Pre-Design Architectural Services: What Is It And Why You Need It

We have prepared this article to explain the contents of pre-design architectural services, its importance for the clients and their property development, accompanied by some examples executed by us.

What Pre Design Architectural Service Is?

Pre-design is the first stage of the real-estate development process. In this stage the client and the architect work on the formation of the initial character and the concept of the development, as well as planning and initial analysis of the characteristics of the property that helps to determine its opportunities and limitations. In some cases, architects are providing these services as a feasibility study.?

Usually, the pre-design scope consists of two major phases - Background Information Study and Preparation of the Initial Development Concept.?

Background Information Study entails the studies and analysis of the information applicable to the selected real estate property, to define the opportunities and limitations, while Initial Development Concept includes the formation of the initial design character, including the visualizations to portray the design direction of the development. These packaged results illustrate the characteristics of the future development to the client and potential investors.

Why Do You Need Pre-Design Architectural Services?

Pre-design architectural services enable the client to better understand the opportunities and the limitations of the property, as well as it's potential and the options for future development.

What’s more, based on the pre-design analysis the clients can make more precise financial assessments, by enabling them to estimate an accurate budget at an early stage. Partly, the results of pre-design works determine the feasibility of future development.?

Clients often seek the pre-design services of an architect to assist in the preliminary stages of their project before proceeding with complete architectural assistance.

Vartsikhe Masterplan & Development Concept | 2019?| Vartsikhe, Georgia

When Do You Need Pre-Design Architectural Services?

Scenario 1 - The client knows what he/she wants and needs the appropriate property?

The first step for the client is the definition of the project goals - just a preliminary idea can be sufficient at the initial stage. The goal formation entails the clarification of the type of the building, as well as the desired area and location. Once the developer has a set of goals and solid intentions, it’s time to find a property and begin the pre-design phase.

Scenario 2 - The client has the location and needs to develop the concept and feasible functions?

Based on our experience, mainly, the client already has the specific property in mind when approaching us for the pre-design arhitectural services. In fact, people who own empty properties for years come and ask for assistance in deciding what to do with the property. In this instance, we would start with the property and work backward trying to project goals. Based on the outcomes of the studies and the international best practices, we try to figure out what is the best use of the site.

We often helped our clients in the selection process before they purchased a property. One very essential aspect is knowing whether the property is able to meet the potential owners’ needs.. As architects, we assist the client?in determining the success and viability of their choice to purchase the property.?

Background information study will come into play here.

Phases Of Pre-Design Architectural Service

Background Information Study

This stage includes initial studies – analysis of local standards and similar cases, evaluation of the existing and background information applicable to the selected location. This phase usually includes the context, infrastructure, connections, transport, and mobility analysis as well as studies of relevant acting laws, regulations, planning, and developing limitations.?

When the background information study of the real estate property is completed, our project team moves to the next stage with the client:?

Preliminary Design Concept?

Based on the background information study analysis, the initial program and preliminary design concept are developed.

The preliminary design cncept portrays the overall design character of the future development and determines the functional zoning, as well as the spatial arrangement of the project area. At this stage, the team of architects develops onsite activities and potential target audiences, preliminary design concept, and phasing of the implementation process as well as visualizations of the development to clarify what the place will look like and what character it will have.?

How Can MUA Assist You?

We love the pre-design process as it gives us the opportunity to ideate how the space can be transformed into a place considering the existing limitations and constraints.

If you have a real estate property that can be developed or re-used and have an approximate idea of what you want to do with it, it is worth contacting us!?

We’ll be happy to assist you!??

Temka Wharehouse Re-use Development Concept - IT Hub | 2022 | Tbilisi, Georgia