What Roles Do SD, DD & CD Play In Construction Projects?

Design consultants and architectural firms must ensure that construction projects are on schedule, within budget, and compliant with building codes. A lengthy design cycle caused by weak design briefs, low visibility into project scope, and inability to visualize designs diminishes output richness. Stakeholders need to be informed and involved throughout the infrastructure design process for architects so that they can make informed decisions early on in the project.

Schematic design (SD), design development (DD), and construction documents (CD) play an essential role in construction projects. To cut expenses and increase productivity, AEC companies now prefer outsourcing their building information modeling (BIM) requirements to experts. Are you wondering ‘roles SD, DD & CD play in construction projects?’

Explore this guideline to know every crucial aspect of SD, DD & CD in the construction project.

Why There Is A Need Of Design Phases

We all know that building processes are complex, right? So, breaking down architecture into different design phases helps manage construction project tasks in a well-organized manner. There are several tasks linked with each design phase. Completing objectives before working on the next phase ensures you end up with orderly project completion. This way you will be able to execute your architectural project within budget and time. So, design phases help manage your project easily, meeting client expectations and achieving project control as well.

Schematic Design (SD)

In the schematic design (SD) phase, the pre-design is translated into efficient and effective building design, developing an outline of the built form. Different concepts help explore various design prototypes and get an overall idea of the architectural feel and aesthetic. So, the architects must consider permits and jurisdictional requirements for the construction project during schematic design development. Also called ‘conceptual design’ or ‘preliminary design,’ the purpose of this design phase is to provide a general direction for your infrastructure project.

Schematic Design Phase Deliverables

Preliminary Plans
Building Sections
Schematic Site Plans
3D Visualization
Elevations of the built form
Details of building elements

Benefits Of The Schematic Design Phase

This phase involves form-related and design concept decisions. Not only this but it also reflects on different design opportunities and potential challenges, for the client to end up with informed decisions related to the building project.
The early conceptualization stage gives scope for recognizing and mitigating design challenges quickly.
The schematic design enables designers and architects to envision various design options and ideas that align perfectly with the crucial client requirements. Besides, these conceptual drawings also allow the clients to visualize the project’s aesthetics and layout.

Design Development (DD)

The design development phase includes planning building systems, and structural systems, finalizing materials for the exterior & interior spaces, and several other key aspects. Briefly, building elements are designed in compliance with regulations and codes. Building dimensions and specifications are outlined to produce cost estimates in line with the project scope. Adding more to this, MEP contractors, HVAC contractors, structural contractors, and other required contractors are added in the design development stage. By the end of this phase, interior layouts, design of the exterior, and space dimensions are finalized, and materials are selected.

Design Development Phase Deliverables

Elevations with finishes and openings
Wall sections
Detailed floor plans with specific dimensions
Documents with initial specifications
Comprehensive building sections
Grid dimensions for structural elements
Material BOQs (Bill Of Quantities)

Benefits Of The Design Development Phase

With rightly assigned finishes, materials, and several other specifications in the design development phase, architects can get a cohesive design.
Different systems, like MEP systems, structural layout, or any other layout, that are essential for structural building construction are incorporated with the design layout for seamless operation.
The DD phase presents a more accurate and clear picture of the final project with detailed elevations, layouts, and sections.
On top of all, this design phase ensures that the construction project complies with the regulatory codes and building standards to reduce the chances of problems during construction work on-site.

Construction Documents (CD)

The construction design phase is the climax of the building preparation. This phase involves the production and approval of crucial construction documents. The key elements of the construction documents are structural engineering, architectural drawings, MEP drawings, and the detailed outline of finishes, materials, and the quality of work to include in the infrastructure project. The leading purpose of this phase is to facilitate clear and accurate communication. This universal language forms a backbone connecting the building project’s team members into a single-minded approach, harmonizing the final structure.

Construction Documents Phase Deliverables

Detailed dimensions of the project
Annotated floor plans
Notes for details, plans, and structure
Drawings and specifications for construction purposes
Specifications of doors, windows, and walls
Plans and schedules for MEP, HVAC, and fire protection

Benefits Of The Construction Documents Phase

Accurate construction documents provide a clash-free and efficient building process with detailed drawings and specifications.
These documents enclose the most precise construction information that increases the process of acquiring building permits.
A construction document allows the building contractors to align appropriately with the proposed design, ensuring an error-free and quality-driven construction process.
Comprehensive building documentation assists the contractors and architects get a clear picture of the infrastructure project’s timeline.
Furthermore, this phase provides contractors with precise bid submissions, minimizing the risks of any disputes during the construction process.

Key Differences Between SD, DD, And CD

Aspect	Schematic Design (SD) Phase	Design Development (DD) Phase	Construction Documents (CD) Phase
Purpose	Set up the conceptual design and general scope	Develop and refine the design, incorporating all project elements	Generate well-detailed designs and specifications for construction
Deliverables	Preliminary plans, concept sketches, and basic 3D model	Detailed plans, sections, elevations, and preliminary specs	Complete construction drawings, schedules, and specifications
Level of Detail	Low	Medium	High
Cost Estimation	Rough Budget Estimates	More accurate budget estimates	Final budget estimates
Decision-Making	Conceptual designs, overall building project direction	Selection of materials and systems, detailed design decisions	Final design decisions, proper detailing, and specifications
Client Involvement	High; client feedback is critical to defining project goals	Moderate; client reviews and approves well-refined designs	Low to moderate; client reviews final construction documents
Changes and Revisions	Frequent; major changes are expected	Less frequent; well-refined adjustments	Minimal; changes are time-consuming and costly
Regulatory Approval	Preliminary review with authorities	More detailed compliance check	Full compliance with building regulations and codes
Coordination	Initial coordination with structural and MEP consultants	Detailed coordination with all types of consultants	Full coordination and incorporation of all disciplines
Project Visualization	Conceptual renderings, basic visualization	More accurate visual representations, detailed renderings	Technical and comprehensive visualizations for construction

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, you have a clear idea of ‘What roles SD, DD, & CD play in construction projects?’ Schematic design (SD), draft design (DD), and construction documents (CD) are the primary stages in the infrastructure project. The significant amount of resources, time, and cost needed for the completion of a project can be intimidating. So, the division of the design and construction process into different phases ensures a flawless construction process within the stipulated period. The step-wise process increases efficiency, provides structural integrity, and eliminates ambiguities from the process. Therefore, having a clear understanding and in-depth knowledge of SD, DD, and CD ensures that you finish your project keeping rigorous deadlines.

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