The development process by Donald DeMars, AIA, IIDA

Let me first explain that I was asked to write this article about the phase in the development process that begins with the acquisition and preparation of the property, the hiring of the design team, the selection of the contractor, and the building of the project. This invitation assumed that my chosen methodology in development is consistent with this traditional approach toward completing a project. In this approach, the developer completes a feasibility study and business plan, obtains the financing, then moves forward with purchasing the property, qualifying and hiring the design team, designing the project, and qualifying and hiring a contractor through bidding or negotiating a cost-plus contract. Finally, the developer builds the project.