A residential project in Mexico moves through defined phases, each with specific deliverables and decisions that cascade into everything that follows. In MÉTODO, the process is explicit: the client knows what happens at each stage, what they need to decide, and what the architect delivers. The process before the style means the sequence is the design discipline.
Phase One: Site Analysis and Program Definition
The project begins before any drawing is made. The site analysis documents what the land can and must do: how the sun moves across it, where the views are, what the topography means for the foundation, what the municipality allows, and what the neighbors impose.
The architectural program is the written definition of what the building needs to contain and how it will be used. Not a wish list — a structured document that defines:
- Every space by name, area, and required characteristics
- Relationships between spaces: what must be adjacent, what must be separated
- Indoor-outdoor connection requirements by space
- Natural light priorities (which rooms need morning light, which need afternoon shade)
- Special program elements: a studio, a guest suite, workshop, or garage with specific requirements
The program is the client's brief translated into architectural terms. When the program is approved, it becomes the contract for what the design must achieve.
Client action in this phase: review and approve the written program. Question anything that does not match your intentions. The program is much cheaper to change than the design.
Phase Two: Schematic Design
With the site analysis and program approved, design begins. In MÉTODO, schematic design produces two to three scheme options — the matrix of opciones — compared across the same criteria: how well each responds to the site's solar conditions, how efficiently the program is organized, how the section reads, and where the primary structural logic lands.
Schematic design deliverables include:
- Site plan showing building placement relative to views, sun, and access
- Floor plans at each scheme
- Key sections showing the building's vertical organization
- Shadow studies at summer and winter solstice
- A brief written comparison of schemes across defined criteria
Client action in this phase: review the schemes, ask questions about why each scheme makes the decisions it does, and select one scheme to develop. This is the most important decision in the project. Everything after this point is development of this selection.
Phase Three: Design Development
The selected scheme is developed in full. Design development is where the design becomes real: every room is sized precisely, every door and window is located and dimensioned, every material decision is made, and the structural and MEP systems are coordinated.
Design development deliverables include:
- Fully dimensioned floor plans
- All elevations and sections
- Interior design direction: material palette, built-in furniture concept, lighting approach
- Structural system coordination with the structural engineer
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination
- Material sample review: physical samples of all primary materials presented for client approval
Client action in this phase: review and approve the floor plans (changing them after this is expensive), approve the material palette, and confirm all interior program decisions.
Phase Four: Construction Documents
Construction documents translate the design into complete technical drawings that contractors can price and build from. This package is the legal and contractual basis for construction.
Content of a complete construction document set:
- Architectural drawings: dimensioned plans, elevations, sections, enlarged details, door and window schedules
- Structural drawings: foundation plan, structural framing, connection details
- MEP drawings: electrical plan, plumbing plan, HVAC concept
- Specifications: written descriptions of all materials and workmanship standards
Client action in this phase: review the documents for any program changes that were not incorporated, confirm specifications match approved material selections. Minimal design decision-making at this stage — documents are primarily a technical translation of approved design.
Phase Five: Permitting
The architect files the building permit with the local municipality. Required documents vary by municipality but typically include architectural drawings, structural calculations, proof of property ownership, and the architect's registration.
In Mexico City, the delegación reviews and issues permits. In other states, the equivalent municipal authority. Review periods vary: straightforward residential projects in established neighborhoods can receive permits in 6 to 10 weeks. Projects in coastal zones with environmental review requirements may take 4 to 6 months.
Client action in this phase: provide ownership documentation and sign where required. The architect manages the filing and tracks the permit.
Phase Six: Contractor Selection and Construction
With permits in hand, the bid package goes to vetted contractors. MÉTODO manages competitive bidding, reviews bids, and provides a recommendation. The client executes the construction contract.
Construction supervision in MÉTODO includes:
- Site visits at defined intervals (typically weekly or bi-weekly)
- Review of contractor submittals (shop drawings, material samples, product data)
- Response to requests for information from the contractor
- Photographic documentation after each site visit
- Written construction report to the client after each site visit
- Final inspection and punch list
Client action during construction: review construction reports, make any decisions that arise from field conditions not fully resolved in documents, and conduct milestone site visits at key phases.
Phase Seven: Completion and Occupancy
Project completion includes a final inspection by the architect, a punch list of incomplete or deficient items for the contractor to resolve, and delivery of as-built documentation. In Mexico, the building's completion may require a final municipal inspection for the occupancy permit (constancia de terminación de obra), depending on the municipality.
Total timeline for a custom residence of 300 to 500 square meters: 22 to 36 months from first consultation to occupancy is a realistic expectation for a well-run project. Projects with complex sites, difficult permitting zones, or custom material lead times extend toward the upper end of that range.
Próximos pasos
If you are planning a residential project in Mexico and want to understand how each phase would unfold for your specific site and program, the first conversation covers exactly that.
Learn how MÉTODO manages the full residential design and construction process — the sequence from site analysis to the key in the door.