What is the purpose of schematic design documents?
To establish the general scope, scale, and relationships of project components, guiding early design decisions.
What types of drawings are prepared during the schematic design phase?
Site plans, floor plans, elevations, and basic 3D views.
What is the purpose of the Preliminary Project Description (PPD)?
To outline major systems and materials before detailed specs are developed.
Which CSI classification standard organizes a PPD?
UniFormat.
What type of information is included in a PPD?
Descriptions of building systems organized by functional elements (e.g., substructure, shell, interiors).
What cost estimating technique is most appropriate for schematic design?
Order-of-magnitude or conceptual estimating.
What is the purpose of design development documents?
To refine the design and define major materials, systems, and assemblies.
What drawings are prepared during design development?
Detailed floor plans, sections, elevations, and system diagrams.
What is the purpose of outline specifications?
To describe major materials and systems without full technical detail.
Which CSI classification standard organizes outline specifications?
MasterFormat.
What information is included in outline specifications?
Preliminary descriptions of products, execution methods, and performance criteria.
What cost estimating technique is used in design development?
Assemblies or system-based estimating.
What is the aim of aesthetic design?
To create visually pleasing and contextually appropriate architecture.
How are functional requirements conveyed to the design team?
Through programming documents and owner input.
What types of regulations influence design?
Building codes, zoning laws, accessibility standards.
How do codes/regulations differ from reference standards?
Codes are mandatory; standards are voluntary guidelines.
How may sustainability be required on a project?
Through owner goals, regulations, or certification systems like LEED.
What is the purpose of a constructability review?
To ensure the design can be efficiently built within constraints.
Why is working within the project’s budget important?
To avoid redesign, delays, and cost overruns.
What are the four types of cost estimating methods?
Order-of-magnitude, square foot, assemblies, unit price.
What does each method use to determine cost?
Historical data, area measurements, system components, item quantities.
How accurate is each method?
Order-of-magnitude: least accurate; unit price: most accurate.
When is each method used?
Early design: conceptual; later stages: detailed/unit price.
How do life cycle cost and value analysis differ?
Life cycle cost focuses on total cost over time; value analysis seeks cost-effective alternatives.
