Pre-Design

Pre-design is where your vision begins to take form. At this stage, we help clients define their goals, clarify the program, and understand site constraints to shape a strong foundation for the project. Whether you’re starting with a loose idea or a fully formed concept, we provide the strategic thinking and research necessary to move from possibility to plan. We identify opportunities, uncover potential challenges, and establish a roadmap that aligns design intent with real-world feasibility.

Schematic Design

In this early design phase, we begin with sketches and present multiple design options. Through a collaborative process, we ask questions that dive into the vision, aesthetics, operational needs, and long-term goals of our clients. This is the phase where we identify hidden opportunities, uncover potential challenges, and begin to give architectural form to the ideas driving the project. The work produced in schematic design lays the foundation for everything that follows.

In this phase, Outbound Architecture will develop schematic design options in both 2D drawings (such as plans and elevations) and 3D models to create the foundation for layout, massing, and design vision.

This will be an iterative process with the client to ensure the design is meeting your goals.

Design Development

At this stage, we start diving into the details. As the design evolves into a final scheme, we begin refining the drawings and building out more detail as we coordinate with our team of engineers. Depending on the project this may include civil, structural, and MEP engineers, and landscape architects. Outbound Architecture uses 3D modeling software to develop the permit documents in tandem with progressing the design further into the details. Regular meetings help ensure alignment with your evolving vision.

At this point, we can also coordinate cost-estimating services to ensure the design is meeting your budget.

Permitting + Construction Documentation

At this point, the overall design is finalized and our focus shifts towards coordination and code compliance. Outbound Architecture manages a team of experienced consultants to produce a fully coordinated and comprehensive permitting and construction documentation set. These documents are critical for both permitting and construction, detailing key elements of the design to ensure alignment with the project’s goals and aesthetic intent. We lead the coordination between disciplines to ensure that design intent is preserved while meeting technical requirements.

Depending on your project’s scope and jurisdiction, we also handle approvals with the relevant authorities, such as the planning and building departments, fire and health departments, and design review boards. This can be a slow process as the project moves through the city or county que, though each municipality is different and we work to get your project approved as efficiently as possible.

Construction Administration

We bring the design to life by supporting its translation from drawing to built form as the contractor becomes your main point of contact. At this stage, Outbound Architecture provides advisory services to assist the owner and contractor throughout construction. While site conditions, inspections, and unforeseen issues may arise, our role is to maintain design intent and provide clarity. We remain available to answer contractor questions, issue additional drawings as needed, and assist with final selections of products, materials, and colors. Our goal is to ensure the project stays aligned with the design vision while adapting to real-world challenges.