Design Development expands upon schematic designs by adding greater detail, technical specifications, and system components while maintaining flexibility for refinements. This intermediate phase bridges conceptual planning and final construction documents. Design Development drawings are more detailed than schematics but less comprehensive than construction documents, typically at 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch scale.
Technical Details
HVAC system specifics are established during this phase, including equipment sizes, ductwork routing, and preliminary control strategies. Mechanical engineers develop heating and cooling loads, select major equipment components, and create preliminary equipment schedules. Drawings show duct sizes, pipe dimensions, and equipment locations with greater accuracy than schematic designs.
Design Refinement
This phase allows for cost refinement and budget alignment before final documents are produced. Design changes during this phase cost 5-10% less to implement than during construction. Coordination between architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems is verified and conflicts are identified.
Practical Applications
Design Development documents support bid estimates, permit applications, and final client approvals. They provide sufficient detail for consultants to perform detailed calculations and system analyses while allowing for minor adjustments before construction begins.