Design Phase Notes for Non-Engineers

Guiding notes for non-engineers involved in the early design phase of a building project. These notes are aimed at owners, investors, and stakeholders who need to confidently engage in discussions with architects, engineers, and designers

1. 📐 Space Planning (Program of Spaces)

• What it is: A list and layout of all the spaces a building needs based on its intended use (e.g. offices, lobbies, meeting rooms, kitchens).

• Why it matters: Ensures the building serves its purpose efficiently.

• Tip: Think about size, number of people, furniture/equipment needs, and flow between spaces.

Example: A hospital requires patient rooms, operation theaters, labs, waiting areas—all carefully arranged for efficiency and safety.

2. 🧩 Functional Requirements

• What it is: How each space is expected to function in real life.

• Why it matters: Prevents costly redesigns later.

• Tip: Define usage scenarios clearly—will people sit, walk, work, rest, store, or move things in this space?

Example: A kitchen must support ventilation, fire safety, food storage, and easy cleaning.

3. 💡 Design Concepts

• What it is: The big idea or vision behind the architecture—form, materials, light, and mood.

• Why it matters: Sets the tone and identity of the building.

• Tip: Ask the architect what experience they want to create for users.

Example: A bank might have a design concept of “transparency and trust,” reflected in glass and open layouts.

4. 🌬️ HVAC Load Capacity

• What it is: The amount of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needed to keep the building comfortable.

• Why it matters: Undersized systems cause discomfort; oversized ones waste energy.

• Terms to know:

  • BTU: British Thermal Unit, used to measure energy

  • Tonnage: Refers to cooling capacity (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr)

  • CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute (airflow rate)

Tip: HVAC loads depend on building size, number of occupants, insulation, windows, and equipment.

5. 💡 Lighting & Electrical Requirements

• What it is: Planning for outlets, lighting types, controls, and power loads.

• Why it matters: Impacts comfort, productivity, and safety.

• Tip: Think ahead to technology needs—networking, screens, chargers, etc.

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6. 🛠️ Structural Loads

• What it is: The weight the structure must support—including its own weight, people, furniture, wind, and possibly seismic loads.

• Why it matters: Affects the type and cost of foundations, columns, and beams.

• Terms to know:

  • Dead Load: The weight of the structure itself

  • Live Load: People and movable objects

  • Point Load: A heavy load concentrated in one area (e.g. heavy machine)

    
    

7. 🧱 Materials & Finishes

• What it is: Choices of materials used in floors, walls, ceilings, etc.

• Why it matters: Affects durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and budget.

• Tip: Consider lifecycle cost, not just purchase cost.

8. 🔒 Security & Access Control

• What it is: How people enter, exit, and move within the building securely.

• Why it matters: Essential for user safety and asset protection.

• Tip: Plan for future technologies (e.g. smart locks, biometric access).

9. 🚪 Circulation & Accessibility

• What it is: How people move through the building (hallways, stairs, elevators).

• Why it matters: Impacts flow, safety, and user experience.

• Tip: Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g. wheelchair access).

10. 🌍 Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

• What it is: Designing for minimal environmental impact.

• Why it matters: Reduces long-term costs and meets regulatory/environmental goals.

• Concepts to understand:

  • LEED Certification

  • Passive Design (e.g. natural light, ventilation)

  • Energy modeling

    
    

11. 🗂️ Codes & Regulations

• What it is: Government-mandated rules related to safety, fire protection, accessibility, zoning, etc.

• Why it matters: Non-compliance can halt a project.

• Tip: Trust your consultant, but ask how local codes are influencing decisions.

  
  

12. 🧑‍🎨 Roles & Responsibilities

• Architect: Leads the vision and space design

• Structural Engineer: Ensures the building stands safely

• MEP Engineer: Designs Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing systems

• Interior Designer: Refines interior aesthetics and user experience

• Project Manager: Keeps budget, timeline, and coordination on track

✅ Pro Tips for Stakeholders

• Ask for 3D visuals or walkthroughs if floor plans are unclear.

• Always link design choices to business goals—functionality, cost-efficiency, user satisfaction.

• Get a design brief written in plain language before committing to final plans.

• Request early cost estimates for major components.

• Be clear on your “non-negotiables”: (e.g. natural light, future expansion, tech integration)