The architectural design process is organized to ensure that objectives are reached in order of priority; the highest priorities are addressed and the largest design solutions are arrived at first, then the details fall in place in concert with the larger issues and ideas.  Without this approach, the resulting building is just a random collection of unrelated decisions.

The Classic Steps to the Process

The process is typically broken down into the following steps:
1. Pre-Design Phase (PD)
2. Schematic Design Phase (SD)
3. Design Development Phase (DD)
4. Construction Documents Phase (CD)
5. Bidding & Negotiation Phase (BN)
6. Construction Observation/Contract Administration Phase (CA)
7. Supplemental Services (SS)

Every project is unique, and not all projects follow this process exactly.