The 7 phases of a project for an architect

The 7 phases of a project for an architect

How to guarantee the success of your achievements as an architect ? By mastering the different phases of a project. This may seem basic, but it is nevertheless the key to being as efficient as possible. Icing on the cake: a programming well done, it is also the guarantee of a controlled budget. All subsequent errors and modifications upset the organization and can increase the cost of a project. Ensuring its success means optimizing each phase of an architectural project. In this article, we go over the steps essential to cross to guarantee the success of your designs and achievements.

Step 1 : The diagnostic mission / sketch / AVS

💡 As you know, the missions are broken down into 2 main phases. Each of these phases can be carried out independently of one another. The first phase of the project as an architect is the mission of diagnosis, sketch and preliminary project.

Phase 1 : Feasibility [FAIS]

Feasibility is the crucial first phase in the realization of an architectural project. It assesses the viability of the project in terms of technical, economic and regulatory constraints. The architect analyzes the site, the environmental issues and the town planning rules. This step includes an estimate of costs and deadlines, allowing the client to have a global and realistic vision of his project.

👉🏼 The tool that makes life easier:
the GoBuild software! evaluates the feasibility before the sketch. For the moment focused on collective housing and tertiary real estate, developments are underway for individual houses.

Phase 2 : Sketch studies : [ESQ]

The sketch brings to life the first ideas and concepts to meet the needs of the client. Sketches, diagrams and drawings are usually drawn up at 1/500th scale (with some details at 1/200th scale). They aim to determine the general orientation of the project in terms of form, spatial organization, volumetry and urban and landscape integration. This phase promotes a constructive dialogue with the contracting authority. He can express his expectations and adjust the initial proposals.

Phase 3 : The pre-project studies [AVP]

The pre-project refines the initial proposals by developing detailed documents, consistent with the program and the constraints identified previously. This phase of the architectural project aims to validate the solutions, taking into account the aesthetic, functional and regulatory aspects. It also makes it possible to establish a precise estimate of the cost and schedule, in collaboration with the project stakeholders (engineers, construction economists, etc.). The pre-project guarantees the quality of the final project thanks to a continuous dialogue between the architect and the client.

Phase 4 : The building permit [PC]

The building permit is the essential administrative authorization. The architect prepares and submits a complete file to the local authorities, respecting town planning rules, technical standards and environmental requirements. He is responsible for the constitution and filing of the file. The processing time varies according to the type of project and local specificities, between 2 to 3 months on average.

👉🏼 The tool that makes life easier:
Revit is one of essential software for architects. It integrates the concepts of BIM (Building Information Modeling) to capitalize on the entire life cycle of a project. It allows a follow-up of this first phase and well beyond!
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Step 2 : Design mission and works

💡 The building permit is validated. The client informs the architect. The second part of the mission can begin: the realization of the work.

Phase 5 : The general design project[PCG]

It all starts with the development of a detailed and coherent project, including graphic and written documents: nature and characteristics of the materials, routes of the supply and evacuation of the fluids... Everything is specified in order to consolidate the elements of the project and facilitate coordination between stakeholders.

Phase 6: The business consultation file [ECD]

In this phase of architectural project, the architect manages calls for tenders, in line with the wishes of the client. They establish together the lists of companies to be consulted, so that the architect prepares the business consultation files (DCE). The distribution of work by distinct trades implies a complementary mission of synthesis and OPC.

👉🏼The tool that makes life easier:
AGLO offers dedicated software to simplify your business consultations. A simple and intuitive interface to facilitate the management and control of the consultation stage.

Phase 7: Execution of works contracts [DET]

The architect accompanies the project owner during the examination of the proposals submitted by the companies. He carries out a comparative analysis of the offers and writes a report on this subject. He suggests to the contracting authority the list of companies to be selected and finalizes the documents constituting the works contract(s).

During this phase of clarification of the works and management contracts, the contracting authority countersigns the service order ordering the opening of the site. Work can begin!

Mastering the different phases of an architectural project to enhance performance!

The realization of an architecture project involves a structured and rigorous process. It involves several crucial steps. Each phase has its constraints. Understanding their challenges means guaranteeing the success of the project, but also controlling costs.Do you want to concentrate fully on your projects? Simplify your life by choosing OOTI. Your administrative and organizational tasks have never been so pleasant to manage. Test it for free. You won't be able to do without it!

I don't have time to read everything, can you give me a little summary?

1. The phases of an architect's (?) project break down into 2 main phases: the diagnostic mission / sketch / preliminary project and the mission of design and monitoring of the works
2. Each step is essential to carry out the project, ensure regular exchanges with the client and establish a climate of trust.
3. Many tools are available to facilitate the process, such as GoBuild, Revit or Aglo, and of course OOTI to reduce administrative and management tasks.

Discover OOTI, the 100% software dedicated to the administrative and financial management of architectural agencies.

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