Sketch plan stage
The design now needs to move forward from the freehand sketching, initiated by the client's requirements and the builder's design ideas, to the sketch plan stage. It is at this stage that the approximate layout of the project becomes more in tune with the requirements of the site and thought needs to be given to other important elements, including orientation, local government requirements, such as setbacks, other service providers and location of services. This is an important consultation stage; issues can be talked through now which may mean fewer design changes later.
Sketches of site, floor and elevation plans are prepared, not to an exact scale but still with a level of detail and proportion that gives the client their first real look at the project.
Pat has made a good start on Barbara and Jake's project. He collated all the information from their first meeting, sketched out his preliminary ideas and sent them to his client as three concept sketches. He's just had a call from Barbara to say they're happy with what he's done so far, so it's time for Pat to prepare for the next builder-client meeting.
Pat's second meeting with his clients will include talking through any concerns or queries they may have at this stage, applying any further changes and collecting any additional information he may need. He'll also do a full site inspection. Pat intends to leave this meeting with everything he'll need to complete a full set of sketch plans. He will require sign-off from the client on these sketch plans before the project progresses any further.
