Concept Design

What is Concept Design?

Concept design, also called conceptual design or schematic design phase, represents the creative beginning of an architectural project. During this phase, architects work closely with clients to understand project goals, explore multiple design directions, and establish the fundamental ideas that will guide the project through subsequent phases.

The concept design phase typically begins with programming—gathering information about the client's needs, budget constraints, site conditions, and regulatory requirements. Armed with this understanding, architects generate multiple design options that respond to the project brief in different ways. These options might explore various building configurations, spatial organizations, or architectural expressions.

Deliverables during concept design are intentionally loose and exploratory. Sketches, diagrams, physical models, and preliminary renderings communicate ideas without committing to specific details. This flexibility allows for productive dialogue between architect and client, with designs evolving based on feedback and discovery.

Key decisions made during concept design include building placement on the site, overall massing and form, primary circulation patterns, and the relationship between different program elements. While details will be refined in later phases, the conceptual framework established here fundamentally shapes the final building.