What Clients Need to Know About the Architecture Process

By Sean Canning

A comprehensive guide to understanding the four phases of architectural design, from initial consultation to construction documentation

Starting an architectural project can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time working with a professional architect. Whether you're planning a custom home, an ADU, or a major remodel, understanding the architecture process will help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions throughout your project.

In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through the complete architecture process at Ten Seventy Architecture, breaking down each phase, timeline expectations, and what level of involvement you can expect as a client.

Setting Realistic Timeline Expectations

The bottom line: You're embarking on approximately a two-year project from start to finish.

This timeline breaks down into distinct phases that cannot be skipped or rushed:

  • Design and Engineering: ~1 year
  • Permitting: 8+ months (often overlaps with design completion)
  • Construction: ~1 year

The exact timeline varies significantly based on project specifics. Coastal zone properties typically take longer than inland projects. Single-story structures often move faster than multi-story designs. Every project follows a critical path where each step must be completed before moving to the next phase.

Understanding Project Phases: The Fun and the Challenges

Not every phase of an architectural project feels equally exciting. Here's what to expect:

The Fun Parts:

  • Design Phase: Everything feels possible when it's on paper. This is where creativity flourishes and your vision takes shape.
  • Early Construction: The first third of construction brings excitement and anticipation as you see your project come to life.

The Challenging Parts:

  • Permitting: This is where project risks emerge. Poorly designed projects can trigger expensive requirements like geotechnical reports ($7,500+), biology reports, or historical resources studies.
  • Late Construction: The final two-thirds often become a "when will this be finished?" phase.
  • Decision Fatigue: You'll make countless decisions throughout the process, from major design elements down to paint colors and tile sizes.

The key to managing these challenges is layering professionals onto your project team. More expertise means easier decisions but higher costs.

The Four Phases of Architectural Design

Phase 1: Site Analysis (1-2 weeks)

Before any design begins, we must completely understand your site and its opportunities and constraints. This phase involves minimal client interaction but extensive behind-the-scenes work.

What We Do:

  • Document everything currently on the site
  • Complete comprehensive code analysis
  • Determine what opportunities the site allows
  • Identify restrictions and setbacks
  • Create as-built drawing packages (accurate to 1-2 inches)

Timeline Variations:

  • Vacant lot new home: Fastest (requires survey with contours)
  • Existing home remodel: Longest (every closet must be measured)
  • Detached ADU: Medium (exterior measurements of existing home only)

Additional Requirements:For structures over 45 years old, we prepare a potential historic package that gets reviewed by the historic department.

Phase 2: Schematic Design (1-2 weeks)

This high-level design phase explores multiple options for your project. Not every project requires this phase—simple garage conversions typically skip directly to design development.

What We Cover:

  • Multiple placement options (ADU in backyard left vs. right, attached vs. detached, etc.)
  • Access and privacy considerations
  • Views and solar orientation
  • Utility connections
  • Pros and cons of each option

The Process:

  1. Client Interview (90 minutes - 2 hours): We gather your input and requirements
  2. Design Development: We create multiple options based on your feedback
  3. Presentation Meeting: We present options and discuss trade-offs

Key Principle: There's no single "right" answer. Every solution involves trade-offs between cost, complexity, views, access, and other factors.

Phase 3: Design Development (3-6 weeks)

This is our most collaborative phase and where you'll see your first floor plans and elevations. We typically conduct 2-3 meetings, progressively refining the design.

What You'll See:

  • Detailed floor plans
  • Building elevations
  • Full 3D presentations (helping non-professionals visualize the design)
  • Kitchen layouts and elevations
  • Lighting and electrical outlet plans
  • Basic landscaping plans (meeting city minimums)

The Refinement Process:

  • Meeting 1: Present initial design based on schematic phase
  • Meeting 2: Review feedback and present revisions
  • Meeting 3: Finalize design with remaining adjustments

Goal: By the end of this phase, the design is complete with no significant changes allowed. Minor adjustments (cabinetry, lighting) remain possible, but major modifications will impact cost and timeline.

Phase 4: Construction Drawings (6-8 weeks)

In this final design phase, we transform your approved design into comprehensive construction documentation while coordinating with engineering consultants.

What Happens:

  • Create 35-40 sheets of detailed architectural drawings
  • Commission structural engineering
  • Coordinate with Title 24 energy consultants
  • Manage coordination between all consultants
  • Resolve technical details and conflicts

Team Coordination:At least three professionals work simultaneously:

  • Architect (Ten Seventy Architecture)
  • Structural Engineer
  • Energy Consultant

Additional Engineering (if needed):

  • Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) engineers
  • Civil engineers (for utility upgrades, sidewalk improvements)

Important Note: Design flexibility decreases significantly in this phase. Changes now require additional engineering costs and extended timelines.

The Permitting Process: An Integrated Approach

At Ten Seventy Architecture, we handle permitting in-house rather than requiring you to hire a separate permit facilitator. Our integrated design and permitting process offers several advantages:

Our Advantage:

  • Former city building department employee on staff
  • Deep knowledge of San Diego permitting requirements
  • Faster project approvals
  • Reduced risk of costly delays or rejections

Timeline: Expect 8+ months for ministerial projects, longer for more complex approvals.

