What are the first three phases of architectural design?

The first three phases of architectural design typically include pre-design, conceptual design, and schematic design. In the pre-design phase, architects gather information about the project, assess the needs and goals of the client, and evaluate the site and its context. This foundational work sets the stage for the conceptual design.

In the conceptual design phase, architects develop initial design ideas and concepts, focusing on the overall vision of the project. This includes exploring different forms, materials, and spatial arrangements to create a coherent architectural approach.

Following that, the schematic design phase translates the conceptual ideas into more defined plans and layouts. Here, architects begin to create more detailed drawings that outline the basic structure, space relationships, and major systems involved in the building. This phase serves as a bridge to the more detailed design development and construction documentation phases that follow.

These three phases are essential to establish a solid groundwork for the project before moving on to refinement and technical specifications, making this sequence crucial in the architectural design process.