Our Process

Site Review, Concept Plans, Technical Drawings, Permits, and Construction Support

Each stage converts assumptions into reviewable information. We begin with the site and project brief, test room and building options in plans and exterior studies, then develop the approved direction into dimensions, elevations, sections, and notes.

The sequence below is typical, not universal. Project scope, consultant needs, municipal requirements, client decisions, and builder input can change the order or level of work. We define Amaya Design's responsibilities in the project agreement; other professionals remain responsible for their own work.

Stage 01

Discovery & Consultation

Defining the brief

We begin with the property, the people who will use it, and the decisions already made. For a custom home, infill, renovation, or multi-family project, that means understanding the desired spaces, site conditions, project stage, and budget direction.

Typical focus

Project goals, room needs, and daily routines
Known site, zoning, access, and servicing conditions
Information or consultant input still required

We identify the information that is available and the questions that still need answers. A survey, land-use information, existing drawings, inspiration images, and builder input can all affect what should happen next.

The resulting brief records the priorities, constraints, unresolved questions, and design work required for the next stage. Feasibility, construction cost, and market advice may require input from the municipality, a builder, or another specialist.

Stage 02

Concept Design & Planning

Testing the main decisions

We turn the brief into plans and exterior studies that can be reviewed, compared, and revised. The work may include floor plans, massing, elevations, and 3D views, depending on the agreed scope.

Typical focus

Floor-plan options and room relationships
Building form, exterior direction, and site response
A preferred concept for further development

This is where we test circulation, room relationships, daylight, privacy, views, parking, storage, and how the building sits on the property. Relevant land-use and code requirements inform the work, but detailed compliance review continues as the drawings develop.

Client feedback is used to refine the preferred direction before the project moves into technical drafting. Changes are expected at this stage; resolving them here is generally clearer than changing coordinated drawings later.

Stage 03

Drafting & Technical Drawings

Developing the drawing package

Once the main design decisions are approved, we develop the drawings needed for the next project steps. The exact package depends on the project scope, permit requirements, and the information required by the builder and consultants.

Typical focus

Detailed architectural plans, elevations, and sections
Information coordinated with the available consultant documents
A package suited to the agreed permit and builder-review scope

Plans, elevations, sections, dimensions, and key notes are developed so the design can be reviewed consistently. Structural, energy, mechanical, civil, surveying, or other specialist work is provided by the appropriate consultants when required.

The drawings support permit submission, consultant coordination, builder review, and pricing. They do not replace the builder's responsibility for construction methods, site safety, scheduling, or final trade coordination.

Stage 04

Permits & Approvals

Coordinating the submission

Where permit coordination is included in our scope, we prepare the architectural submission documents, organize the available supporting information, and communicate with the reviewing authority about the design.

Typical focus

Architectural documents for the agreed submission
Responses to review comments related to our scope
Coordination of required information with the project team

If comments or requests for clarification are issued, we review the items that relate to our drawings and revise or respond as appropriate. Information from the owner, builder, surveyor, engineer, or another consultant may also be needed before a submission is complete.

The municipality controls its requirements, review time, and approval decision. We cannot guarantee a permit, a particular timeline, or that an authority will accept a proposed variance, but we can keep our part of the response documented and organized.

Stage 05

Construction Support & Collaboration

Clarifying the design during construction

When construction support is part of our agreement, we remain available to explain the design intent, answer drawing questions, and review proposed changes with the owner, builder, and relevant consultants.

Typical focus

Answers to architectural drawing questions
Review of proposed design changes within our scope
Updated architectural information when separately authorized

Site conditions, product availability, consultant requirements, or owner decisions can lead to changes. We document architectural revisions within our scope and consider how a proposed change affects the rest of the design.

Amaya Design is not the general contractor or site supervisor unless a separate agreement says otherwise. The builder remains responsible for construction means and methods, trade coordination, site safety, cost, quality control, and schedule.

Next Step

Send the Property Information and Current Drawings

Include the property or community, project type, current stage, and any drawings or site information you already have. We can then discuss the design scope and the information needed before the next pricing, permit, or construction conversation.