Cost Considerations: Once you enter permitting, you've committed significant additional funds, and the project becomes even more rigid. Changes at this stage often require returning to engineering or extending the permit timeline.

Real Project Example: From 6 Sheets to 43 Pages

To illustrate the evolution of architectural documentation, consider this ADU project transformation:

Design Development (Phase 3): 6 sheets showing basic floor plans, elevations, and sections

Construction Documents (Phase 4): 43 pages including:

  • Site plans with storm water management
  • Demolition plans
  • Detailed floor plans with dimensions
  • Roof plans and drainage details
  • Four building elevations
  • Building sections
  • Construction details for walls, roofs, and floors
  • Door and window schedules
  • Kitchen elevations and layouts
  • Electrical and lighting plans
  • Landscape/exterior design plans
  • Structural engineering package
  • Energy compliance documentation
  • City-required forms and documentation

This dramatic increase in documentation explains why design changes become so costly in later phases—a single modification can impact 10+ sheets.

Your Role as a Client Throughout the Process

Level of Involvement

You won't need to review technical drawings or engineering calculations. We present information at a level that's easy to understand, focusing on decisions that affect your project's function, aesthetics, and cost.

Key Decision Points

  • Schematic Design: Choose between different layout options
  • Design Development: Refine room sizes, features, and spatial relationships
  • Technical Decisions: We handle most coordination with engineers, bringing only significant items to your attention

Creative Control and Input

Your influence is strongest in the early phases and gradually decreases as the project becomes more defined:

High Influence (Phases 2-3):

  • Overall design direction
  • Room layouts and sizes
  • Aesthetic preferences
  • Special features or requirements

Medium Influence (Phase 4):

  • Material selections
  • Fixture choices
  • Color schemes

Limited Influence (Permitting and Construction):

  • Technical details
  • Code compliance issues
  • Structural requirements

Project Delivery Methods: Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build

Traditional Design-Bid-Build

Process: Complete all design and permitting, then bid to multiple contractors

Advantages:

  • Competitive pricing environment
  • Multiple contractor options
  • Clear scope before construction begins

Disadvantages:

  • Potential for bid variations and omissions
  • No contractor input during design
  • Risk of change orders during construction
  • Disputes over unclear specifications

Design-Build (Our Preference)

Process: Select contractor early, involve them in design development meetings

Advantages:

  • Real-time cost feedback during design
  • Construction input while design is flexible
  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Reduced change orders

Disadvantages:

  • Requires high trust in your contractor
  • Less competitive pricing pressure
  • More complex relationship management

Investment and Pricing Structure

Our Pricing Framework

Minimum Fee: ~$20,000 Average Project Cost: ~$30,000 Multiple ADUs: Efficiency gains (shared plan sets reduce per-unit costs)

What Affects Pricing

  • Project complexity and size
  • Engineering requirements (structural, MEP, civil)
  • Site challenges and constraints
  • Municipal requirements and documentation

Value Proposition

While architects cost more than drafters, we provide:

  • Professional liability insurance
  • Extensive training and experience
  • Risk mitigation (avoiding expensive city fees)
  • Efficient permit processing
  • Comprehensive project coordination

Additional Costs to Budget For

  • Structural engineering (separate from architectural fees)
  • Energy reports (Title 24 compliance)
  • Civil engineering (if right-of-way work required)
  • City permitting fees
  • Construction costs

Flexible Engagement Options

Not every client needs the full four-phase process. We offer customized approaches:

Schematic Design Only: Perfect for clients who want to explore options before committing to full design development

Phase-by-Phase Proposals: Start with one phase, then receive proposals for subsequent work based on your selected direction

Consultation Services: For clients needing specific advice or permit guidance without full design services

Key Takeaways for Prospective Clients

  1. Plan for a two-year commitment from initial consultation to project completion
  2. Budget appropriately for both design fees and construction costs
  3. Make decisions quickly in early phases when changes are still cost-effective
  4. Trust your architect's advice on technical and construction issues
  5. Understand the trade-offs inherent in every design decision
  6. Prepare for decision fatigue and consider hiring additional professionals to help
  7. Choose your project delivery method based on your risk tolerance and contractor relationships

Why Choose Ten Seventy Architecture

Our integrated design and permitting process sets us apart from traditional architectural practices. We don't just design your project—we shepherd it through San Diego's complex approval process using our deep knowledge of local requirements and relationships within the building department.

Our Commitment:

  • Transparent communication throughout all phases
  • 3D presentations for better client understanding
  • Comprehensive documentation to reduce construction conflicts
  • Efficient permitting to minimize delays
  • Value-focused design decisions

Getting Started

Ready to begin your architectural project? The first step is understanding whether your vision aligns with your site's opportunities and constraints. Schedule a design consultation to discuss your project goals and learn how we can help transform your ideas into reality.

Whether you're planning a custom modern home, exploring ADU options, or considering a major remodel, understanding the architecture process empowers you to make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for your project journey.

Want to dive deeper into the architecture process? Watch our complete video breakdown where architect Sean Canning walks through real project examples and explains each phase in detail.

View Transcript

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