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Clients often see pretty images long before they see what it takes to produce real drawings. This page is the longer explanation - complementary to About and How it works - so you know what you're buying when you hire a professional.
Names vary by firm and contract, but most architectural work moves through similar gates: schematic design (big moves, massing, concept), design development (materials, systems coordination, tighter plans), then construction documents (the drawing set a builder can price and a jurisdiction can review).
“Drawings” aren’t one PDF. They're coordinated sheets - plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules - often with structural, MEP, and specialty consultants in the loop. Revisions are normal; what you're paying for is judgment, code awareness, and liability-aware documentation - not just lines on a page.
A permit set is built for your jurisdiction: zoning, energy code, fire, accessibility, and sometimes design review or historic boards. Engineers often produce parallel stamped calculations. Surveys, geotech, or arborist reports may be required before the architecture can be finalized.
That's why “fast and cheap full plans” is usually a red flag: someone is skipping coordination, pushing risk downstream, or selling a generic package that won't pass local review without heavy rework.
Tenant improvements are a huge slice of real-world practice: office build-outs, retail, hospitality, clinics, and flex space. The landlord's base building meets a tenant's operation - lease outlines who pays for what; the drawing set proves compliance with base-building standards, exiting, accessibility, and MEP capacity.
TI projects often move on landlord review + permit + landlord's schedule simultaneously. A good professional sequences early test-fits, landlord criteria (LRDs), and permit comments so you don't pay for design that the lease or base building can't support.
On PlanGrounds, tag commercial / office / hospitality project types and say “TI” in your open project so professionals bring the right experience.
We help you structure intent (open project + references + budget and timeline), compare studios, and keep early conversations on PlanGrounds. The point is connection with clarity - not selling stock plans as a finished home, and not auctioning your contact as a cheap lead. We don't replace the architect's contract, insurance, or professional judgment - that stays between you and the firm you hire.
Verified credentials and thoughtful reviewsmatter: we treat public reputation seriously - reviews should reflect real engagements, and verification should mean something - not a sticker for self-reported data alone.
If you’re ready to talk to studios, start with a clear project request. If you’re still learning, use the guides and site tools first - then come back with better questions.