The Value of Iterative Design

Iterative design is design that proceeds from initial ideas and is continually refined, revised and improved to produce a final design solution. Driving this process are project goals and budget; as the design moves through the process, goals should come into alignment with budget as tradeoffs are made.

For example, the goal of the design might be a stunning modern house with excellent connection to the outside, 3 beds, 3.5 baths and a movie room. As design options develop, goals are focused and prioritized. As the design changes, the cost of the house becomes better known and the concept of a distinct movie room is traded for a living room with stereo surround and space for a large screen is discovered. Thus, the budget appropriately meets design goals.

The best design is rarely generated with the initial idea or set of ideas. This is the design you may get from a contractor whose goal is to start work as soon as possible. The final design of architecture done as an iterative process is design that is unique, clever and beautiful.