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The scheme design stage — also known as the base project or planning phase — is the project phase in which the architectural design is developed in accordance with what was established during the preliminary study. In practical terms, it is the "legalised concept design study."
Depending on the nature of the project, this phase may or may not require formal approval from the relevant authorities.
This stage prepares the full submission package for the relevant Municipal Council, as well as for any other licensing bodies whose approval is required before the urban planning operation can proceed.
Once the concept design has been approved by the client, this phase begins. The progressive development of the project requires a greater level of detail than the previous stage — moving beyond the schematic drawings that established the design intent. At this level of detail, the documentation must include all mandatory drawings, such as: sections, site plans, conventional colour coding where applicable, boundary wall drawings, the definition of external materials, and the coordination of the construction system with urban planning parameters, minimum energy performance requirements, and other regulatory matters.
This phase of scheme design introduces a stronger legal dimension to the project, addressing the formal definition of construction areas, floor area ratios, soft landscaping and permeable surface areas, paved areas, building volumes, and other regulated parameters.
In parallel, the client must formally approve the concept design. This approval is required before the appointed architect can advance to the next stage: the development of the detail design — a more technical and detailed compilation of project documents prepared specifically for the execution of the works.
SCHEME DESIGN PHASE FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT / PLANNING PERMISSION
Returning to the architectural concept design, this stage is essential to ensure full legal compliance and a thorough understanding of the site's planning constraints and regulatory framework.
The architectural design process follows a structured sequence. During this phase, the project is developed in greater detail, typically at scales of 1:100 or 1:50, while key construction interfaces and technical details are also studied at larger scales such as 1:10 and 1:5.
When a Building Permit or Prior Communication procedure is required, the architectural design submission is accompanied—or subsequently followed, where applicable—by all legally required engineering and specialist design documents. These technical projects are coordinated by the project management team and are necessary to obtain planning approval and the building permit. Where no prior planning control is required, this stage serves as an intermediate phase in the architectural design development process.
During this stage, our architects prepare the complete architectural project required for one of the statutory planning procedures, such as a Building Permit Application or a Prior Communication.
Depending on the planning strategy adopted for the specific development, this phase may also include the preparation of a Prior Information Request (PIP – Pedido de Informação Prévia). This procedure allows essential planning information to be submitted to the relevant authorities with a simplified set of documents, reducing the initial investment required.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ARCHITECTURAL SCHEME DESIGN SUBMISSION?
An architectural scheme design submission presents the proposed architectural solution and must include all the documentation required for the competent planning authorities to fully assess and approve the project.
In addition to the standard drawings typically included in an architectural design project, this stage requires a comprehensive set of technical documents that go far beyond floor plans. These generally include:
- Architectural drawings, including floor plans, sections, elevations, construction details, site location plan, and site layout plan.
- Written architectural documentation, including the Design Report and Design Statement.
- Extracts from the applicable Municipal Master Plan (PDM) and other planning documents, such as zoning plans, planning constraints, and administrative easements.
- An Accessibility Plan, including drawings (plans, sections, elevations, or construction details) together with the corresponding technical report.
- A photographic survey of the site.
- A preliminary construction schedule.
- A preliminary construction cost estimate.
- Professional responsibility statements and a declaration of compliance with the General Noise Regulations.
- Statistical documentation required by the Portuguese National Statistics Institute (INE) for the proposed development.
- A project summary table describing the development and its floor areas.
- Depending on the nature, location, and complexity of the project, additional technical documentation may be required by the relevant planning authorities.
The architectural design submission therefore represents the stage at which all documents required by the competent licensing authorities are prepared and compiled for review, planning approval, and the subsequent issue of the Building Permit.
Note: Under the Building Permit Application procedure in Portugal, the architectural project at scheme design stage may be submitted either together with the engineering and specialist design projects or at a later stage. Under the Prior Communication procedure, however, all architectural and engineering projects must be submitted simultaneously.
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1. DO THE ENGINEERING AND SPECIALIST DESIGN PROJECTS NEED TO BE COMPLETED AT THIS STAGE?
Ideally, yes. The more coordinated and integrated the architectural design is before submission, the fewer changes and unexpected issues are likely to arise during construction.
Architectural design naturally incorporates the main structural, mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure requirements from an early stage.
However, under the Building Permit Application process in Portugal, the architectural project can be approved before the engineering and specialist design projects are submitted. For this reason, some clients choose to postpone part of the initial investment.
From a design coordination perspective, we strongly recommend carrying out at least preliminary studies for the most critical engineering disciplines—particularly structural engineering and thermal performance—to ensure that the proposed architectural solution is technically feasible and fully coordinated.
Delaying these studies until the detailed design stage may require additional revisions, extend the project timeline, and increase overall project costs.
2. CAN I SKIP THE EARLIER STAGES AND START DIRECTLY WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SUBMISSION?
No. Every architectural project should follow a structured and sequential design process.
Each phase builds upon the previous one, gradually developing the project from the initial concept and site constraints to the detailed technical solutions required for construction.
Skipping earlier stages often leads to design inconsistencies, additional revisions, and unnecessary costs later in the project. A well-defined architectural design process ensures greater technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and a smoother planning approval process.
3. HOW LONG DOES THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SUBMISSION STAGE TAKE?
The timeframe depends on the type, size, and complexity of the project, as well as on the decisions made during the concept design stage.
As a general guide, preparing a Building Permit Application for a single-family house in Portugal typically takes between 30 and 40 days.
These timeframes are indicative only and may vary depending on the project's complexity, the responsiveness of the client during the decision-making process, and any specific delivery deadlines.
4. HOW MUCH DOES THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SUBMISSION COST?
The architectural design submission represents one of the most significant stages within the overall architectural design service.
Its cost depends on several factors, including:
The size and complexity of the project.
The scope of architectural and engineering services required.
The level of client support and project coordination needed.
Site-specific planning, legal, and topographical constraints.
Required delivery deadlines and project programme.
As every project is unique, architectural fees are generally calculated based on the specific requirements of each development rather than using a fixed price.
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