Schematic design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Schematic design" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of architecture, engineering, or design to refer to the initial phase of the design process where the overall concept and layout are developed. Example: "During the schematic design phase, we will outline the basic layout and functionality of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Schematic design begins after approval of a facility program and conceptual master plan.

Planning and Designing Research Animal Facilities

A designer-friendly CAD for a schematic design is one of the important topics of CAD studies.

Automation in Construction

So we took her schematic design and developed her idea.

The New York Times

Some of them are R.F.P., or request for proposal, submittals as well as projects that we've secured that are in conceptual and schematic design.

The New York Times

He said the exhibition would illuminate the design process "from conception to schematic design, how Herzog and de Meuron got to where they are in terms of thinking through this whole project".

The New York Times - Arts

Such vigorous ethical debates do much to offset the plot's schematic design, which follows the convolutions of the chess game Spethmann plays with his best friend throughout the book.

The New York Times - Books

An article on Friday about the schematic design of the World Trade Center memorial included an erroneous location from development officials for a mockup of the waterfalls that are to mark the outlines of the twin towers.

The New York Times

Studio Daniel Libeskind, already the "master plan architect" for the trade center, would be "collaborating architect during the concept and schematic design phases" and a "full member of the project team" working on Freedom Tower.

The New York Times - Arts

A large painting of his in the show, "Sextant in Dogtown" (1987), belongs to a late phase of his best work, which usually involves borrowed images rendered in secondhand techniques of schematic design and opaque-projector-aided copying.

The New Yorker

The beauty of this rather schematic design is that it catches the grand illusion of the supposed economic realist as well as the tainted, lingering wisdom of the practice of corruption.

The New York Times - Books

What's the status of the hotel project in Hoboken, which will be behind a post office? A. We've just completed a schematic design package that will be submitted to the city in the next month or so for approvals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In architectural contexts, use "schematic design" to refer specifically to the stage where initial design concepts and spatial relationships are established before detailed engineering begins.

Common error

Avoid using "schematic design" when you actually mean detailed design or construction documents. "Schematic design" refers to the initial phase, not the final, highly detailed plans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "schematic design" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. It refers to a specific stage in the design process. Ludwig AI confirms that "Schematic design" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "schematic design" is a noun phrase widely used across various fields to denote the initial design phase, characterized by preliminary plans and layouts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "preliminary design" or "conceptual design" can be used, it's essential to maintain clarity regarding the specific stage of the project being discussed. When using this phrase, ensure you differentiate it from detailed design to prevent confusion, and clearly define its scope within your project documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preliminary design

Focuses on the initial stage of design, emphasizing its preparatory nature.

Conceptual design

Highlights the design's focus on ideas and concepts rather than technical details.

Outline design

Emphasizes the creation of a basic structure or plan.

Blueprint design

Implies a detailed plan or technical drawing.

Initial design

Stresses the starting point of the design process.

Draft design

Suggests a preliminary version of the design that is subject to change.

Basic design

Focuses on the fundamental elements and principles of the design.

Design sketch

Highlights the creation of a quick, informal drawing to explore design ideas.

Design proposal

Indicates a formal presentation of a design concept for consideration.

Rough design

Suggests a design that is incomplete and lacking in detail.

FAQs

How is "schematic design" used in architecture?

In architecture, "schematic design" refers to the early phase where the general layout, form, and spatial relationships of a building are developed. It precedes the more detailed design development and construction document phases.

What is the difference between "schematic design" and "preliminary design"?

"Schematic design" and "preliminary design" are often used interchangeably to describe the initial phase of the design process. However, "schematic design" may imply a slightly more detailed level of development than just preliminary ideas.

What follows "schematic design" in a typical project?

After the "schematic design" phase, the project typically moves into design development, where the design is refined and detailed. This is followed by the creation of construction documents, which provide the specific instructions for building the design.

Can I use "conceptual design" instead of "schematic design"?

While "conceptual design" can sometimes be used similarly, "schematic design" usually indicates a more structured and developed set of plans than just conceptual ideas. Choose "schematic design" if you're referring to a phase with specific deliverables.