Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
and slopes of nonbuilding elements, including walks and roadway, surface
drainage, and cut and fill estimates. These estimates are used for deter-
mining probable construction costs. Once the preliminary design package
(schematic design phase of a professional services contract) is approved,
the project design team proceeds to the design development phase of the
contract, where more detailed design takes place. In the subsequent phase
of construction documents, construction drawings, technical specifica-
tions, and other contract bidding documents are prepared.
the deSiGn proceSS
The design process begins with the client selecting a design firm, such
as a landscape architecture firm, and then entering into a professional
service contract with the firm. The professional services contract out-
lines responsibilities, schedule, deliverables and services, and compen-
sation. The services of the designer are
detailed in each phase of work to be
carried out by the designer, beginning
with schematic design and followed by
design development, construction doc-
umentation and specifications, bidding,
and finally construction administra-
tion. This chapter will present the pro-
cess a designer would go through from
the beginning of the project design pro-
cess. Figure 3.1 provides a snapshot pic-
ture of the various steps of the process.
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2
3
4
5
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Figure 3.1
Steps in the design process continuum
StepS in the deSiGn proceSS continuum
Step 1. Background research
“Due diligence” is a business term that involves the process of identify-
ing the codes; design and safety standards; and zoning, permitting, and
other governmental requirements that a designer would be expected to
