Our Process
From First Conversation
to Final Handover
Architecture is a process, not a product delivered overnight. At ARKA, we follow a structured workflow that moves projects from initial concept through completed construction. Each phase has defined deliverables, client review points, and approval gates.
Client Briefing
Site Analysis
Concept Development
Design Development
Approvals & Documentation
Execution Coordination
Project Handover
Client Briefing
Duration: 1-2 Weeks
We begin every project with comprehensive understanding of your requirements, constraints, and aspirations.
What Happens
- Initial consultation meeting
- Site visit and documentation
- Program requirements discussion
- Budget and timeline alignment
- Preliminary scope definition
Deliverables
- Project brief document
- Site photographs and measurements
- Regulatory summary
- Preliminary schedule
Your Role
Share your requirements, constraints, and aspirations. The more we understand your needs, the better we can serve them.
Site Analysis
Duration: 1-2 Weeks
Thorough understanding of site conditions, constraints, and opportunities that will inform design decisions.
What Happens
- Detailed site survey
- Topographical documentation
- Solar and wind analysis
- Neighboring context study
- Utility and access assessment
- Regulatory constraints mapping
Deliverables
- Site analysis report
- Constraint diagrams
- Opportunity mapping
- Regulatory compliance summary
Your Role
Provide access to site and any existing documentation (previous surveys, title documents, utility records).
Concept Development
Duration: 2-4 Weeks
Exploration of design options responding to site conditions, program requirements, and client aspirations.
What Happens
- Design options exploration
- Massing studies
- Preliminary floor plans
- Initial material concepts
- 3D visualization of options
Deliverables
- 2-3 design options
- Schematic floor plans
- Massing diagrams
- Preliminary 3D views
- Concept presentation
Your Role
Review options and provide feedback. Select preferred direction for development.
Design Development
Duration: 4-8 Weeks
Refinement of selected concept into detailed design with material selections and technical coordination.
What Happens
- Selected concept refinement
- Detailed floor plans with dimensions
- Section and elevation development
- Structural system coordination
- MEP layout integration
- Material selection and specification
- Detailed 3D visualization
Deliverables
- Developed floor plans
- Building sections
- Elevations
- Material boards
- Rendered views
- Preliminary cost estimate
Your Role
Approve developed design. Finalize material selections. Confirm budget alignment.
Approvals & Documentation
Duration: 4-8 Weeks
Production of complete construction documents and coordination with regulatory authorities.
What Happens
- Construction drawing production
- Structural engineering coordination
- MEP engineering coordination
- Regulatory submission preparation
- Authority liaison and approval
- Tender document preparation
Deliverables
- Complete construction drawing set
- Structural drawings
- MEP drawings
- Specifications
- Bill of quantities
- Regulatory approvals
Your Role
Review and approve final documents. Sign regulatory submissions.
Execution Coordination
Duration: Project-Dependent
Construction oversight ensuring design intent is preserved through building delivery.
What Happens
- Contractor selection support
- Pre-construction meetings
- Regular site observations
- RFI response and clarification
- Submittal review
- Progress monitoring
- Quality verification
- Change order management
Deliverables
- Site observation reports
- Progress photographs
- RFI responses
- Submittal approvals
- Change documentation
Your Role
Attend key site meetings. Approve changes and selections.
Project Handover
Duration: 2-4 Weeks
Final verification, documentation, and transfer of completed project to client.
What Happens
- Punch list development
- Deficiency correction verification
- Final inspections
- Warranty documentation
- As-built drawing collection
- Maintenance manual compilation
- Key handover
Deliverables
- Punch list and completion certificates
- As-built drawings
- Warranty documents
- Maintenance guidelines
- Project archive
Your Role
Participate in final walkthrough. Accept completed project.
What Sets ARKA's Process Apart
Our structured approach protects your investment and ensures design intent is preserved through construction.
Defined Milestones
Every phase concludes with specific deliverables and client approval. No ambiguity about what you receive or when.
Integrated Services
Architecture, interiors, visualization, and project management under one process. No handoff gaps between consultants.
Documentation Standards
Our drawings are complete and coordinated. Contractors can build from them directly. This protects budgets and schedules.
Continuous Communication
Regular updates throughout every phase. You always know where your project stands.
Ready to Start Your Project?
The first step is a conversation. Tell us about your project, and we'll explain how ARKA can help bring your vision to life.