JANUARY 2022

D E S I G N I N G 

F O O D 

FACILITIES

OPTIMIZING 

FORM AND 

FUNCTION
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C

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

UNDERSTANDING THE DESIGN PROCESS 3

BALANCING CREATIVITY AND PRACTICALITY 6
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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
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T

his series, Designing Food Facilities, shares the basics of USDA’s free 

architectural services (Wholesale Market and Facility Design) and the 

design process for new or renovated farmers markets, food hubs, 

community kitchens, or mixed-use facilities. 

This document outlines the phases of facility design for many types of 

food-related facilities. The phases outlined below create the foundation 

for a well-designed and successful project. The architect, in collaboration 

with project stakeholders, will explore the outcome possibilities, while 

considering the needs of the community, consumers, and vendors, along 

with site availability, infrastructure support, and project funding. 

Farmers markets are the simplest intersection between agriculture and 

architecture. The design of a farmers market is crucial to its success, but 

is often undervalued during planning. Markets are more likely to be 

successful when a facility combines the architectural elements of planning 

and design; the architectural principles of construction planning and 

budgeting; and the architectural components of spatial function, design, 

flow, and display. Essential factors in market design include location, 

size and type of structure, special purposes of the facility, aesthetics, 

accessibility, effective flow, and use of the market by consumers, 

vendors and others. Cost is equally important to these physical attributes 

and encompasses not just construction or renovation, but also longterm maintenance. Attention to detail in market design, building type, 

and construction cost early in the process will greatly contribute to a 

successful outcome.

A building has the potential to change the character of a community for 

generations (socially, economically, visually, etc.). Attention to market 

layout and architectural design will optimize the marketing process and 

create a sense of community pride and ownership. For example, the Santa 

Fe Farmers Market Institute transformed a railyard park into a market 

pavilion, outdoor educational area, and office space. The design also 

included areas for visitors to relax. Balancing creativity and practicality 

may result in a structure that is uniquely designed to communicate the 

history, traditions, and local architecture of the community. Facilities 

can display an aesthetic that complements local architecture, but still 

expresses its own interior and exterior design quality and identity.

The aesthetic of architecture has to be rooted in a 

broader idea about human activities like walking, 

relaxing, and communicating. Architecture thinks 

about how these activities can be given added value.

— Thom Mayne 

American Architect

"

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1 Diane Dorrans Saeks, The Style Saloniste, http://www.thestylesaloniste.com/2012/10/the-definitive-new-

-architecture-book.html (October 15, 2012).

"
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CHAPTER TWO

UNDERSTANDING 

THE DESIGN 

PROCESS
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T

he standard architectural design process consists of five phases: 

schematic design, design development, construction documents, 

bidding/award, and construction administration. Each phase builds 

on decisions made in previous phases to refine and develop the 

work. As it progresses, the process becomes increasingly detailed, 

eventually culminating in building completion and owner and/or tenant 

occupancy. Collaboration among all parties involved in the project is 

crucial for a smooth process. 

Engaging stakeholders is a key 

component to a successful 

design process. The American 

Institute of Architects offers 

a guide titled, Engaging 

Communities1, which explores 

how to create a successful 

process that is responsive to 

the needs of a community.

1 https://content.aia.org/sites/default/

files/2019-12/AIA_Guides_for_Equitable_

Practice_08_Community_Engagement.pdf.

1. Schematic Design (SD) is the first design phase. During this phase, the 

architect, stakeholders, and other vested parties discuss and determine 

project goals and requirements, as well as research any details 

(i.e. zoning requirements) that may impact the project. From these 

discussions, the architect develops general sketches or renderings, or 

parti diagrams, which show relevant and fundamental relationships 

between design components. The architect presents these design 

documents to the owner to clarify the spatial relationships, scale, 

form, and function of the design. The owner and architect discuss 

any changes in scope, design, and budget to ensure that all design 

expectations and requirements are met. The process will continue 

until a preliminary design is approved, which might mean one quick 

discussion for small projects or many lengthy discussions for larger 

complex projects. Following approval, the architect further develops the 

design with more detail and accuracy.

