for that. Another 3d model you can download. 

Visit our Trimble account 3dartrender, 

More 3d models are uploaded there for downloads.

Organizing Drawing Documents Using Layout in Sketchup

The more easy way to Organize your Drawing Documents is in Sketchup. Learning this great feature included in the Sketchup program is the Layout. If you have not tried this one yet, you will see the power of this tool that can make your workflow more efficient and coordinated.

While doing the 3d model, you can bear in mind the construction documentation too. You can link your sketchup file into the layout to produce 2d drawings. You will have the capability of using the BIM (Building Integrated Modeling) system in sketchup.

The 3d modeling approach can be very useful in all of the phases of the project especially in presenting the design and show Value Engineering.

Here's the Video Tutorial:

Learn how to use this and see how you can organize the drawing documentation you will be needing as the phase of your architectural practice progresses. How to use Layout in Sketchup?
First is to locate the program and open it. There will be options to chose before you will go to the layout platform. You will set up the page and it will come in a blank sheet. You can costumize the title block and group it to edit easily. You can duplicate the sheet to maintain the standard title block all throughout the creation of documents. The video above is an introduction to the many layouts you will be creating. BIM in sketchup
It is important to note that you can consider the BIM while creating the model. This will make your documentation more accurate and easy to visualize all aspects of the building system from planning to construction and even post construction evaluation. As we progress with this lesson, layout will be organize according to the discipline required for the drawing documentation. From foundation, to structural system and building utilities system. As an introduction, layout in sketchup can be organize by: 1. Insering the skp file in your layout as a viewport. 2. Copy the Clip the viewports

How to Create Circular Pattern

Here's another Sketchup Video tutorial, creating one segment of a pattern and copy multiple times to form a circular pattern.

If you are creating a 3d model of a dome and would like to transfer the pattern on the dome, it can be done by using the "DRAPE TOOL".

Here's the video tutorial and follow along.

Hospital Design Presentation | Animation Using Sketchup

The Design Presentation is one of the major activity in the practice of Architecture. This is the presentation of the Design Proposals.

Animation Using Sketchup



Sketchup is very handy and useful in this situation. Aside from the different styles of sketch presentation, we can also make use of the animation available inside sketchup.

In the preparation of the Schematic Layout of the Hospital Design, it is important to save SCENES showing different views to further show and explain the design intention of the architect. Organizing the scenes from the very beginning of the 3d modelling, the scene may serve as a story board. This will show the organization of the Design from Plan Layout to the different perspective views.

The Schematic Design 

Schemes are the initial Design done by the Architect. From his research and data gathered, the architect formulate his design. This will include diagrams that will help him analyze all the different aspects that should be considered in the design process.

  A project feasibility study 

Depending on the complexity of the project, the feasibility study should be done and these are the things that should be included in the report

•  The base plan and all the existing condition of the Site
• The Sun Orientation
• The existing Laws governing the building regulations, minimum set backs and  zoning regulations
• The vehicular traffic flow from point of entry to the site

What Should be shown in the Presentation?

Assuming that all of these reports are made, the architect should prepare the following drawing documents;

• The Plan Layout
• The Site Plan
• Perspectives

Sketchup, as mentioned earlier, is very useful in preparing all of the above drawing requirements. While creating the 3d model, the organization of the these documents should be organized inside sketchup in such a way that the manner of presentation will explain the design intention as it progresses to the final outcome of the whole design.

A Hospital Design Concept Proposal using Sketchup

Using Sketchup to visualize the hospital design concept architecture is the fist stage in the design process. The 3d model of the Proposed Hospital is an good example to showcase. At the Initial stage of the project, 

A Schematic Design is submitted to the client. Plans and  Perspective views are the most essential visual presentations submitted to the client.

Sketchup is in action to complete this design proposal. In our own design practice, this is the  most effective tool to create presentations. It is fast and reliable and can be exported to cad for production of drawings

It can also be exported to Lumion to make the final rendering more photo-realistic like this example which is another project highlight. Each of these rendering are widely acceptable and used in a different stage of the design process. This can be used as a marketing promotion tool of the building management operating the Hospital. To attract more people to visit the place whenever it is in full operation.

Here are some outlines to consider using sketchup for architects doing their hospital sketch drawing or any architectural design ideas. Here are some more examples:

These presentation create a good impression on the design and the artistry. More easy to convey the design concepts and ideas to the client. 

Though architects are in born artists, some can still go with the sketches in the conception stage of the design. sketches then transferred to sketchup and make an amazing outcome to the presentation. Architects still have to maintain the impression they created with their past, present and future clients. 

This will leave a strong impact to the client and might as well consider their recommendation to new clients they know. 

