How Architects Actually Figure Things Out Before the Building Even Exists
When people think about architecture, they usually picture polished blueprints, sleek 3D renders, or finished buildings. What they don’t see is the messy, creative thinking that happens long before any of that. The truth is, most architectural ideas start out rough, loose, and full of trial and error—and that’s exactly how they’re supposed to.
Before walls are drawn or measurements are locked in, architects focus on one big thing: how spaces should work together. And to figure that out, they rely on simple visual tools that help them think, not overthink.
Design Starts With Questions, Not Drawings
At the beginning of any project, architects aren’t worrying about materials or exact dimensions yet. Instead, they’re asking questions like:
● How will people move through this space?
● What areas need to feel open, and which ones should feel private?
● Which rooms should be close together—and which ones shouldn’t?
● How does this place need to function day to day?
Answering these questions is way easier when you can see the ideas laid out visually. That’s where early design sketches and diagrams come in.
Why Architects Love Simple Visual Tools
Architects think visually. It’s how ideas click. Instead of writing long explanations, they sketch things out—quickly and loosely. These early visuals aren’t meant to be perfect; they’re meant to explore possibilities.
Some common tools architects use early on include:
● Rough sketches to capture a feeling or layout idea
● Flow diagrams to show movement
● Adjacency studies to test which spaces belong together
● Bubble diagrams to organize functions
Bubble diagrams are especially popular because they’re fast, flexible, and don’t come with rules. You can change them, erase them, and redraw them without committing anything too soon.
What a Bubble Diagram Really Does
A bubble diagram is basically a bunch of circles representing spaces, arranged in a way that shows how they relate to each other. Bigger bubbles might mean more important spaces. Bubbles placed close together show strong connections. Lines can show movement or access.
There’s no pressure to make it “look right.” The goal is to make it make sense.
Architects use this method to test ideas before they become complicated. If you’re curious about how this works in real projects, there’s a great breakdown of the bubble diagram in architecture that explains why it’s such a useful part of the design process.
Why This Old-School Method Still Works
With all the fancy software available today, you might think tools like bubble diagrams would be outdated—but they’re not going anywhere. In fact, many architects still prefer starting with pen and paper.
Why? Because simple tools let ideas flow.
Bubble diagrams help architects:
● Think freely without worrying about details too early
● Spot layout problems before they turn into expensive mistakes
● Explain ideas clearly to clients and teammates
● Stay focused on function, not just looks
They’re especially helpful when working on bigger or more complex spaces, where relationships between areas really matter.
Turning Loose Ideas Into Real Spaces
Once the relationships are clear, those bubbles slowly turn into real rooms. Hallways start to form. Entrances make sense. Private and public areas fall into place.
By the time an architect starts working on floor plans, they’re not guessing anymore. The logic has already been tested visually, which makes the rest of the design process smoother and more intentional.
Students, Professionals, and the Same Simple Tool
Architecture students use bubble diagrams to learn how spaces work together. Professionals use them to solve real-world design challenges. Different levels, same purpose.
Whether it’s a house, an office, or a public building, bubble diagrams help keep things human-centered—focused on how people actually use space, not just how it looks on paper.
Final Thoughts
Great architecture doesn’t start with perfect drawings. It starts with messy ideas, honest questions, and simple visuals that help designers think clearly.
Bubble diagrams may look basic, but they play a huge role in shaping spaces that feel natural, functional, and comfortable. Sometimes, the simplest tools are the ones that make the biggest difference—and in architecture, that’s definitely the case.
Share in the comments below: Questions go here