design development:
During design development, the schematic design is crystallized as structural, mechanical, and electrical systems are integrated.
It is ideal to have a contractor onboard during this phase to provide valuable feedback with regards to schedule and cost, helping the team of owner and architect to prioritize and make educated cost/benefit decisions. The design is developed in depth through building sections illustrating the relationship between spaces.
Passive design strategies are developed in more depth, major building materials are identified for both the interior and exterior, and window sizes are specified. Interior elevations illustrate the architectural character of the space.
Design Development drawings are suitable for rough pricing by a contractor, though Construction Documents are recommended for comparable pricing in bidding a job to various contractors.