Every architectural designer or architect has their own approach to how they work, but the design process starts here—with your floor plans. Think of this as the functional backbone of your home. 

Once your designer has a clear understanding of your project’s goals, property limitations, and budget—and has reviewed your existing plans (if applicable)—they’ll begin drafting the floor plans. 

What Are Floor Plans?

Floor plans are scaled, two-dimensional drawings that show the layout of your home from a bird’s-eye view. 

If you struggle with understanding how to read floor plans, you need to let your design team know. If not, they’re going to assume that you do understand plans so speak up early and they’ll be happy to walk you through it.

To help right now, we’ve included a cheat sheet in our Homeowner Handbook. Let’s review each symbol and then talk about what to look for when reviewing your plans:

(Review cheatsheet & picture how you’ll move through the home).

How the Process Works

Creating Schematic Plans
The first drafts are schematic drawings or, as I like to call them, conceptual drawings, because that’s what they really are— rough concepts to explore layout possibilities. These may be hand-drawn sketches or digital drafts. The focus here is on the overall flow, not every last detail.

In some cases, your designer might include preliminary exterior elevations alongside the floor plans. However, many designers, myself included, prefer to focus on refining the floor plans first. Why? Because floor plans are about functionality—how the spaces will flow and work together. They can change dramatically through the conceptual phase.

Exterior elevations, on the other hand, are about aesthetics, and they’re often easier to finalize once the layout is locked in. I always had a vision brewing for the exterior, but it made sense to discuss that after the floor plans felt right to the homeowner.

Refining the Layout
Through collaboration and feedback, your designer will tweak and refine the layout. This process may involve several rounds of revisions, ensuring the layout aligns with your vision and functional needs.

Finalized Floor Plans
Once you’re satisfied, the floor plans are finalized. These will serve as the foundation for the rest of the design process, including the exterior elevations.

What to Look For When Reviewing Floor Plans

Here’s how to evaluate your floor plans effectively:

• Room Flow: Does the layout feel intuitive and practical? Are spaces connected in a way that supports how you live?

• Furniture Placement: Are there placeholders for key furniture items like beds, bedside tables, sofas, or dining tables? Do these spaces feel comfortable and functional? If your design team isn’t putting furniture in their conceptual plans, they need to. Learn why here.

• Circulation: Is there a natural flow between rooms? Are hallways and pathways wide enough?

• Room Sizes: Are the proportions of the rooms appropriate for their intended use?

• Future Proofing: Will this layout work for your needs long-term, as your family or lifestyle changes?

• Construction: How is the structure built— 8” foundation walls? insulated concrete walls (ICF)? 2x6 studs walls? 2x4 double stud walls? Spray foam? Batt insulation? Trusses? Vaulted? There are many options to build the structure of the home and it should be talked about as early as possible.

• Heating/Cooling: What type of heating/cooling system are you going to use? Will there need to be a dedicated location for the mechanical systems? Is there ducting?

What Comes Next

Once your floor plans are finalized, the process moves into the next phase: the exterior elevations. These will build upon the functional layout you’ve created, layering in aesthetics to bring your home’s design to life.

Your floor plans are the foundation of everything—so collaborate, ask questions, and ensure it feels just right before moving forward!