Guided project path

Build with the same professional lifecycle

This guide is not a separate course taxonomy. Clients, self-builders, and fresh graduates follow the same 14 phases used by live projects, with the expected output and approval gate visible at every step.

  1. 1

    Intake / Interview

    Output
    Client brief, constraints and decision owners
    Gate
    Client confirms the brief and decision owners.

    Interview before drawing: users, rooms, priorities, budget range, timing and non-negotiables.

  2. 2

    Site / Location Discovery & Survey

    Output
    Measured site record, photos and risks
    Gate
    Survey record is reviewed and missing measurements are resolved.

    Verify dimensions, access, utilities, orientation, neighbours, existing conditions and site constraints.

  3. 3

    Scope / Feasibility

    Output
    Agreed scope, assumptions and feasibility note
    Gate
    Client and consultant accept scope, exclusions and key assumptions.

    Translate the brief and survey into what is feasible before promising cost or schedule.

  4. 4

    Tender / Appointment

    Output
    Appointment decision, proposal or signed scope
    Gate
    The responsible consultant or delivery team is formally appointed.

    Compare scope, deliverables, exclusions, fee structure, schedule and responsibilities—not price alone.

  5. 5

    Concept & Moodboard

    Output
    Selected design direction and moodboard decision
    Gate
    Client records one approved direction or requests revision.

    Use moodboards to decide atmosphere, material language and references before detailed modelling.

  6. 6

    Design Development

    Output
    Coordinated plans, elevations, material and system decisions
    Gate
    Design package is coordinated enough to detail and cost.

    Resolve layout, ergonomics, lighting, MEP interfaces, material transitions and buildability.

  7. 7

    Detail Drawings + BOQ / Budget

    Output
    Issue drawings, specifications and cost plan
    Gate
    Drawings and BOQ share one approved revision and budget basis.

    Do not price from moodboards. Quantities, specifications and drawing revisions must agree.

  8. 8

    Permits / Procurement

    Output
    Permit status, vendor comparisons and purchase plan
    Gate
    Required approvals and long-lead procurement are cleared for mobilisation.

    Track permits, samples, lead times, alternates, quote validity and who owns each purchase.

  9. 9

    Site Preparation

    Output
    Mobilisation checklist and site readiness record
    Gate
    Site access, safety, protection, utilities and working area are ready.

    A clean mobilisation prevents early rework: protect existing finishes, confirm storage and define site rules.

  10. 10

    Construction

    Output
    Progress records, site logs, RFIs and change orders
    Gate
    Planned works are substantially complete and open changes are controlled.

    Use daily evidence, clear assignments and formal change orders instead of decisions disappearing in chat.

  11. 11

    QA / Snag / Punch List

    Output
    Inspection record and closed defect list
    Gate
    Critical defects are closed and remaining items have owners and dates.

    Inspect room by room and system by system; attach evidence to each issue and retest fixes.

  12. 12

    Handover / Key Transfer

    Output
    Accepted handover pack, keys and asset information
    Gate
    Client accepts handover with documented exceptions.

    Handover includes keys, manuals, warranties, as-built records, contacts and unresolved items—not only a ceremony.

  13. 13

    Warranty & Maintenance

    Output
    Warranty register and maintenance schedule
    Gate
    Warranty owners, expiry dates and recurring maintenance are recorded.

    Convert vendor warranties and care instructions into reminders the owner can actually follow.

  14. 14

    Closeout

    Output
    Final archive, commercial closeout and retrospective
    Gate
    Final documents, outstanding obligations and lessons learned are complete.

    Archive the record so the next renovation, maintenance visit or graduate team can understand what happened.