Building design is the structured process of shaping the functional, spatial, and technical systems that define a construction project. It integrates architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines into a coordinated whole, ensuring that all systems perform safely, efficiently, and in alignment with client requirements, regulations, and environmental conditions. This section introduces users to the holistic nature of building design—emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary coordination, phased development, and standards-based decision-making. It outlines the project lifecycle from concept through construction documents and bidding, highlighting the roles of each discipline and the shared need for collaboration at every stage. Users are guided to understand how design strategies evolve over time and how key decisions affect performance, sustainability, and constructability. This foundation sets the stage for the specialized domains that follow, helping users contextualize each discipline’s contribution within the broader framework of integrated building system design.

Design management is the structured coordination, planning, and control of the building design process across all disciplines. It ensures that architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and low current systems are developed in an integrated, timely, and cost-effective manner. This domain introduces users to project management principles as applied to multidisciplinary design—emphasizing scope definition, schedule control, quality assurance, stakeholder alignment, and risk mitigation. Grounded in the PMBOK® Guide, design management addresses the entire lifecycle, from initiation through planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary deliverables, coordination points, design reviews, and regulatory compliance. This section provides users with a framework for managing design workflows, facilitating communication between design teams, and achieving alignment with project objectives. It also prepares users to approach the following discipline-specific sections with a clear understanding of how each fits into the structured and sequenced building design process.

Architectural design defines the spatial, functional, and visual qualities of a building, forming the foundation upon which all engineering disciplines coordinate. This domain focuses on translating client requirements into conceptual forms and organized spaces, while ensuring code compliance, functional clarity, and design intent. Users will explore how architectural decisions—such as space planning, vertical circulation, envelope design, and material selection—impact structural layouts, mechanical systems routing, and electrical infrastructure. The architectural process is developed across phases, with each phase introducing more detailed activities, from massing and zoning in concept design to technical detailing in construction documents. This section highlights coordination with engineers, aligning room functions, ceiling heights, shafts, and façade openings with system requirements. Architectural design is presented not as an isolated effort but as a collaborative discipline that must interface seamlessly with structural and MEP systems to ensure constructability, performance, and user experience.

Structural systems design ensures the safety, durability, and stability of buildings by developing the load-bearing framework that supports architectural and engineering functions. This domain guides users through the process of analyzing loads, selecting materials, and designing foundations, columns, slabs, and framing systems in coordination with spatial planning and service integration. It emphasizes compliance with international standards (e.g., Eurocode, ACI, BS) and local regulations, while aligning with architectural form, mechanical routing, and electrical conduit planning. Structural design is presented as a sequenced effort that begins with conceptual framing strategies and evolves into detailed calculations and reinforcement layouts. Coordination with architectural spaces and MEP systems is essential to ensure clear zones, maintain ceiling heights, and avoid conflicts. Users will learn how structure interacts with all disciplines, making it a critical backbone for achieving constructibility, efficiency, and lifecycle performance in integrated building design.

Mechanical systems design encompasses HVAC, water supply, drainage, and fire protection systems, ensuring occupant comfort, health, and safety throughout the building lifecycle. This domain presents the systematic design process, from load estimation to equipment selection, distribution layout, and coordination with other building systems. It emphasizes the application of ASHRAE, NFPA, and international mechanical codes, aligning mechanical systems with architectural zoning and structural limitations. Users will understand how ductwork, pipework, and mechanical rooms are integrated into the architectural design and how mechanical services must be routed through spaces defined by structure and interiors. Fire protection coordination is also covered in detail, with attention to riser placement, pump rooms, and compliance with life safety codes. The section promotes mechanical design as a collaborative discipline, dependent on early coordination to ensure system efficiency, spatial compatibility, and code-compliant performance within the overall building design framework.

Electrical systems design provides power, lighting, communication, and life safety infrastructure that supports all building operations. This domain guides users through the systematic development of electrical systems—from load estimation and primary supply concepts to circuit design, panel board coordination, grounding, and emergency systems. It follows international codes (IEC 60364, NEC, IEEE) and promotes integration with architectural layouts, mechanical system needs, and structural constraints. Users will explore how lighting design aligns with interior spaces and daylighting strategies, how socket and equipment locations are coordinated with architectural and mechanical plans, and how distribution boards are logically located to optimize routing and accessibility. The section also covers coordination for ELV systems, standby power, and energy efficiency. Electrical design is framed as an iterative, interconnected process requiring cross-disciplinary alignment to ensure reliability, safety, and system compatibility across all phases of building design.