What does SD, DD & CD mean in the construction world?
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) divides architectural services into Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD) and Construction Documents (CD). These phases tend more towards an architectural purview rather than engineering.
Gaining a thorough perspective of design, construction and project completion require work to be carried out in various phases. Each phase intends to keep construction projects on time and budget and within building codes. To make substantial decisions capitalize early for large projects, architects need stakeholders to stay aware and involved in the entire design process.
In the construction world, SD means Schematic Design, DD means Design Development, and CD means Construction Documents. AEC firms these days choose to outsource their 3D BIM modeling needs to BIM service providers to gain better efficiency and reduce costs.
What does Schematic Design (SD) mean?
In Schematic Design (SD), the Architect, designers and consultants develop an outline structure in the owner’s presence. Conceptual plans for the project are developed that show scale, form, and relationships. This phase also requires the Architect to consider permits and jurisdictional requirements for the project.
The need to integrate sustainable design through LEED is integrated into this phase. Architectural designs of the project may evolve several times throughout Schematic Design. This helps the team evaluate and understand project scope and objectives.
The Schematic Design may include specialty consultants like planners, designers, and other consultants. Engineering teams are involved in this phase at the very end of Schematic Design, or the start of Design Development.
Deliverables at the end of Schematic Design (SD):
- Floor plans
- Schematic site plans
- Crucial building sections
- Exterior elevations
- Description of building elements
- Various visuals by the architect
- For the design team to proceed to the next phase of Design Development (DD), approval from the owner(s) is required.
Schematic Design
Benefits of Schematic Design (SD)
- Conceptualization: SD allows architects to envision various design options, concepts, and ideas, supporting clients to visualize project aesthetics and layout.
- Feasibility Assessment: Potential design challenges and opportunities are identified in this phase, helping the client to make informed decisions based on the project scope and cost estimates.
- Quick and Early Problem-Solving: Architects, designers, and consultants can identify and resolve potential design problems leading to a reduction in costly modifications during the later stages of the project.
- Client Collaboration: SD provides close collaboration between various teams including architects and clients, to ensure designs gravitate toward the client’s requirements and vision.
What does Design Development (DD) mean?
After the completion of Schematic Design (SD), the Design Development phase takes it a step further by planning structural systems, building systems, building materials, etc. Key building components are given the required dimensions, and code compliances are set and confirmed.
Construction drawings are developed in this phase based on a set of specifications or instructions for contractors. Schematic Design (SD) may require alterations based on discoveries in the Design Development Phase.
Deliverables at the end of Design Development (DD):
- Dimension-rich floor plans
- Comprehensive building sections
- Detailed and accurate elevations
- Initial specifications
Once this phase is completed, cost consultants may be called upon to concur estimated construction costs based on specifications and plans before moving to the next phase.
Design Development
Benefits of Design Development (DD)
- Improved Design: DD takes the selected schematic design and uses detailed plans, elevations, and sections, to generate a clearer representation of the final project.
- Systems Coordination: The Design Development (DD) phase supports architects to integrate various building systems, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, to ensure seamless operation.
- Material Selection: Architects can finalize material choices and specifications in the DD phase, to realize a well-planned and cohesive design.
- Regulatory Compliance: DD ensures that the design meets regulations and local building codes to reduce the chances of issues during onsite construction.
What do Construction Documents (CD) mean?
Construction documents are prepared to document the entire design process. For construction documents to be prepared, the architect and owner need to approve the plans and costs.
This phase does not include any design changes, and design teams prepare a set of plans and specifications that describe details of the entire project. Construction documents include details about structural and mechanical systems, materials, etc.
Construction Documents
Benefits of Construction Documents (CD):
- Comprehensive Documentation: Construction Documents (CD) provide precise and detailed construction drawings, specifications, and details resulting in an efficient and error-free building process.
- Bid Clarity: Accurate and well-defined CD sets support contractors with accurate bid submission leading to a reduction in disputes during construction.
- Permit Acquisition: Detailed and thorough CD sets accelerate the process of obtaining building permits, as it delivers precise and complete information required by local authorities.
- Construction Guidance: Contractors can refer to the CD set during construction, to ensure the project is built according to the architect’s intent, for better construction quality and fewer change orders.
Challenges with in-house creation of SD, DD, and CD architectural construction drawings.
- Inadequate design conceptualization and inaccurate feasibility assessments lead to distorted project scope, low-quality aesthetics, inaccurate layouts, and cost estimates.
- The inability to identify and resolve design issues leads to costly modifications and the absence of collaboration leads to a disregard of client needs and vision.
- Error-ridden design and lack of coordination deliver a fragmented representation of the final project and issues in systems operations for structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
- Silo-design workflows and the absence of design compliance lead to inaccurate material selection and issues during actual construction.
- Inaccurate and incomplete construction drawings can lead to inefficient building, inaccurate bids, building permit delays, and low construction quality.
Why outsourcing SD,DD and CD for architectural services is a win-win situation.
Outsourcing SD (Schematic Design), DD (Design Development), and CD (Construction Documentation) delivers a host of benefits as you get greater project clarity with drawings that are technically sound. Architects, designers, engineers, consultants, contractors, and fabricators can collaborate and streamline the design and construction process at every stage. They get greater flexibility, higher precision, adherence to global standards, stringent quality control processes, and tailored libraries for accuracy and clarity.
Gaining better project clarity and refined deliverables at every stage leads to enhanced project productivity, faster turnaround, and cost savings. For this reason, architects are increasing choosing to outsource their architectural drafting and drawing service needs to a reliable BIM service provider.
Finally, it may be concluded,
Getting to visualize projects on drawings can be inspiring. The existence of architectural phases ensures timely and smooth completion of construction projects. Architects use these processes to complete the design in a specific timeline.
To get accurate and detailed Construction Documents (CD) with Schematic Designs (SD) and Design Development (DD) outsource your construction project needs to a trusted BIM service provider today!
Get a detailed architectural drawing set and accurate cost estimates.
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