How Effective is Sketchup in Visualizing a Design?

There are numerous software to use in 3d visualization, but Sketchup is widely used by architects to create a design proposal. It is super easy to use and it has the "artist touch". Editing is easy and the presentation is very satisfactory both to the architect and the client.

There are a lot of advantage using Sketchup.

1.  It is easy to lean and easy to use
2. The presentation is amazing and very versatile. There are differents styles of presentation to choose from and scenes can be saved while work is in progress.
3. Easy editing and straight forward tools 
4. Well Organized presentation from 2d to 3d models
5. Layout can be used to produce drawing documents
6. Photo realistic renderings are also achieved using 3rd party rendering softwares like Vray, Lumion, Maxwell and many other extensions compatible to sketchup.
7. Animation or the walk throughs can be shown using the scene tab in real time. This can also be saved as a movie file to be sent to the client online to show the progress of the design proposal.

Online course in sketchup is now available at Udemy.

LEARN HOW TO USE SKETCHUP AND COMPLETE THE 3D MODEL OF THIS HOUSE

 

2d Layout are also completed when you complete the 3d model. 

Organizing the 2d drawings are done in Layout. Layout is another feature in Sketchup that is very useful in drawing documentation. As you continue to explore sketchup, you can formulate your own process in organizing the 2d and 3d presentation. 

This Site Development Plan is an example of 2d layout. This is automatically done inside sketchup. Architects can review the site plan and editing are done instantly. 

Shadow casting is also available to determine the actual sun orientation that is one of the major consideration in the design process. Hospital Planning can be very critical that is why areas should be arranged in such a way that it will take advantage of  natural sunlight as well as avoiding sunlight in some areas. 

Hospital Planning requires careful study and analysis in grouping the required areas. Sketchup mimics the real world. Sun path at different time of the day, and the effect of shadings and casting of shadows can easily be determined.

These are just few of the most important features in Sketchup.

Here are some of the styles:

There are more features and usefulness of sketchup that you can really depend on. Its really the architect's friendly tool. Learn Sketchup and take advantage of its usefulness.

Visit our Youtube Channel for video tutorials in Sketchup.

Architectural Design Conceptualization Process

Design concepts are produce with paper and pen. No computer can replace what is inside the mind of an architect. This is the initial stage in the practice of architecture. An opportunity to create forms that will make architecture design unique.

The process may be done in different methods by different architects. But the most common is to start somewhere.A thought process that is very important to the architect and record that idea into the paper as the mind dictates the hand in creating a unique design solution to every design requirements. Without boundaries, the architect can pick anything that will inspire him to do the design.

How do architects formulate their design concepts?

This video will tell us how and why. 

This is the Design process done by Arhitect Barry Berkus in designing a house. He gives a clear example of his actual design strategies.

The first video will tell us how he observe nature and a crumpled paper to get shapes. By Those methods, he was able to create his own unique syle of architecture.

Truly, this is a great way to understand the design process that is embedded in the mind of an architect. How he thinks and how he respond to the design requirements. The outcome is so amazing and helpful for those pursuing architecture and even those who are running out of ideas in creating the architectural design solutions. More often, the solutions are already right in front of us.

The video below is the second example on How he get ideas with the information available to him, he began to create a diagram while telling the story on how spaces will be organized. Treating it as if the house is already existing and telling stories on how the end-user will occupy the space. Telling how he will be making those spaces respond to each and the regular activities of his client. 

What lessons can we learn?

• Whenever you are confronted with a design problem, be analytic and observant. There must be a information available in the environment you are into.
• Design process must always tell a story.
• A story must have an inspiration that will influence the outward appearance of the house and the the space functionality needed by the client.
• Architecture may influence the way people interact with the spaces or it can also influence the way people will live within the pattern of influence created by the architect.
• Design process is a continuous development of the space required in relation to the functionality of the spaces provided for the client.

Looking for more book resources?

Architecture and Modelbuilding: Concepts, Methods, Materials

How to Generate Design Concepts and Ideas

Concepts and Design Ideas are the most challenging aspects and the most enjoyable stage in the practice of Architecture.

The training starts in the early stage of student taking up architecture.
Generating Design Ideas are developed where students are given the task to create a design solution from simple to complex Design problems.

Usually Giving them the Design Brief and the Architectural Design Process Begins.

Complex Projects in The Architectural practice involves much time researches. Data gathering are necessary then Analyze the Design Problems.

The slides presentation will explain further these processes.



Slide credit to Asaku

Here are some examples of the process I made with actual projects done or on-going. 

