ARTICLE

Origin’s 5 Steps for Building Design

Have you ever wondered what the design process for a building looks like? Does it feel overwhelming to take the next step to make your ideas a reality?

At Origin Design, our architects have a simple, five-step design process that helps you know what to expect and better understand the process of a building project, from design through construction. 

Step 1.  

Programming: We identify and quantify the spaces you need and want. Add those up, and you have the total square footage for the project.

Step 2.

Schematic Design: This is when we start laying out spaces. We think broadly and make big moves, honing in on a few concepts to help guide the project.

Step 3.

Design Development: Now it’s time to dig into the details. We’ll go room by room to make sure you get exactly what you need.

Step 4.

Construction Documentation: Time to draw! We take all of your ideas and put them into 2-D drawings so the project can be built.

Step 5.

Construction Administration: This is when we verify that your project is being built correctly. The best part? You get to see your ideas come to life! 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach is an Architect in Origin Design’s Dubuque office. He has design experience on several different project types, including municipal, recreational, commercial and industrial facilities. He has a strong knowledge of Revit Architecture, Google SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop, where he has the ability to produce high quality renderings, giving his clients a sneak peek of their project before it’s constructed.

Zach Thielen, AIA, NCARB

563-556-2464

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Happy 30th Anniversary, Lynn Neal! Join us in congratulating Lynn on reaching this incredible milestone! We're so lucky to have you, Lynn!

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Happy 15th Anniversary, Eric Helminiak! We're so lucky to have you on our #origincrew! Join us in congratulating Eric on reaching this incredible milestone!

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We're excited to welcome Kelly Jo Fassbinder to Origin Design! As our new Marketing Manager, we can't wait to see all that she will achieve in this role!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Kelly Jo!

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Origin Design has teamed up with the City of Davenport to enhance three of its parks! Our civil engineers collaborated with the City to create multi-sports courts at Cork Hill Park, Herington Park, and Van Buren Park!

Discover more about the project here: https://origindesign.com/projects/davenport-multi-sports-courts

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #parksandrecreation


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Looking for a great spot to enjoy the outdoors this summer? Check out our project, Off Shore Hotel & Resort , located in Bellevue, IA! Our team has helped the resort expand its campground by adding 114 new sites along with essential utilities and connecting roadways!

Find out more about this exciting project here: https://origindesign.com/projects/off-shore-resort

#CreatingABetterTomorrow #OriginDesign #LandDevelopment #Municipal #LandSurvey


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Check out the results from our collaboration with the City of Dyersville and Dyersville Economic Development Corporation on the expansion of the Dyersville 20 West Industrial Center! This extension created four new lots zoned for both commercial and industrial use!

Learn more about the project here: https://origindesign.com/projects/dyersville-20-west-industrial-center-phase-3

#creatingabettertommorrow #origindesign #landdevelopment #municipal #transportation #waterresources


Welcome our Summer 2025 Interns!

Luke Althaus, Ryan Ruppel and Connor Richmond recently joined our #origincrew!

We are excited to have these three talented interns joining us this summer! Working across three departments, these interns are sure to make an impact!

#creatingabettertomorrow #yourfuturestartshere #internships #origindesign!


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Last week some of our engineers attended the Dubuque Gate & Pump Station Flood Mitigation Project Kick-Off! We're excited to be partnering with the City of Dubuque, Iowa, Portzen Construction and more on this phase of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project.

The new facility will include a new flood gate, four new 100,000 gallon per minute pumps (double the capacity of the existing facility), new electrical service, and the installation of back-up generators.

#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #beebranch

Join us in welcoming Amelia Retzlaff to Origin Design! Amelia recently joined our Architectural Team & we're so excited to see what she accomplishes in this role!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Amelia!

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Check out these completed photos of this bridge replacement project on Cosgrove Road over N. Branch Old Man's Creek in Johnson County, Iowa.

Learn more about the project and see more photos here: https://origindesign.com/projects/cosgrove-road-over-n-branch-old-mans-creek

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #transportation #bridges

Join us in welcoming Sophia Adams, EIT to Origin Design! Sophia recently joined our Dubuque Office as a Structural Engineering Designer!

Welcome to the #origincrew, Sophia! We're excited to see what you accomplish in your new role!

#creatingabettertomorrow #origindesign #yourfuturestartshere

We're excited to share that Nathaniel Nelson is officially part of our Quad Cities office as an Architectural Associate! After his internship this Spring, he's now a full-time team member.

Welcome to the #origincrew, Nate!

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