Architect Checklist

BEFORE SCHEMATIC DESIGN BEGINS

(PRE-SD)

BEFORE SCHEMATIC DESIGN BEGINS

• Confirm floor-to-floor height
  • Verify there is enough vertical clearance for the raised access floor (min. 8”) whilst maintaining target ceiling heights.
• Coordinate slab + structure as the plenum
  • Align sealing strategy, penetrations, and beam routing before framing decisions are made.
• Decide on UFAD before MEP zones close
  • Room layouts, AHU sizing, and underfloor air distribution require early architect-engineer alignment.

(SD)

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

• Integrate the raised floor into the building section
  • Coordinate stairs, ramps, and accessible routes with the raised floor system early to avoid impacting ceiling heights and circulation planning.
• Identify spaces appropriate for UFAD
  • Open offices, classrooms, and flexible collaboration spaces are strong UFAD candidates.
• Coordinate furniture layout with diffuser strategy
  • Establish the diffuser locations early to support workstation layouts and future flexibility.
• Define thermal comfort strategy
  • Determine diffuser control type and zoning approach before HVAC controls are finalized.
• Align flexibility goals with the floor system
  • Confirm the floor system supports future moves, additions, and tenant reconfiguration.

(DD)

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

• Coordinate plenum sealing between trades

  • Clearly define sealing requirements within architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing documents.
• Define balancing and controls sections early
  • Coordinate zoning, balancing, and operational sequences before construction documents finalize.
• Coordinate floor access and maintenance strategy
  • Ensure floor accessibility supports maintenance, power/data access, and future modifications.

Early coordination between architects, engineers, and owners defines UFAD performance.