Exploring the Site

Part of the project research is the site survey and analysis. We go to the macro and micro level of finding some important and existing features to analyze the project in relation to its location. What are the amenities, neighborhood, transportation by knowing the road networks and the traffic flow, and the growth areas .

Site analysis

Is the result of the site survey. After seeing the existing condition, you can analyze the potential growth. 

The analysis will build the framework of the design proposal. For community planning, rural or urban planning, these step is very crucial as itw will establish a strong foundation leading to the design conceptialization

The Framoerk

Isnot the masterplan but rather a guide leading to the master development plan. Thos principle is to establibish Lines and Circlis. In a macro or larger context, these are the road networks and the growrh areas of the community.

The Schematic layout (design)

The process continues with the schematic layout. This is subject to change as it moves towards developing the plan.

A sketch of the plan is established. These canbecome more specific as to the real inrent of the project proposal. 

These then are the initial steps in the Desig process. We will move towards the design development process in the coming blog. 

Meanwhile, these ends our article, please share your comments below and let me know your thoughts. Let’s have a healthy discussion.

Challenges to Architects - The use of Bamboo

Architects keep on searching for more challenges in terms of creating a unique design. One of the great challenges are the use of materials readily available to the environment. Considering the main factor in responding to the sustainability of the structure.

Here is an example of these challenges, A House Made of Bamboo by Elora Hardy. The video talks about the greater challenges they encountered using bamboo. A brief history of why bamboo has been used from her childhood experience. Her family had a wonderful experience with nature using bamboo in their day to day experience. This led her to make bamboo as the primary source of her designs and took all the potentials in making a design statement. This is an amazing design that paved the way to the way we look at  architectural design and its continuous challenges and its endless possibilities.

What can we learn from this Challenges?

1. We can learn that Architecture blends with nature. With a strong background in architectural design training gained from school, architects are more free to express their ideas in their relationship to nature. Explore their creativity in creating a livable space with the use of native materials readily available. With the proper treatment of the material, as lessons learned from the past where these materials have deteriorated and gone to dust. The architect re-envisioned and reinvent the use of bamboo.

The strength and durability is tested and compared to the strength provided by concrete and steel, as the major materials used in construction nowadays, especially in Asian countries.

Bamboo had a unique quality. It has proven from this example that architects should not be constrained to use these types of materials incorporated in their design.

2. We can learn that Architecture is a call to reinvent the way we build our environment. Instead of being controlled by what is readily available in the commercial industry as to the use of building materials. Architects can use materials provided by nature:

• The form, space and building design can be more challenging by the way these materials are treated.
• In terms of Strength
• In terms of creating a unique shape and style.
• In terms of responding to the need of the users like their sense of privacy, need for natural air and light ventilation, their accessibility and the effect of the material in our physical activities, to name some.

3. We can learn that Architecture is a way solve problems. This is really interesting because it helps the architect to think and think deeper. With the designer's experience, the use of bamboo is not actually a problem but an instant solution. The greater challenge is how to make bamboo more useful and create a shape that architectural design calls for. The plan layout and the space requirements go together to make both ends meet. A constant identification of problem and its solutions is very much experienced in the construction of this example. Because of the unique shape and its hollow core, the bamboo is treated well and made full use of its potential in order to respond to the need to create a space for the dwellers. 

4. Architecture provides functionality and creativity. With the use of bamboo in mind, the architect has now the greater advantage in his design challenges. Whatever building types we are designing, in this case a house, this can now be a subject for consideration in terms of using these materials not only to houses but can also be done in schools and other structures. 

5. Architecture relates to people. The dwellers became more involve in the creation of the structure. They are not afraid to explore new possibilities it can provide. At the same time improve their living condition. The native use of material breaks the barrier and the impression that native material, such as bamboo, is not an identity of social stature but rather an identity of culture, character and unique architecture.

ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS CLIENT

This is the second responsibility of the architect 

The Services of the architect are commissioned based on good relationship and in good faith.

What will the architect's position then?

Aside from gaining popularity, the architect must bear in mind that the responsibilities behind are also as important as it is with their design.

This is where you get your bread and butter. A client who pays you for your professional services must get the best and quality services you have to offer. Once you made your client satisfied, you can never imagine how many more projects waiting for you. This will become a means of your advertisement and promotion, therefore there are certain conditions that you need to take care in carrying out the responsibilities with your client.

What are those things you need to consider? 

Clients have the right to know your responsibilities in a very professional way. They mean business in as much as you mean business. As they come to you, they might want to do something but don't know where to start. These people would like to get a clear picture as to how to get things built with their requirement. It may be a residence, a coffee shop, school or any other type of structure they want to build. They come to you having in their hand a hard earned money.