Last edited 03 Feb 2021

Design proposals

1 Introduction
2 Qualities of a design proposal
3 Information gathering
4 Presentation formats
5 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

Design proposals typically comprise drawings, reports, models, statements and so on that have been prepared to describe a possible design solution to a specific need.

Construction professionals who may be asked for design proposals include:

Design proposals can be drawn up by any of the above acting either as sole designers or in design teams, which may include input from other professional, eg, cost consultants, specialist designers etc.

A client may commission designers to draw-up proposals for:

The aim of the design proposal is to gain the approval of clients, or in the case of architectural/design competitions, win approval from the judges. The proposals must give a comprehensive description of what the designer intends in a way that can be understood by the client.

Planning applications for local authority approval and building regulations applications are also a form of design proposal.

[edit] Qualities of a design proposal

Design proposals will typically aim to:

Satisfy the client’s criteria such as; energy efficiency, security, privacy, safety, comfort and so on.
Be informative.
Be aesthetically appealing.
Be achievable within the proposed budget and time frame.
Be buildable ie, feasible from practicable, technical, social, economic standpoints.
Satisfy planning and other legal requirements.

[edit] Information gathering

Prior to drawing-up and submitting design proposals, designers may meet the client to gather more information about the brief and to ask questions the answers to which may not be readily apparent. This may be followed by the designer conducting their own research to gather more information on the project and possibly about the client. This can be followed by a site visit which can be used to take photographs and measurements, establish site orientation, information about neighbouring properties and any other constraints that may impact the design.

For more information see: Design methodology.

[edit] Presentation formats

Traditionally, design proposals have been presented through drawings (plans, sections, elevations, photographs, sketches, perspectives and axonometrics), scale models and reports. However, the widespread use of computer software has introduced new formats, including computer renderings (2D and 3D), computer models, videos, as well as the more ‘traditional’ PowerPoint-style presentations.

Design proposals may go through a series of iterations, with client approval required at each stage before proceeding to the next level of detail. For more information see: Gateways