You know what you would like to build. Before developing technical detail, you need a design direction you can evaluate.
Corbán’s preliminary design explores the concept, layout, spaces, form, approximate dimensions and initial relationship with the terrain, orientation, daylight and natural ventilation of your project.
Before work begins, your proposal states the scope, deliverables, exclusions, responsibilities, review points, fee, schedule and recommended next stage.
It is intended primarily for custom homes, vacation residences, rental villas and selected boutique projects with an intended use but no developed concept.
THE SERVICE
Know What You Are Exploring Before Design Develops
Preliminary Design turns your requirements into an architectural concept you can discuss and refine. It explores how the spaces fit together, how the building could sit on the property and which initial design direction deserves further development.
You are commissioning a defined concept-design stage—not technical construction drawings. The proposal establishes the options, review points and drawings or images that will be used to explain the idea.
Corbán can develop the selected direction later, but you can first decide whether the concept is right.
THIS SERVICE IS USALLY APPROPRIATE WHEN
You own or have selected a property for the intended project.
You know the main spaces and uses but have not settled on the layout or architectural form.
You want to explore a concept before committing to developed architecture and engineering.
You need to see how the project could relate to the site.
You want preliminary floor plans and an initial direction at the level agreed in your proposal.
You are ready to review alternatives and make the decisions needed for the next design stage.
KEY BENEFITS
Understand the proposed layout before developing technical details.
Explore orientation, daylight and ventilation early in the design.
Select a direction before committing to a broader design scope.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
An architectural concept for the agreed project
Preliminary floor plans at the agreed level
Initial form, space and circulation proposals
Approximate dimensions and site-response criteria
A record of concept decisions and unresolved questions
A recommendation for architectural development
WHAT IT INCLUDES
Service at a Glance
An early design service that explores the project’s concept, spatial arrangement and site response before developed architecture and technical coordination.
What's Included
Concept development around your requirements
Preliminary organization of interior spaces
Initial access and circulation decisions
Proposed building form and proportions
Approximate dimensions at the agreed level
Initial relationship with the terrain
Orientation and passive design considerations
Natural ventilation and daylight considerations
Initial material direction where agreed
Concept documentation identified in the proposal
What's Not Included
Fully developed architectural documentation
Structural, mechanical or electrical engineering
Permit submission, processing or approval
Detailed construction budget or project schedule
Legal, surveying, environmental or specialist studies
Interior design, furniture or equipment selection
Landscape design or detailed master planning
Construction execution or project management
BIM, renderings or additional options not listed
Where This Service Fits
1
Advisory & Feasibility
Clarify whether the property and project are ready to advance.
3
Architectural Design
Develop spaces, circulation, envelope, openings, materials and passive criteria.
5
Pre-Construction Decisions
Prepare for budgeting, scheduling and contractor comparison.
Preliminary Design follows a sufficiently clear brief and available property information. When the project’s viability or site conditions are still uncertain, consultation or feasibility assessment may be needed before choosing a design direction.
2
Preliminary Design
Explore the concept, layout, form and initial site relationship.
4
Engineering & Coordination
Develop and coordinate the required technical disciplines.
6
Owner-Side Construction Support
Maintain owner-side visibility during construction.
What We Need From You
SHARE THE INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, SUCH AS:
Property location and current status
Intended use and approximate project area
Required spaces and functional priorities
Survey or available site information
Reference images and design preferences
Existing sketches or early ideas
Known site conditions or restrictions
Target investment range, if available
Priorities for outdoor and indoor spaces
Whether you are in Costa Rica or abroad
Topographical or other specialist information may be needed to test the site response. Corbán will identify the essential inputs before defining the concept-design scope.
BEST FOR
Residential and Selected Boutique Projects
Single-family home
Owners exploring the layout and character of primary homes, vacation residences and rental villas before detailed design.
Tourism project
Lodges and small hospitality projects testing the relationship between guest spaces, operations and site.
Commercial or Mixed-Use
Defined commercial concepts needing an initial spatial arrangement, access strategy and architectural direction.
RESULTS
A preliminary design you can understand and evaluate before moving into technical development—with a selected direction, clear assumptions and the next design decisions identified.
WHAT TO CONFIRM BEFORE HIRING
We Answer Your Questions
How Many Options and Revisions Are Included?
The proposal specifies the options and review points. Additional alternatives or changes require an agreed scope adjustment.
Do I Need a Complete Brief to Start?
You need an intended use and enough priorities to guide the concept. Corbán identifies which starting information is missing.
How Is This Different From Architectural Design?
Preliminary Design explores the overall concept, layout and form. Architectural Design develops the selected direction into defined spatial, envelope, opening and material decisions with more detailed documentation.
Can Design Reviews Be Managed Remotely?
Selected reviews and document exchanges can be digital. The proposal identifies required site work, local information and decision points.
Does This Include Engineering or Building the Project?
No. Engineering belongs in a separate or integrated scope, and the owner hires the contractor who builds. Corbán can support the later stages under a separate agreement.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN?
Keep Exploring
Architectural Design
Develop the selected concept into defined spaces, circulation, envelope, openings and architectural documentation.
Integrated Design Package
Continue through architecture, the main engineering disciplines and coordination within one agreed design scope.
Project Feasibility Assessment
Investigate significant site or investment questions that must be resolved before the concept can advance.