House design – Aspects and phases of design

Building your dream home starts with a vision — and unfolds into a journey filled with important decisions, emotions, and achievements. It’s much more than choosing materials or drawing floor plans. Designing a house is a technical and creative process that requires planning, expertise, and the right professional guidance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of a residential architecture project — from the first sketch to the final handover. Whether you’re planning to build from scratch or renovate, this article is for you.

1. Share Your Vision: Initial Meeting with the Architect

Everything starts with a conversation. In this first meeting, the architect listens to your ideas, understands your family’s needs, and assesses your budget and ideal timeline. This step is essential for aligning expectations and crafting a tailored proposal.

At MJARC Architects, we accompany the client from day one, offering both technical and creative support throughout the entire process.

2. Explore Possibilities: Preliminary Studies and Sketches

Before moving forward with a final project, it’s crucial to evaluate the site and regulatory constraints. The architect conducts feasibility studies, taking into account:

• Conditions of the plot or building to be renovated
• Urban planning and zoning regulations
• Potential for intervention and space optimization
• Approximate construction costs

At this stage, terms of collaboration are also defined: fees, deadlines, and project goals.

3. Shape the Concept: Preliminary Design Phase

Based on the information gathered, the architect develops the preliminary design — the first major visual milestone of your project. It defines:

• House dimensions and space distribution
• Architectural style and design approach
• Materials and technical solutions

The result? The first floor plans and visual renderings of your future home.

4. Get Approval: Licensing and Permits

To begin construction or renovation, you must obtain approval from the local municipality. The architect handles all required documentation, whether for:

• Preliminary declaration of works
•  Building permit (more common for new constructions)

This step ensures your project complies with the Municipal Master Plan and other legal requirements.

5. Choose Your Builders: Selecting the Construction Company

With the project approved, it’s time to bring the plans to life. The architect delivers:

• Execution project documents
•  Technical drawings and detailed specifications

If you haven’t hired a construction company yet, your architect can recommend trusted teams. Choosing professionals who have worked together before helps avoid miscommunication and delays.

6. Stay on Track: Construction Supervision

The architect remains involved throughout the construction phase, conducting regular site visits to ensure:

• The project is being executed as designed
•  Materials used match specifications
•  The schedule is being followed
•  Unexpected issues are resolved efficiently

7. See the Progress: Client Site Visits

When needed, the architect arranges site visits with the client. These allow you to monitor the project’s progress firsthand, approve finishes, and make informed decisions on the spot.

8. Move In: Project Handover

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Once construction is complete, the architect performs a final inspection to ensure the quality of the work and identify any necessary adjustments.

Reminder: Your home is protected by a legal warranty — any issues that arise within this period can be addressed under that guarantee.