What happens in the design stage?

The design stage of a public building project is typically divided into three phases:

  1. Schematic Design (SD)
  2. Design Development (DD)
  3. Construction Documents (CDs) 

During each phase of design, the project designer is required to prepare and submit specific deliverables for approval. Major project decisions are made during the schematic design phase. After the schematic design is approved, the designer proceeds with detailed design development. After the design development documents are approved, the designer prepares the project’s construction documents.

During the design stage of the New Tufts Library Project, the key responsibility of the designer will be to translate the requirements of Building Program and Project Charter into a set of biddable construction documents. Simultaneously, the key responsibility of the Library Construction Committee will be to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation – that the goals and objectives of the Building Program are met, that the requirements of the grant program are satisfied, and that the interests of the community are protected.