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RAFA Design Hub

Specification // Methodology

Methodology

Every project follows a clear arc — from discovery to completion. The path is never linear, but the principles remain the same: listen, conceive, refine, build.

Material samples and models in the studio

Material samples and study models at the work table

Specification // The Sequence

01 — 06

01

Discovery

2 – 4 weeks

Every project begins with listening. We meet with clients, visit the site, and study the context — the light, the topography, the surrounding architecture, and the local climate. This phase establishes the brief, the budget, and the core aspirations that will guide every decision that follows.

Deliverables

Site AnalysisClient BriefFeasibility Study
02

Concept

4 – 8 weeks

Armed with a deep understanding of the site and the brief, we develop the architectural narrative. Sketches, study models, and reference material converge into a clear design direction. We present the concept through drawings, collages, and spatial diagrams that communicate the atmosphere and intent of the project.

Deliverables

Concept DrawingsSpatial DiagramsMaterial Direction
Concept sketch of a coastal residence

02 // Conceptual spatial diagram and massing study

03

Design Development

8 – 16 weeks

The concept is refined into a detailed architectural proposal. Plans, sections, and elevations are drawn at scale. Materials are selected, tested, and specified. We work closely with engineers, consultants, and artisans to ensure every detail is considered before construction begins.

Deliverables

Plans & SectionsMaterial SpecificationsConsultant Coordination
04

Documentation

6 – 12 weeks

Comprehensive construction drawings and specifications are prepared. This phase translates the design into precise instructions for builders — from structural details to joinery schedules, from lighting layouts to landscape plans. Every dimension, every junction, every material is resolved.

Deliverables

Construction DrawingsJoinery SchedulesLighting Layouts
05

Construction

12 – 52 weeks

During construction, we visit the site regularly to ensure the work matches the intent. We review samples, coordinate with contractors, and resolve the inevitable questions that arise when a design becomes a building. This phase is a dialogue — between the drawings, the site, and the hands that build.

Deliverables

Site ReviewsSample ApprovalsContractor Coordination
Site visit during construction

05 // Site observation and structural junction review

06

Completion

2 – 4 weeks

A building is never truly finished — it begins its life when people inhabit it. We document the completed work, gather feedback, and stay connected with our clients long after the handover. Many of our projects lead to new ones, as spaces evolve and families grow.

Deliverables

Handover DossierAs-Built RecordsPost-Occupancy Review

Specification // Evidence

Built Proof

Our methodology is tested and refined through every built project — from private residences to adaptive reuse.

See the Work

Process // Contact

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