The typical five phases of the design & construction of a home.

Typical 5 Project Phases

Our goal is to express your vision with a commitment to excellence and respect for efficiency. By conserving time and energy from the outset, our collaborative process gains the flexibility and momentum to foster creativity, refine each detail with precision, and ensure a seamless, rewarding experience from concept to completion. It is best described with 5 phases and may contain all or some of the phases.

Phase 1

Programming & Pre-Design

Every project begins with a conversation and a thoughtful questionnaire designed to define its scale, scope, budget, and character. From there, we craft an initial project outline—a curated collection of notes, sketches, and imagery that begins to shape the essence of your vision. This living portfolio evolves with the design, continually refined as ideas mature and the architecture takes form.

Phase 5

Phase 4

Phase 3

Phase2

Schematic Design

Through a series of engaging conversations and design reviews, we work with you to shape and refine the vision for your home -clarifying the concept, establishing priorities, and aligning schedule and budget. From these discussions, a cohesive design begins to emerge, and we translate these ideas into schematic drawing (site plans, elevation studies, and renderings) that capture the project’s scale, rhythm, and spatial harmony.

Design Development

At this phase, we refine the design into a clear and fully coordinated vision, preparing drawings and a model that will be the basis of the architectural drawing set. Each layer of documentation adds precision and depth, developing site plans, elevations, and thoughtful selections of materials and finishes. During this phase, Swarts Architects also helps you engage a trusted general contractor and coordinates all materials needed for permits and design review, ensuring a smooth and confident transition from design to construction.

Construction Documentation

At this stage, we produce a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications manual outlining the standards, materials, systems, and methods required to execute the design. Each decision regarding materials, finishes, and construction details reinforces the overall design intent and ensures consistency throughout the documentation. This phase establishes the technical foundation for construction, translating the design vision into a precise and buildable reality.

Bidding, Negotiation & Construction Observation

We provide pre-bid support and assist in identifying qualified contractors whose experience, reliability, and approach align with the project’s goals. Throughout construction, Swarts Architects serves as your advocate—observing progress, coordinating services, and ensuring that the work remains faithful to the design intent. Our role is to maintain the integrity of the architecture and to help realize your investment with care, precision, and continuity from start to finish.

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Experience a personal and collaborative design process - Beginning with a complimentary introduction meeting to explore your goals and possibilities.

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