The Schematic Design process is one of our favorite phases in the design process. It is here that the initial concepts are explored and developed. Although the client may just see a pretty schematic drawing and/or three dimensional model during the presentation meeting, hours of extensive sketching, overlays and more overlays are typical for this phase. Please see the video clip of a house recently designed that visually describes the kind of thinking, sketching and drawing that is involved with a design. Once this drawing process is completed, the design is then redrawn in a presentation format making it very easy for the client to read and understand. As described in the 3D modeling section of ‘Process’, three dimensional modeling is also a very important part of schematic design. It is through this modeling process that the plans and section design are validated in three dimensions.

Included in the schematic design sketches and drawings are a furniture layout so one can see how the spaces are furnished and how they function. We consider this to be a very integral part of the design process because the client needs to know that the spaces designed are furnishable and can function in the way they desire. We also do an extensive site plan which includes the entry procession, landscaping and hardscape. The entry procession is as important as any other part of the design as this is what sets the stage for what is to come.