The Architect and the Client go through a series of steps to arrive at the desired space or building. They are as follows: the Schematic phase, the Preliminary Design / Design Development phase, and the Construction Document phase.

• Programming. This step is used to understand the spatial requirements of the owner and users. Programming is the listing of the spaces, their sizes, functions and the type of space that would best suit their use. For example, a Client may wish to have a home office, library or family room. He or she may prefer this space to be centrally located within the home, or extended quietly off to the side, with high or low ceilings, particularly well lit, or oriented to allow a particular view and to manifest a certain atmosphere.
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• Diagramming. Diagrams are a visual statement of ideas. They present a clear and logical order to plan the form of the building. Architectural diagrams include Bubble, Zoning and Form diagrams. A Bubble diagram, for example, maps the required adjacencies of spaces, while a Zoning diagram may illustrate the progression between public spaces and more private, intimate rooms, or serving rooms and served spaces. (For example, a kitchen serves a dining room.) A Form diagram incorporates the best Bubble and Zoning diagrams into a final outline that is the conceptual basis for the building form. Often in the diagramming process, particularly in the Zoning diagrams, new ideas are conceived and old ideas are further explored.
  
  

• Sketches. Quick perspective or axonometric sketches of the building give the owner a visual idea of what his or her concepts could become. The diagrams are 2-dimensional drawings of concepts. To understand what these ideas would look like as a 3-dimensional building, the Architect does sketches of the proposed buildings, or in some cases even constructs models.
  
  

• Preliminary Pricing. The Architect estimates construction costs throughout the design process. The approximate cost is calculated using square foot totals and types of construction with allowances for special construction and materials at the schematic phase. After the Design Development phase, Cummings Architects provides an appropriate Contractor with design drawings and standard specifications to form an estimate. The Contractor's estimate is typically within 5% to 15% of the final contract price. The Owner may then wish to add or subtract from the design to meet his or her budget.
  
  

• Zoning and Site Influences. The Architect reviews the State and Local Conservation and Zoning requirements, so the project can receive a building permit. These are important requirements that allow the building to be built legally; any mistakes can be costly, both in terms of money and time. In addition to the legal requirements, there are other important site influences that affect the design. Consideration of the building's placement and orientation on the site should include views, access and egress, neighboring buildings and local architectural imagery, as well as the exterior spaces' uses and relationship to the building. The transition from inside to outside should enhance the architectural experience. Elements such as gardens, porches, trellises, stone walkways, shade and ornamental trees and plantings can help the new building become integrated with its landscape. Thus the building and environment become a comprehensive whole.
  

Design Phase. During this step the Architect will provide the Client with a series of drawings including floor plans, elevations, renderings and, in some circumstances, a model of the proposed building. Cummings Architects usually starts with simple conceptual drawings; after the appropriate amount of meetings between the Architect and the Client, the Architect will produce a set of presentation drawings that represent what the Client wishes. Final adjustments are made and then, with the Client's approval, the Architect proceeds with the next phase, the Construction Documents.

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Construction Document Phase Construction Drawings are a very consequential part of the actual construction process. They provide the Builder with the set of directions required to construct the building to the Client's and Architect's design. The Construction Documents protect the Client from miscommunications between all parties and give assurances that the project will meet the Client's expectations.

• Construction Drawings. Construction Drawings are specific instructions for the Contractors as to what is to be built. They indicate all the dimensions and materials of the building. The schedules denote the types and sizes of doors, windows and room finishes. The structural drawings contain the foundation and framing plans and include such information as the size and location of beams, joists, columns and types of structural connections. The electrical plans show the location and type of outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, smoke detectors, cable and telephone outlets. A typical set of Construction Drawings includes the following drawings:

• Specifications. Specifications provide information about the quality of the work and materials to be employed in detail by the Contractor. They also describe the required insurances between the Contractor and the Client; this protects the Client from poor construction practices, and from the use of inferior building materials.