2. Design Development (DD) is the second design phase. Following 

approval of the schematic design, the architect further develops 

documents. Mechanical, structural, electrical, architectural, plumbing, 

and fire protection building systems may be discussed and included to 

ensure that all required elements fit within the approved design. If the 

requirements preliminary design does not meet these requirements, 

the team may need to meet again to discuss design alterations. 

Drawings during DD determine materials to be used, window and 

door placement, etc. They may also specify the site plan, floor plans, 

and exterior elevations. Additionally, drawings are typically used as the 

basis for construction drawings during the subsequent “construction 

documents” phase.

3. Construction Documents (CDs) is the third design phase. CDs compile 

drawings and specifications presented to contractors during the 

bidding process and for preliminary approval from the municipality 

for constructability and compliance with local codes and regulations. 

Drawings illustrate the details of the building (e.g. plans, elevations, 

sections, etc.) and become the instructions for project construction. 

Specifications provide written requirements for building materials and 

equipment, as well as for construction equipment to be used during 

construction. CDs allow the contractor to develop a final estimate of 

project costs and schedule. Necessary changes should be documented 

prior to requesting bids. 

Schematic Design

A representation of the elements 

of a system using abstract, 

graphic symbols rather than 

realistic pictures.
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4. Bidding and Award is the fourth phase. The bidding process typically 

requests bids from multiple contractors. In addition to the drawings and 

specifications in the CDs, contractors might receive industry-standard 

legally binding documents, such as the owner-contractor agreement, 

performance bond and payment bond, bid bond, and register of bid 

documents. Bidders then detail their projected timeframe and budget 

for the construction project. Owner-contractor negotiations regarding 

project cost and scope must occur prior to signing the construction 

contract. Once the owner selects a bidder and awards a contract, and 

construction may begin.

5. Construction Administration (CA) is the final phase: building! CA 

transforms the concept of the building into reality. The architect will 

assist the contractor in ensuring that the building is constructed to the 

details specified in the owner-approved CDs. To assure conformance 

to drawings, specifications, and standards, the architect visits the 

construction site, provides additional design details, and addresses 

problems. The owner may hire a construction management company 

responsible for ensuring timely and accurate completion of the project. 

Once the contractor notifies the architect that the structure is 

“substantially complete,” the architect will conduct a final review and 

inspection of the building. With this inspection, the architect and owner 

will create a “punch list” and provide it to the contractor to address. This 

document outlines repairs, corrections, or other modifications to any 

part of the new facility that do not conform to the specifications in the 

construction documents.

The construction contract may include “as-built” drawings, which the 

architect develops to incorporate all changes and alterations made during 

construction by the contractor or the architect and are then provided 

to the owner. As-built drawings detail (“red-line”) changes to either 

the original construction plans or to those of the renovated structure. 

They are valuable to facility management and for future renovations. 

The drawings provide vital details allowing for efficient space usage and 

furniture placement, as well as for the location of utilities throughout the 

structure, including water shut off valves, central electrical system, air 

conditioning, and duct work. 

Once construction is complete, the owner is ready to apply for a 

“certificate of occupancy” from the local governmental authority. This 

certificate allows the owner to occupy the newly constructed/renovated 

property.
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CHAPTER THREE

BALANCING 

CREATIVITY AND 

PRACTICALITY
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Design Charrette

A charrette or design charrette 

is an intense period of design or 

planning activity.

T

he new structure may become a distinctive addition to the 

community. Besides facilitating the availability of fresh and processed 

local foods, it may become a destination for community gatherings, 

learning, entertainment, and other social activities. A building will be 

a physical presence for generations and has the potential to affect the 

character, environment, and quality of life in a community. 

A building design may be unique and complement the regional and local 

design style. This is an opportunity to create a structure with distinctive 

qualities. Context, the local and regional building characteristics, as well 

as the vernacular style of architecture must be seriously considered. 

The sponsoring entity (i.e. state/local government) often determines 

design. A design charrette could also play an important role in the final 

design. The charrette is a focused and intensely purposeful meeting that 

typically consists of a team of architects, community stakeholders, and 

any others who may provide relevant feedback regarding building design. 

The goal is to quickly work through design criteria and meaningful design 

ideas.