Investigate the site before finalizing scope.
Gather the available survey, existing drawings, photographs, and a list of known issues. Record what is verified separately from what still needs investigation, so the design brief does not rely on an unchecked assumption.
Connect design choices to cost and sequence.
Review major choices alongside their effects on structure, building systems, procurement, and access. A selection can change several work packages, so scope and sequence should be revisited together.
Create a decision schedule the owner can use.
List each outstanding decision, its owner, the information needed, and the point at which it affects other work. Revisit this list with the project team as design develops.