UDesign.AsieHow we design: the architecture process.
In Siem Reap's climate, a good building starts long before the first drawing. Every UDesign.Asie architecture project follows the same five-stage process, from an empty plot to a fully permitted set of construction drawings, so nothing gets lost between what you imagined and what actually gets built.
Whether you're building a home, a boutique hotel, or a commercial space, this process gives you clear checkpoints to review, approve, and adjust before construction begins.
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Discovery & Site Visit
Before any design work starts, our team walks the site in person, studying orientation, sun path, prevailing wind, access, and how the land sits relative to its neighbors. We also spend time understanding how you'll actually use the space day to day, not just what it should look like.
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- Site orientation, sun path, and prevailing wind assessed
- Access roads, utilities, and neighboring structures reviewed
- Initial conversation about how you'll use the space day to day
Concept Design
With the site understood, we develop an initial design direction, exploring how the building could be massed and arranged before committing to details. This is the stage where big decisions are made, and it's cheapest to change your mind.
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- 2–3 massing and layout options presented
- Rough floor plans and exterior direction
- Budget range discussed early to avoid rework later
Design Development
Once a concept is approved, we refine it into a buildable design. Room sizes, structure, materials, and elevations are locked in, and our engineering coordination begins so structural and mechanical systems are considered from the start, not retrofitted later.
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- Room dimensions, structural grid, and material palette finalized
- Elevations and sections developed
- Structural and MEP engineering coordination begins
Construction Drawings & Permitting
The approved design is translated into a full technical drawing set, precise enough for contractors to build from and complete enough to satisfy local permitting requirements. We handle the submission process on your behalf.
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- Full technical drawing set prepared
- Structural calculations and permit documents compiled
- Submission to local authorities for approval
Handover to Construction
Approved drawings pass directly to our in-house construction team, the same studio that designed them. Nothing gets lost in translation between designer and builder, because there's no handoff between separate companies.
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- Approved drawings passed to our in-house construction team
- Site mobilization plan reviewed together
- Design intent documented for the build team
More architecture photos
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Recent architecture projects
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Common questions
How long does the architecture process take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project, but most homes move from first site visit to completed construction drawings within 8–14 weeks. Commercial projects and larger sites typically take longer due to additional engineering and permitting steps.
Do I need to have a clear idea of what I want before contacting you?
No. Many clients start with a rough idea or a plot of land and nothing else. Part of the Discovery stage is helping you figure out what's possible on your site and what direction fits your budget and needs.
Can you work with an existing structure instead of a new build?
Yes. We handle renovations and extensions as well as new builds, the same five-stage process applies, just starting from what's already there instead of an empty site.
Ready to start with a site visit?
Start a Project