Which of the following terms is a phase in the design and construction process?

• A. Drafting
• B. Evaluation
• C. Procurement
• D. Pre-design

Answer: (D)

In project delivery, the starting point of the design and construction process is the pre-design phase. This is the period where the owner clarifies the project program, goals, and constraints, assesses feasibility, analyzes the site, and establishes the budget and schedule. It creates the foundation and decision criteria that guide all later design work, ensuring the project has a clear direction before any drawings are produced.

Drafting is the activity of creating drawings and documents during the design stages, not a standalone phase. Evaluation can happen at various times to study feasibility or value, but it isn’t a formal, named phase you move through in a sequence. Procurement involves obtaining contractors and materials and typically occurs after design development and construction documents are ready, during bidding and award, so it’s part of later stages rather than the initial design phase.