Design as a process

For such an important concept, the question "What is Design?" appears to yield answers with limited usefulness. The design process can be defined as "The management of constraints" that of negotiable and non-negotiable. The first step in the design process is the identification, classification and selection of constraints. The process of design then proceeds from here by manipulating design variables so as to satisfy the non-negotiable constraints and optimizing those which are negotiable. It is possible for a set of non-negotiable constraints to be in conflict resulting in a design with no solution; in this case the non-negotiable constraints must be revised. For example, take the design of a chair. A chair must support a certain weight to be useful, and this is a non-negotiable constraint. The cost of producing the chair might be another. The choice of materials and the aesthetic qualities of the chair might be negotiable. Collectively these constraints result in a design concept. The final product then must not be design, instead it is the "management of constraints".

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Archive's services offered as a process of design

Before providing a list of services it is first important to note that a static list does not in itself define the extent of Archive's complete service structure. All good design is produced through the manipulation of a static process as defined by each projects constraints.

The List for Commercial Interiors:

Preliminary Documentation

» Field verification
» CAD as-built development
» Square footage calculations

Programming

» Tenant interviews
» Program development

Space Planning

» Square foot blocking plans
» Code analysis
» Space plans

Finish Selection

» Color scheme development
» Product selection
» Finish presentations

Construction Documents

» General condition specifications
» Product specifications
» Finish specifications
» Dimension plans
» Lighting plans
» Power plans
» Finish plans
» Design details
» Coordination of engineering documents

Construction Administration

» Construction observation
» Product submittal review and approval
» Contractor RFI's
» Permit coordination
» Contractor payment application review
» Punch list development
» Follow up