Good design starts with a clear program. You learn how to interview stakeholders, document space needs and adjacencies, and turn goals into a brief an architect can design to. In this lesson Stakeholder interviews and needs assessment Space lists, adjacencies and area targets Writing a project brief Put it into practice Write a one-page program […]

Projects move through predictable phases. This lesson covers schematic design, design development, construction documents and what decisions belong in each phase. In this lesson Schematic design, design development and CDs Decision points and sign-offs Reviewing drawings as the owner's rep Put it into practice Create a phase-by-phase checklist of decisions an owner must make.

Codes and zoning shape every design. You learn the basics of building codes, accessibility requirements and zoning envelopes so you can ask the right questions early. In this lesson Building code basics and occupancy types Accessibility requirements at a high level Zoning envelopes, parking and setbacks Put it into practice For a sample site, list […]

Design decisions drive cost. This lesson covers early cost estimating, value engineering that protects the program, and keeping the design schedule on track. In this lesson Cost per square foot and early estimates Value engineering without cutting the program Design schedule and milestone tracking Put it into practice Build a simple budget tracker that ties […]

You coordinate the team on the owner's behalf. Learn how to select and contract design professionals, run design reviews, and hand off cleanly to construction. In this lesson Selecting and contracting architects and engineers Running productive design review meetings Bid, construction administration and closeout basics Put it into practice Draft an agenda for a design […]