Pre design studies
The design process is generally considered to begin at the concept design stage.
It is preceded by a host of non-design activities, such as business justification, brief development, feasibility studies and options appraisals, and it is followed by design development, technical design, procurement, construction and handover and close out.
Whilst pre-design studies such as feasibility studies and options appraisals may include the prepration of diagrams to assess whether a potential site or building type is possible given the project parameters and constraints, they are not designs. They are intended only to help identify the client's requirements, establish that those requirements are feasible and determine whether the project should proceed in a particular direction.
The concept design represents the design team's initial response to the project brief, and the concept design stage is generally considered to be the most creative stage of a project's development .
For more information see:
- Business justification
- Brief development
- Feasibility studies
- Options appraisals
- Concept design
- Design development
- Technical design
- Procurement
- Construction
- Handover and close out.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.