The Stages of an Architectural Project – Execution Phase (3/4)

You’ve obtained your permit… and now?

This is an important milestone: your project is officially authorized! Once the permit is in hand, a new phase begins.

After having imagined your project together and defined its main outlines (see Articles 1 and Article 2), it’s time to transform your ideas into precise technical documents, ready to be used on site. This is where your project moves from a vision to a clear roadmap shared by all participants.

It’s often at this stage that questions arise:

• What happens once the permit is submitted?

• How do your ideas become clear instructions?

• How can you avoid unpleasant surprises?

• How can you ensure that everything is clear for everyone on site?

Because while the permit validates your intent and compliance with zoning rules, it is not yet sufficient for construction. For your house to become reality, you need to move from a general vision to precise technical documentation, understandable by every participant on the site.

This is exactly what we will explore in this article: step by step, you will see how your ideas turn into concrete documents, designed for a smooth and predictable construction process.

Preliminary plans vs. construction plans: what’s the difference?

My clients often ask me: What is the difference between permit plans and construction plans? Can’t the contractor just use the plans submitted for the permit to run the site?

This is an excellent question, because even though both are called “plans,” they serve very different purposes.

• Preliminary plans, prepared for the permit application, mainly demonstrate that your project complies with regulations (zoning, building envelopes, placement, external aspects). They outline the main features: volumes, facades, and key locations. They are sufficient to obtain authorization, but not yet for actual construction.

  
  

• Construction plans, on the other hand, go much further: they are detailed technical documents, designed to be used directly on site. Every wall, opening, and material is precisely defined. They serve as a reference for all participants so that construction proceeds without ambiguity or costly improvisation.

It is from this moment—once the permit is validated—that your project takes on a concrete dimension: your ideas become precise instructions to build your home.

In summary: the permit confirms that you are allowed to build, while construction plans explain how to do it, without any grey areas.

Which technical documents are necessary to start a project smoothly?

Once the permit is approved, things accelerate: this is when your project becomes truly concrete. We prepare all the technical documents essential for the smooth running of the construction:

• Detailed floor plansEvery room, wall, and opening is positioned and measured down to the centimeter. Precise plans allow for smooth circulation, balanced proportions, and prevent last-minute adjustments. It’s always better to carefully consider the placement of each element and alignment in advance, which greatly facilitates on-site decisions if adjustments are needed.

  
  

• Facade elevationsThese drawings show the exact proportions, materials, and openings you have approved. They also show all exterior finishes, their orientation or aesthetic details, and any other elements or accessories installed on the exterior walls.

  
  

• Sections and construction detailsThese documents show how walls, floors, and roofs are assembled. They illustrate compositions, types of materials used, their thickness, and the order of assembly. This allows anticipating thermal, acoustic, and structural performance of the building, and avoids unpleasant surprises.

  
  

• Technical specificationsThe technical specification is a key document because it complements the plans by providing details about material quality. This information is crucial for the contractor to know which products to use during construction.

It includes, among other things:

• Materials to use (types, quality, performance…)

• Implementation techniques (installation, assembly, finishing…)

• Standards to comply with (thermal, acoustic, safety…)

• Sometimes specific requirements related to durability, accessibility, etc.

Our goal: anticipate, clarify, and simplify every aspect so that construction begins without any ambiguity.

How to define a reliable construction strategy with your contractor?

Alongside the preparation of plans, we organize a technical meeting with your contractor to validate the construction strategy. This discussion sets the foundation for a smooth and coherent project. It also prevents surprises on site since all key points are addressed in advance.

During this meeting, we cover:

• Construction methods best suited to your goals (energy performance, durability, carbon footprint reduction).

• The sequence of works to optimize time and resources.

• Sensitive technical points that require special attention.

Why is this stage essential for you? It allows anticipating unforeseen events, reducing the risk of errors, and avoiding extra costs during construction.

And the design – when does that happen?

Once the building structure is defined, we focus on the interior aspects. This phase is essential to ensure your home is not only beautiful but also comfortable and functional in daily life.

Kitchen and bathroom plans

These are two technical and frequently used areas that require precise, ergonomic, and aesthetic design. This is often the most eagerly awaited stage, as we finally start discussing concrete design choices. At this stage, we will propose layouts for review and then you will begin selecting specific products: furniture, plumbing fixtures, tiles, countertops, appliances, etc. Your interior starts taking shape.

Electrical plans

Even though the electrical code has general requirements, it’s always better to provide precise instructions to the electrician. Where should each outlet, switch, and fixture be placed? How about internet network distribution? Special equipment installations?

We plan lighting with you—both natural and artificial—and anticipate all your electrical needs.

You play a key role at this stage, since you know your personal needs best. Your task is to list all your specific equipment and general usage, then carefully review the plans we provide.

Ready to start construction? What should be checked before the official launch?

Before starting, we gather all parties: you, your contractor, and our team. This meeting allows for a final review in full transparency.

This moment is essential to:

• Review each plan and technical detail together.

• Resolve final logistical issues (access, schedules, supplies…).

• Ensure everyone has the same understanding of the project, with no grey areas.

After this meeting, everything is in place: documents are clear, roles defined, and construction can start under good conditions.

Execution Phase Steps

Conclusion: How to turn your ideas into reality without surprises?

As you’ve seen in this article, after obtaining the permit, every step counts to transform an intention into a clear, shared, and actionable roadmap. It is this upfront work—precise, technical, and collaborative—that prevents errors, wasted time, and costly adjustments.

To better visualize the documents mentioned here (floor plans, sections, elevations…), check out our article  on construction plans in our educational space.

We are by your side to turn your choices into a solid project aligned with your values: performance, durability, comfort, and aesthetics.

As designers, our role is to support you at every stage to ensure smooth, clear, and aligned execution. To see what to expect once construction starts, continue with the next article: How construction monitoring unfolds, step by step.