Phases of the Architecture Project

CONSTRUCTION

Dec 13

Written By Francisco Javier Muñoz Fuentes

An architectural project is not just a creative vision. It’s the outcome of a structured process composed of distinct phases that ensure its success. From the initial conception to completion, each stage plays a crucial role in transforming a design into a tangible and high-quality result. We’ll guide you through the essential phases of an architectural project, helping you understand how this process is structured and why each step is vital for its success.

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1. Your Needs, Your Vision

Before making any decisions, it's essential to have a clear vision of how you want your home to look.

How many bedrooms do you need?
Do you prefer a single-story or two-story home?
Do you want features like a pool, landscaped areas, or additional spaces like a basement?
What’s your maximum budget?

This is the time to think through every detail that matters to you. Having an architect involved at this stage is crucial, even before purchasing the land. An architect will help ensure the land you choose fits your needs and budget, while also checking for any soil-related issues that could increase costs or complicate construction.

This is the starting point for designing a home tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

2. Bring Your Design to Life

Once you’ve defined your needs, the architect begins the preliminary project. This is where the design starts taking shape:

Sketches and floor plans.
Elevations and 3D visualizations, helping you see how your future home will look.

It's important to make any proposals and adjustments now, as changes later during the detailed project and construction phases can be more costly and time-consuming.

This phase ensures you’ll have a clear vision of your home, making sure the final design reflects your expectations and desires.

3. Complying with Urban Planning Regulations

The basic project is crucial to obtain the building permit from the municipality. This document contains all the necessary technical information:

Descriptive report of the project.
General plans: floor plans, elevations, sections.
Estimated budget.

The main goal of the basic project is to demonstrate that your home complies with urban planning regulations and other municipal requirements. Once submitted, this is the key document for obtaining the construction permit.

4. Detailed Technical Planning

The execution project delves into detailed planning. While the building permit is processed, the architect prepares this technical document, which includes:

Structural calculations.
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installations.
Detailed construction plans and material specifications.

This document guides the construction of your home, ensuring everything follows the technical standards and approved designs. Good planning at this stage prevents future problems and ensures high-quality execution.

Tip: Separating the basic and execution projects can help optimize time during the permitting process, as the basic project is submitted first while the execution project is developed concurrently.

5. Trust and Quality Construction

Once you have the execution project, it’s time to select a construction company. Here are important tips:

Compare budgets and review references.
Don’t choose solely based on the lowest price; prioritize experience and technical competence.

Your architect can recommend reputable construction companies who have delivered quality work. A good construction company ensures your project begins smoothly with guarantees and security.

6. Oversight and Technical Coordination

Once the building permit is granted, construction begins. Several key players are involved:

The Construction Company: Executes the work according to the project.
Supervisory Team: The architect leads the design and oversees construction, while the architect technician (or engineer) takes on safety coordination and construction supervision roles.

This phase ensures the construction runs smoothly and according to the technical specifications laid out in previous stages.

7. Occupation License and Certification

Once the construction is complete, the architect issues the final work certificate, necessary for obtaining the first occupancy license. This document legalizes your home, allowing you to move in.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your dream home is built efficiently, with adherence to quality and legal standards.

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