In architecture, the earliest decisions are often those that exert the greatest influence on the final outcome of a project. Before diving into detailed design, submitting an application to the Municipal Council, or advancing to construction, it is essential to understand the starting point: the client, the site, the spatial program, legal constraints, the budget, and the full potential of the intervention.<\/p>\n
It is within this context that two fundamental phases emerge: the preliminary program<\/strong> (architectural brief) and the schematic design study<\/strong> (estudo pr\u00e9vio<\/em>).<\/p>\n Although sometimes confused, these stages serve distinct functions. The preliminary program defines the client’s needs, objectives, and project constraints. The schematic design study transforms that information into an initial architectural proposal, allowing team and client to test solutions, evaluate spatial possibilities, and prepare for subsequent phases.<\/p>\n MJARC Arquitetos’ Perspective:<\/strong><\/p>\n We view these phases as a vital opportunity for listening, analysis, and decision-making. A great architectural project does not begin merely with a form. It starts with a careful reading of the place and a clear definition of what is to be built, transformed, or rehabilitated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The preliminary program (or design brief) is the initial stage of the design process. It is where all the necessary information is gathered and organized to establish the project’s objectives. During this phase, several key aspects are thoroughly analyzed:<\/p>\n The intended project typology and functional program (number of bedrooms, social areas, outdoor living spaces, or technical zones);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The client’s goals and target budget;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Urban planning regulations, legal restrictions, and building codes;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Site characteristics or existing building condition (topography, solar orientation, access ways, public utilities, and surroundings);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Elements to be preserved, adapted, or transformed in the case of a rehabilitation project.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Whenever applicable, the client should gather foundational documentation, such as topographical surveys, architectural surveys of existing structures, land registry certificates (certid\u00e3o predial<\/em>), tax property cards (caderneta predial<\/em>), site plans, site photography, cadastral information, and other relevant documents.<\/p>\n This phase is particularly crucial before purchasing land or a property. A preliminary feasibility analysis helps determine whether the intended design concept is compatible with the site, applicable local regulations, and planned financial investment.<\/p>\n The preliminary program aligns expectations long before drawing begins. Without this phase, a project risks building upon fragile assumptions: unrealistic floor areas, ignorance of urban planning constraints, a budget incompatible with design ambitions, or a lack of clarity regarding client priorities.<\/p>\n A well-developed preliminary brief helps to:<\/p>\n Reduce uncertainties and identify potential risks at an early stage;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Clarify core objectives and establish strategic priorities;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Evaluate overall project feasibility and guide the schematic design phase;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Avoid costly, radical design changes during advanced stages of work.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It is also during this phase that the scope of architectural services, architectural fees<\/a>, project schedule, and mutual responsibilities must be agreed upon. In Portugal, hiring architectural services must be formalized in writing, clearly specifying all services to be delivered.<\/p>\n The schematic design study (known in Portugal as estudo pr\u00e9vio<\/em>) is the phase where the architect translates the approved brief into a concrete architectural proposal. Drawing on the data gathered during the preliminary program, initial solutions for building footprint, spatial layout, volumetric massing, site integration, functional distribution, architectural language, and contextual articulation are developed.<\/p>\n Key deliverables produced during this phase include:<\/p>\n Schematic floor plans, key sections, and preliminary elevations;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Site layout plan and spatial organization diagrams;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 3D visualizations (architectural renders) or physical scale models, where appropriate;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Studies evaluating site topography, natural daylighting, and view corridors;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Preliminary area schedules, material palettes, atmosphere, and design concept narratives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The goal of schematic design is not yet to specify every construction detail. Its purpose is to test, refine, and consolidate the design concept before advancing to technical phases, such as municipal licensing drawings, engineering specialty projects, and detailed construction documentation.