Designing and constructing a building is a complicated and lengthy process, no matter how small the project is. It’s not something you can do quickly. It takes 2 years, 3 years… even 8 years. It is a continuous changing, developing and improving process, laying more information as the project goes on. Even when a building is being constructed, issues inevitably unfold, which require further design challenges.
Professional bodies such so AIA (American Institute of Architects) or RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) give experienced guidance organising the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects. These guides are known as design process stages or work stages. These give an indication of the kind of work architects do at each stage.
Below is clear and simplified look at the RIBA design work stages on a building project.