A construction and architectural project is a process that develops through different stages.
A construction and architectural project is a process that develops through different stages. Moving to a next stage of the construction project implies not only the approval of the previous phase, but also informing the client that the architectural project is progressing to the next steps. It is based on a permanent dialogue between the client and the architecture team that the entire process is carried out, so that the construction project and its final result is the one that best meets the client's expectations and needs.
In the very first meeting between the client and the architect, everything will be decided, such as the number of bedrooms, living room, kitchen and other spaces, as well as aesthetic options and budget constraints. Legal issues and plans in force are also analyzed. It is also in this initial phase of the construction project that the deadlines for preparing the project are discussed, as well as the team that will monitor the entire process.
There are mainly 5 stages in a construction project, which may vary depending on the degree of complexity:
1. Preliminary Study
A construction project starts off with the architect making a preliminary project, taking into account everything that has been previously established with the client. Generally, the Preliminary Study phase includes a presentation of drawings, images or models of the architectural project in question, so that the client fully understands the full project.
2. Request for a City Council License
Depending on the type of the construction project, it may need a license from the competent authorities, namely the City Council. At this stage, the architect develops the project in accordance with what was established in the previous stage, preparing the approval process by the respective City Council and the other entities involved in its licensing.
Simultaneously, or immediately after the architectural project has its license, the remaining legally required specialty projects are delivered for approval. If there is no need for licensing, this will be an in-between phase of the project.
3. Execution Project and Measurements
After approval by the authorities, the project manager, or the architect, prepares the Execution Project, in which all the works necessary for the execution of the project are detailed. At the same time, the process of executing a list of materials is started, where the quantities, specific materials to be used, types of work and form of execution are detailed, so that it is possible to later assess the full price of the construction project. It is from these documents that a final budget will be presented, guaranteeing the completion of the work by the contractor.
4. Contractor selection
It is at this stage that the client selects the contractor responsible for the construction project. The client analyzes the technical capacity of the contractors, as well as the price and deadline for completing the work. Price is not always a factor, but the combination of a wide range of factors.
It is also at this stage that, in accordance with the applicable legal rules, the construction director is chosen, the person who directs the execution of the work, guaranteeing its quality and compliance with the approved project.
5. Technical Assistance for the Execution of the Work
This is the phase where we can see all the work developed so far. It is up to the architect to clarify any doubts about reading the drawings, to provide additional information about the architectural design and construction project, helping the client to verify the quality of the materials and the execution of the works. The architect is not always associated with technical assistance, so it must be an issue foreseen in the relationship between the client and the studio.
In the case of Almeida Fernandes Arquitetura & Design, the entire process is supervised by the same team, with full project management, so that everything is integrated and the architecture and construction project are one, for a result that meets the customer's expectations.