<\/p>\n Related Guide:<\/p>\n Discover all the essential stages and key precautions in our comprehensive guide on how to build a house in Portugal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The key distinction lies in the type of decisions made at each milestone:<\/p>\n Preliminary Program:<\/strong> Answers the core question: “What do we want to achieve and what are the constraints?”<\/em> (Establishing needs, parameters, goals, and baseline information).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Schematic Design (Estudo Pr\u00e9vio):<\/strong> Answers the question: “How can these objectives take physical shape through architecture?”<\/em> (Translating data into spatial, volumetric, and aesthetic proposals).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Both stages are essential. Without a rigorous preliminary brief, schematic design risks missing the client’s goals. Without a solid schematic design study, a project risks moving into municipal permitting without the necessary maturity.<\/p>\n In Portugal, urban planning procedures are governed by the Legal Regime of Urbanization and Construction (RJUE \u2014 Regime Jur\u00eddico da Urbaniza\u00e7\u00e3o e Edifica\u00e7\u00e3o<\/em>), approved by Decree-Law no. 555\/99 of December 16, as amended, including updates introduced by Decree-Law no. 10\/2024 of January 8 (the Simplex Urban\u00edstico<\/em>).<\/p>\n The RJUE regulates prior control procedures for urban operations (such as municipal licensing, prior communication, or exemptions). The structure of project phases is also supported by technical benchmarks such as Ordinance no. 701-H\/2008, which defines standard project phases and deliverables.<\/p>\n Attention to Local Planning Rules:<\/strong><\/p>\n Specific technical evaluations must be performed case by case, taking into account the local municipality, the Municipal Master Plan (PDM \u2014 Plano Diretor Municipal<\/em>), detailed local plans, administrative easements, public utility restrictions, and municipal building codes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Want to learn more about municipal review timelines? Understand how long it takes to get a building permit in Portugal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Engineering specialty projects (projetos de especialidades<\/em>) should be coordinated with the architectural design from an early stage, particularly in complex developments. However, in practical terms, it is after schematic design is consolidated and during the development of municipal licensing drawings that this multidisciplinary coordination achieves full detail.<\/p>\n Specialty projects typically include structural engineering, water and drainage networks, thermal performance, acoustic insulation, electrical systems, telecommunications (ITED), fire safety, and HVAC systems. Early coordination prevents on-site trade conflicts and minimizes revisions during municipal review.<\/p>\n In urban rehabilitation projects, these early stages take on added importance. Before transforming an existing building, one must thoroughly understand its structural integrity, materials, daylight patterns, circulation, and hidden spatial qualities. Based on this diagnosis, the project establishes what to preserve, adapt, or transform.<\/p>\n The preliminary program confirms whether the proposed new function is compatible with the historical structure, while the schematic design study tests spatial adaptations, balancing historic memory, energy performance, and modern comfort.<\/p>\n When intervening within historic city centers, we recommend consulting our article on ARU and ORU urban rehabilitation zones and their tax incentives in Portugal<\/a>.<\/p>\n At MJARC Arquitetos, we guide these initial milestones with meticulous attention to site topography, solar geometry, landscape relationships, and the performance of sustainable buildings<\/a>. Schematic design is far more than an appealing visual image\u2014it is a decision-making tool that builds a shared vision before advancing to definitive technical documentation.<\/p>\n We accompany your project from initial feasibility studies through to site supervision. Share your vision with us and let us transform it into a solid architectural proposal.<\/p>\n\n
What is the preliminary program in architecture?<\/h2>\n
\n
Why is the preliminary program so important?<\/h2>\n
\n
What is the schematic design study (Estudo Pr\u00e9vio)?<\/h2>\n
\n
Preliminary program vs. schematic design: what is the difference?<\/h2>\n
\n
Legal and regulatory framework in Portugal<\/h2>\n
\n
When do engineering specialty projects begin?<\/h2>\n
Preliminary brief and schematic design in rehabilitation projects<\/h2>\n
The MJARC Arquitetos methodology<\/h2>\n
Looking for an architecture team to start your project?<\/h3>\n