Pre-Design Checklist for Developers

1. Define Your Project Goals

•  What is the core purpose of the building? (e.g., warehouse, mixed-use, public facility)

•  Are there key performance goals (e.g., energy-efficient, low-maintenance, fast build)?

•  What is your desired aesthetic or branding alignment?

  
  

2. Establish Scope & Program Requirements

•  Estimated total square footage

•  Number of floors, bays, or units

•  Type of occupancy (e.g., office, industrial, residential, civic)

•  Anticipated number of users/occupants

•  Special spaces (e.g., loading docks, labs, classrooms, conference rooms)

  
  

3. Know Your Site Parameters

•  Confirm site location/address

•  Survey and geotechnical report available

•  Zoning and use restrictions reviewed

•  Setbacks, height limits, easements, etc.

•  Environmental constraints (wetlands, floodplain, soil quality)

•  Access to utilities and infrastructure

  
  

4. Understand Your Budget & Funding

•  Total development budget (including soft costs)

•  Desired construction budget range

•  Target cost per square foot

•  Financing sources secured (loan, grant, investors)

•  Contingency/reserve plans in place

  
  

5. Create a Project Timeline

•  Ideal groundbreaking/start date

•  Targeted completion or occupancy date

•  Milestones or deadlines (funding, approvals, tenant move-in)

•  Seasonal/weather considerations

  
  

6. Identify Your Stakeholders

•  Who is the main decision-maker?

•  Is there a building committee, investors, or tenant input?

•  Who will manage the project day-to-day?

  
  

7. Assemble Your Project Team

•  Architect

•  Civil/Structural Engineers

•  General Contractor / CM

•  Landscape Architect

•  Legal/Environmental Consultants

•  Permit Expediter or Owner’s Rep (if needed)

  
  

8. Review Permitting and Entitlements

•  Pre-application meeting with local planning or building department scheduled

•  Special permits or zoning variances anticipated

•  Environmental review or public hearing required?

•  Historic review or neighborhood approvals?

  
  

9. Consider Long-Term Operation & Use

•  Energy efficiency / sustainability targets (LEED, Energy Star, Net Zero?)

•  Security, access control, and maintenance strategies

•  Tenant/user adaptability needs

•  Life cycle cost or return on investment expectations

10. Prepare Supporting Documents

•  Site survey

•  Legal property description

•  Existing building documentation (if applicable)

•  Concept sketches or inspiration imagery

•  Internal business plan or pro forma