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Architecture vocabulary · Design Process

Schematic design

Meaning in architecture, with examples

/skɪˈmætɪk dɪˈzaɪn/nounCommon term

In architecture, schematic design means: The early design stage in which the architect develops the main layout, massing and character of a building from the brief, before detailed design begins.

In Turkish: avan proje, ön proje

How it is used

An American term from the standard project phases: schematic design (SD), design development (DD) and construction documents (CD). In the British RIBA stages, a similar phase is called concept design. Clients usually approve schematic design before the team moves on.

Example sentences

  1. We're only in schematic design, so the client can still change the layout easily.

  2. The schematic design package includes plans, two sections and massing images.

Common collocations

  • schematic design phase
  • schematic design package
  • design development
  • approve the schematic design
  • conceptThe central idea that guides a design and gives it a clear direction, such as a strong relationship with the landscape or a building organised around light.
  • working drawingsThe detailed, fully dimensioned set of drawings that a contractor uses to build a project, including plans, sections, elevations, details and schedules.
  • feasibility studyAn early study that tests whether a project is possible and worthwhile on a given site, looking at planning rules, floor area, cost, brief and risks.
  • massingThe overall three-dimensional shape and arrangement of a building's main volumes, without details such as windows or materials.

More terms: Design Process

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