In the traditional design procedure, after the estimated cost is brought within the budget and the client has approved the contract documents, the architect helps the owner in obtaining bids from contractors or in negotiating a construction price with qualified contractor. For private work, construction not performed for a governmental agency, the owner generally awards the construction contract to a contractor, called a general contractor. Assigned the responsibity for construction of the building, this contractor may perform some, all, or none oh the work. Usually, much of the work is let out to specialists, called subcontractors. For public work, there may be a legal requirement that bids the taken and the contract have to be awarded for the major specialists, such as mechanical and electrical trades, and to a general contractor, who is assigned responsibility for coordinating the work of the trades and performance of the work.

Building design ahould provide for both normal and emergency conditions. The latter includes free, explosion, power cutoffs, hurricanes, and earthquakes. The design should include access and facilities for disabled persons.