Schematic design is the second stage of the design process and builds upon a concept design, developing functionality, practicalities and details. It is not a fully detailed design, but it does offer a deeper understanding of project features to allow preliminary cost estimates.

Schematic design outcomes will enable the client to understand, comprehend and approve design proposals and formulate an initial project budget. It includes diagrammatic analysis of requirements, developed space planning, solutions to functional and circulation issues, room adjacencies, surface finishes, new construction and furniture items. If required, 3d visualisations are produced to represent design ideas and proposals.

Schematic design provides higher design resolution to give clients more certainty around scale, constructability and cost. It is often used to build initial cost estimations with contingency, to cater for less defined items that will be developed in the final stage.