1. Architectural design
Defines layout, floor areas, circulation, façades, levels, relationship to the site and spatial criteria. It should respond to client needs and applicable planning conditions.
2. Survey and soil study
Surveying provides the actual site geometry and levels. The soil study provides geotechnical information for foundations and related work. Together, they inform siting, excavation, structure and drainage decisions.
3. Structural design
Translates the architecture into a load-resisting system: foundations, columns, walls, beams, slabs and other elements. It should be coordinated with architecture to avoid late changes and with building services to reduce unplanned penetrations or clashes.
4. Plumbing and drainage design
Locates water supply, waste lines, vents, stormwater systems, equipment and connection points. Early coordination avoids impossible slopes, structural clashes and rework during construction.
5. Electrical and complementary systems
Defines loads, panels, circuits, lighting, outlets and routes. Depending on the project, telecommunications, security, automation, gas or other specialist systems may also be required.
6. Coordination before construction
Design value increases when disciplines are reviewed together. Before construction, check levels, penetrations, technical rooms, ceilings, ducts, equipment, dimensions and critical interfaces. Solving a clash on drawings is usually cheaper than solving it after work has been built.
The exact design package depends on the project, location, use and applicable requirements. Interdisciplinary coordination should be resolved before construction starts.