Designing a house: the 5 stages from concept to permit drawings
Know the stages before you start — it makes conversations with your architect clearer and your time and budget easier to plan.
House design runs in five main stages, each with its own decisions. Knowing them in advance helps you avoid going back to rework the design later.
1 · PD — Pre-design concept
The architect gathers your needs, household size and budget, studies the site, sun, wind and regulations, then proposes an initial concept and space programme.
2 · SD — Schematic design
Floor plans, elevations and 3D views show what the house will look like. This is the easiest stage to make changes — take your time to review it carefully.
3 · DD — Design development
Materials, structure, electrical and sanitary systems and key details are defined. Changing the layout after this stage affects many parts of the work.
4 · CD — Construction documents
A complete drawing set that contractors use to price and build. The more detailed the drawings, the more comparable the contractors' quotes.
5 · BP — Building permit
The permit drawings and documents are prepared, with licensed sign-off where the law requires it.