What entails the design and documentation process before the construction begins?

The design and documentation process before construction begins is best represented by the Contract Document Phase. During this phase, detailed drawings and specifications are created that outline how the project will be executed. These documents serve as a definitive guide for contractors and are essential for ensuring that the construction project adheres to the design intent, meets regulatory requirements, and accommodates the necessary building materials and methods.

The Contract Document Phase is pivotal because it includes the development of contracts that clarify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved, ensuring a smooth transition into the construction phase. The information generated during this phase forms the legal basis for how the project will be constructed, making it critical to the overall success and adherence to budget and timeline constraints.

While other phases, such as Design Development and Schematic Design, play roles in establishing the project's overall vision and preliminary details, they do not fully encompass the comprehensive detailing and formal agreements needed prior to construction. Project Evaluation, on the other hand, focuses more on assessing the project's outcome rather than the preparatory work needed before ground is broken.