Architectural Services & Process

Architectural services turn an owner’s goals into coordinated plans for approvals, pricing, and construction. This section describes KDG’s design process, project phases, consultant coordination, budget alignment, and role from early planning through construction.

Architectural Process & Project Phases FAQs

What architectural services does KDG provide?

KDG can provide programming, project validation, conceptual and schematic design, design development, construction documents, consultant coordination, permitting support, bidding assistance, and construction administration. Services are defined for the project rather than assumed to be identical on every engagement.
What are the typical phases of an architectural project?

A typical architectural project moves through programming or validation, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding or negotiation, and construction administration. Renovations, phased projects, design-build work, or early procurement may require adjusted or overlapping phases.
Does KDG design both new buildings and renovations?
Can KDG serve as the Architect of Record?

Yes, where KDG holds or obtains the professional registration required for the project. As Architect of Record, KDG prepares and coordinates the architectural documents, integrates consultants, supports permitting, and provides the construction-phase services identified in its agreement.
How does KDG coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and owners?

KDG establishes responsibilities, deliverables, decision points, and communication procedures at the beginning of the project. Coordination then occurs through meetings, shared models and documents, consultant reviews, issue tracking, and scheduled quality checks as the design develops.
Can KDG help an owner compare different design and building-system options?

Yes. KDG can compare alternatives for layout, structure, enclosure, mechanical and electrical systems, materials, phasing, and other major decisions. The comparison can consider first cost, long-term performance, constructability, schedule, maintenance, and compatibility with the design concept.
Does KDG remain involved during bidding and construction?

Yes, when those services are included in the agreement. During bidding KDG can answer document questions and review proposed substitutions. during construction it can review submittals, respond to requests for information, observe work at agreed intervals, and address design or code issues.
How does KDG help align design decisions with an owner’s budget?

KDG connects design choices to cost by setting project priorities and quality expectations early, coordinating with the owner’s estimator or contractor, and evaluating alternatives before details become fixed. Bidding alternates and value analysis can preserve essential design goals while giving the owner informed choices.

View our work

How KDG Provides Thoughtful Architectural Planning

Architecture is more than designing a building. It is the process of aligning project goals, operational needs, regulatory requirements, budget considerations, and stakeholder priorities into a coordinated plan for implementation.

Successful projects depend on clear decision-making and collaboration throughout the design process. Thoughtful architectural planning can help:

Align design decisions with project goals and budget expectations
Balance aesthetics, functionality, and long-term building performance
Identify challenges before they affect schedule, cost, or approvals
Coordinate owners, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders
Evaluate alternatives for layouts, materials, and building systems
Improve constructability and reduce costly redesign efforts
Support permitting, bidding, and construction processes
Create a clear roadmap from concept through completion

Drawing on experience across hospitality, multifamily, affordable housing, workplace, retail, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, and historic rehabilitation projects, KDG helps owners navigate complex decisions while maintaining focus on project objectives. Through collaboration, technical expertise, and careful coordination, our team works to develop solutions that are functional, buildable, and aligned with both immediate project needs and long-term goals.

This approach allows KDG to support clients from early planning through construction while helping ensure design quality, project efficiency, and a successful built outcome.