What phase comes immediately after conceptual design in the architectural process?

The phase that follows conceptual design in the architectural process is schematic design. This phase marks a critical transition from the initial ideas and concepts that have been explored to a more defined and detailed representation of the project. During schematic design, architects develop the concepts into tangible plans, including layouts, dimensions, and relationships between spaces.

This phase involves integrating feedback from stakeholders and refining the design to ensure it aligns with the project’s goals, budget, and site specifics. The aim is to create effective visualizations that communicate the design intent, making it easier for clients and project teams to visualize the outcome.

In contrast, the pre-design phase typically occurs before conceptual design and centers on gathering data and analyzing project requirements. Construction documentation is a later phase that focuses on producing detailed drawings and specifications necessary for the construction process. Design development comes after schematic design, where further detail is added and the design is refined before moving into the documentation stage. Therefore, schematic design is undeniably the phase that follows conceptual design directly.