AEC Checklist: 30 Essential Points for Flawless Submissions

Architectural Project Checklist: A 30-Item Pre-Submission Guide

In architecture, "submission day" is the ultimate test of months of labor and thousands of decisions. Even the most talented designers can overlook basic technical details due to fatigue. A forgotten axis or a clashing pipe isn't just a loss of prestige; it translates to irreversible costs on-site.

Quality architectural production relies on standardized processes, not individual memory. Here is a 30-item comprehensive checklist and a guide on how to transform it into a living Project Template on Alios.

Part 1: Architectural Project Checklist (30 Critical Items)

A. Sheet Layout & Standards (1–6)

1. Title Block Check: Are the project name, date, revision number, and scale up-to-date on every sheet?

2. Line Weights (CTB): Is the hierarchy between sections, elevations, and plans clearly legible in print?

3. North Arrow & Scale Bar: Are they present on every plan sheet?

4. Sheet Index: Does the entire set match the index perfectly?

5. Font Standards: Are fonts legible and compliant with office standards?

6. External References (Xrefs): Are all Xrefs updated and paths correctly defined?

B. Plans & Coordination (7–14)

1. Axes & Grid Modulation: Do axes align perfectly across all floors?

2. Room Schedule & Tags: Are room names, areas ($m^2$), and finish codes (floor/wall/ceiling) correct?

3. Door & Window Schedules: Are opening types coded and matched with the schedule?

4. Wet Area Details: Are floor drains, slopes, and fixture placements technically sound?

5. Vertical Circulation: Do stair step counts, riser heights, and railing details meet standards?

6. Dimensioning: Are both rough and fine dimensions (internal/external) complete?

7. Insulation Continuity: Is the continuity of thermal and water insulation shown on plans?

8. Interdisciplinary Coordination: Do structural columns and mechanical shafts align with architectural plans?

C. Sections & Elevations (15–22)

1. Floor Heights: Are slab thicknesses and suspended ceiling clearances accurate?

2. Material Hatching: Do hatches for cut materials comply with technical specifications?

3. Leveling (Spot Elevations): Are all floor and roof levels tied correctly to the $\pm0.00$ datum?

4. Elevation Aesthetics: Are material transitions, joints, and facade elements clearly indicated?

5. Roof Details: Are slopes, drains, parapet solutions, and insulation layers shown?

6. Expansion Joints: Are expansion joint transitions detailed in sections?

7. Surface Finishes: Are material descriptions (e.g., Composite panel, Natural stone) specified?

8. Site/Terrain Alignment: Do sections match existing and finished grade levels?

D. Details & Specifications (23–30)

1. System Sections: Do $1/20$ or $1/10$ scale details provide sufficient construction info?

2. Connection Details: Are critical joints like baseboards, drip edges, and sills resolved?

3. Ceiling & Lighting: Does the lighting layout clash with mechanical diffusers?

4. Fixed Furniture: Are kitchen, cabinet, and counter details ready at $1/20$ scale?

5. Technical Specifications: Do materials shown match the written spec items?

6. BOQ & Cost Summary: Are item codes and quantities updated to the last revision?

7. Fire Escape Plans: Are exit routes and equipment marked per fire regulations?

8. Health & Safety: Does the design include safety measures for maintenance (e.g., davit arms)?

Part 2: Standardizing Quality Control with Alios

Keeping this 30-item list on paper is insufficient for large-scale projects. Alios transforms this checklist into a "Project Operating System."

• Alios Template Library: Don't reinvent the wheel. Create a "Pre-Submission Checklist" template. When a new project starts, these nodes are automatically assigned to the relevant leads.

• Blocking Mechanisms: You can set a rule that a "Final Floor Plan" node cannot be marked Done until the associated checklist sub-nodes are approved.

• Visual Evidence: Users can upload screenshots (e.g., a Navisworks clash report) directly into the checklist node, turning a "tick box" into verifiable data.

Conclusion: Armor Your Submissions with Alios

Architectural excellence lies in the details, but when details reach the thousands, the human mind falters. This 30-item checklist is your pillar; Alios is the digital skeleton that keeps those pillars standing.