If you’re in the process of building or remodeling your home in Maui, chances are you’ll hear the term “architectural concept,” during the period before the building begins, and possibly even during.
Between the time you begin talking to an architect and the time that the building plans are finalized, all of the input you give to him or her will begin to formulate the eventual design that he or she uses to create and build your project.
What It Is
A concept is what supports and reinforces your project. It isn’t about the finished project—yet—but the project from idea through the building process that gets you there. An architectural concept is a place where a project starts, and what guides the process from the first idea to the creative process and beyond. It’s a key set of ideas that binds the design together.
The architectural concept is the first part of designing a structure, and is the element that goes through the project from beginning to end, and is equally important at both points. It may also be called:
- Idea
- Opinion
- Image
- Notion
- Conception
- Model
- View
For instance, if you decide, “I want to build a house,” what you envision after that is the start of the architectural concept. It’s also what your architect will begin creating on paper that will lead to the home or other project you will ultimately live in and/or use.
In the end, it’s a vision of the project that gives both the client and the architect a starting point and a finishing point.
Developing The Architectural Concept
Architecture works to resolve problems. An architect focuses on asking the correct questions to determine what problems he or she will resolve in the design for a client. Creating a concept asks allows the architect to outline the correct questions and help direct the design process.
A concept shouldn’t be rigid and unbending; it should be flexible and fluid since there are many different concepts that come together to create a complete design.
This process starts with three things:
- A site inventory:
- Local climate
- Solar aspect
- Building context
- History
- Trees and vegetation
- Prevailing winds
- Legal issues such as zoning
- Opportunities
- Special liabilities
- Any other pertinent elements
- The building’s typography:
- What kind of building is it—home, school, etc.?
- How will it be used?
- Analysis and precedent study
- What kinds of problems need to be resolved?
- Any other pertinent elements
- The client’s requirements:
- Size
- Budget
- Preferences
- Beliefs & culture
- Agendas
- Personality traits
- Any other pertinent elements
The architect takes all of this information to create the architectural concept that shapes and guides the eventual design for the building.
Pro Draft Can Help You Find Your Architectural Concept
When it’s time to begin your next building project, you need someone who can take the concept and turn it into a finished building. Working with an architectural design firm that understands the principles of drawing your plan and bringing it to life can ensure that your project has the best possible outcome.
When you’re ready to begin building, remodeling, or adding to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland.