Our Design Process

Every Aqua Vitae project follows a clear, structured design process — beginning with accurate site information and progressing through concept development, refinement, and technical documentation.

This approach allows time for discovery and decision-making where it matters most, ensuring that each design is both deeply considered and fully buildable.

A structured approach to thoughtful, site-specific design

Phase 1 — Brief & Feasibility

We begin by establishing a clear understanding of the project’s intent, constraints, and opportunities.

This phase focuses on discovery: aligning goals, aesthetic direction, functional needs, budget considerations, and site realities. It sets the foundation for all design decisions that follow.

Phase 2 — Site Base & Mapping

Accurate site information is essential to meaningful design.

Where a recent and reliable elevation plan does not exist — or where accuracy is uncertain — we produce our own base using drone mapping in Portugal and aerial surveying. This ensures a precise understanding of terrain, contours, and site conditions before design work advances.

The result is a dependable, design-ready site base that eliminates guesswork later in the process.

Phase 3 — Concept Design

This is the exploratory heart of the design process.

During the concept phase, we investigate multiple design directions, spatial strategies, and experiential ideas. Time is dedicated to creative thinking, problem-solving, and developing a clear narrative that responds to both the site and the client’s vision.

This phase is where originality and authorship take shape.

Phase 4 — Schematic Site Plan

Once a preferred concept direction is selected, it is translated into a coherent schematic site plan.

Key elements are organized at scale, relationships are tested, and initial sections and spatial studies are developed. This phase brings clarity and structure to the chosen concept.

Client sign-off at this stage confirms the overall direction before refinement begins.

Phase 5 — Design Development

The approved schematic is refined into a resolved, buildable design.

Plans, sections, elevations, and system logic are developed in detail. Materials, edges, and technical considerations are coordinated to ensure the design performs as well as it looks.

Phase 6 — Construction Documentation

With the design finalized, we prepare the technical documentation required for construction.

This includes detailed drawings and technical information used for pricing, coordination, and execution. The emphasis is on clarity — reducing ambiguity and protecting design intent during construction.

Phase 7 — Design Stewardship

For select projects, we remain involved during execution to safeguard the integrity of the design.

This phase includes design clarifications, review of changes or substitutions, and ongoing support to ensure the finished project reflects the original intent.

This phased approach allows us to balance creative exploration with technical precision, ensuring each project is both deeply considered and fully buildable.