What are the steps to design a Building?

The process of designing a building involves many different disciplines, including architecture, engineering, construction management, and others.

Building planning : What needs to be build

Planning a building begins with an architect who designs the structure based on the client's needs. Next, engineers use computer models to calculate the strength of the building materials and determine whether the design meets safety standards. Construction managers oversee the project as it moves through the various stages of development. Finally, contractors build the actual structure.

Architectural Drawings or BIM model

An architect draws up plans for a building using blueprints. This includes floor plans, elevations, sections, and other details. Architects also draw up construction documents that detail how the building will be constructed.

In order to design a building, architects must first understand what the client wants from the project. Next, they must determine the best materials and methods for constructing the building. Once the plans are complete, engineers use computer software to help them develop blueprints for the structure. After the blueprint has been approved, contractors build the actual structure.

Structural Calculations

Once an architect has drawn up the blueprint, he or she must calculate the structure’s strength and stability. This work is generally done by civil engineers.

Engineers use computer software to calculate the strength of the material and determine whether it meets the requirements set forth by the client. Once the calculations are complete, the engineers creates drawings that describe the structural elements of the building.

Engineers also check the structural integrity of the building by testing the load bearing capacity of the walls and floors. After the engineer completes his work, he sends the plans back to the architect for approval.

Cost Estimates : How much it will cost

In order to build a structure, architects must first determine what type of building is needed. Architects use cost estimates to determine if a project is feasible.

This cost estimation needs to be updated along the design process to ensure the design is on track with the budget.

After the design process is complete, the next step is to estimate how much it will cost to build the project. Architects use several different methods to determine these costs. They might rely on past projects to come up with a ballpark figure, or they might use computer programs to generate a detailed budget.

Construction Documents used to do the actual construction

Once an architect has determined the final design, he or she must prepare construction documents. This includes plans, specifications, and other materials needed to construct the building.

A building project begins with a set of documents called a construction document. These documents outline the scope of work, the budget, and other important information. Once the client signs off on the documents, the architect and engineer begin working together to develop the plans.

The architect creates drawings that describe the structure and the space inside. The engineer designs the mechanical systems, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Together, the two professionals determine what materials should be used, where they should go, and how everything should fit together.

How to manage a building project efficiently

Now that you know the main steps to design a building, you probably wonder how to manage a project from design to construction with efficiency?

The good news is that  Bricks is an online platform to track the progress of  your building design tasks from the first sketch to the construction.

With Bricks you can manage the tasks visually, share files and 3D models in IFC format (BIM) and give feedbacks in the 3D viewer directly.

Bricks is a building design management software to help architects, engineers and builders plan, design, build and maintain buildings. It helps you  manage projects, collaborate with clients, contractors and suppliers, and communicate effectively.

You can use it to manage all aspects of a project, from planning through to completion.

Manage your building project design with Bricks, it's free!