From Concept to Construction Drawings: What Building Design Involves

Behind every well-built project is a design process that turns an idea into buildable information. Knowing the stages helps you see what you are paying for and what decisions you will be asked to make.

1. The brief and survey

Design begins with understanding what you want, how you use the space and what your budget looks like. A measured survey of the existing building or site provides the accurate base for all drawings.

2. Concept design

Initial layouts and options explore how the space could work. This is the best time to test big ideas, because changes are quick and inexpensive on paper.

3. Planning drawings

Where planning permission or a lawful development certificate is needed, a set of drawings is prepared for submission. These show the proposal in plan, elevation and section.

4. Technical design

Once the scheme is approved, detailed drawings and specifications explain how it will be built. Structural calculations, insulation details, window and door schedules and services layouts are all developed here.

5. Building Regulations

The technical information is submitted for Building Regulations approval, which covers structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation and more.

6. Construction information

Finally the drawings are coordinated into packages that trades can price and build from. Clear information reduces misunderstandings and variations on site.

Why design and construction work better together

When the people designing a scheme also understand how it will be built, details tend to be more practical and budgets more realistic. Read more about our building design service.

Thinking about a project in London? Get in touch with Tota Design & Build to talk it through.