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I recommend every architect have a AIA Document D200-1995 "Project Checklist", and review all that has to be done before the Schematic Design phase of services begins. It seems clear - at least to me - that "design" begins during Project Programming of the Pre-Design phase (see page 10 of D200), as the following tasks are listed: create a departmental interaction matrix; create a room-by-room interaction diagram; create a bubble diagram of the departmental and room-by-room interaction matrix with important relationship rankings; determine the Owner's spatial requirements; determine preliminary structural, mechanicla, electrical and other engineering systems; create horizontal and vertical diagrammatic block plans with relative spatial requirements, identifying all rooms, corridors, and vertical circulation and providing exit analysis; review the diagrammatic block plans and program with the Owner; and obtain the Owner's written authorization to proceed [to the SD phase of services] . There are also site analysis tasks that have to done prior to beginning the SD phase. My experience, however, is that many architects begin "designing" floor plans and elevations before they have a signed Agreement with the client, skipping over most of the pre-design and site analysis tasks listed in D200.
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Larry Whitlock AIA
Architectural Specifications Writer
Pflugerville TX
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